Library Lawn Brings a Peaceful Outdoor Reading Room to Governors Island (PHOTOS)

Getting lost in a book under a shady tree is one of the best ways to indulge in summer, especially when there's a whole stack of titles to choose from right next to you! That's exactly the experience that <a href="http://www.queenslibrary.org/">Queens Library</a>, <a href="http://www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/">Brooklyn Public Library</a>, <a href="http://www.nypl.org/">New York Public Library</a>, and <a href="http://www.theuniproject.org/">The Uni Project</a> have brought to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/index.php?s=governors+island">Governors Island</a> with an idyllic outdoor reading room called Library Lawn. The peaceful pop-up will offer up free book rentals (no library card necessary), fun family activities and a fantastic view of Lower Manhattan all summer long.

"There's really nothing better on a warm summer day than to sit in the sun and cozy up with a book," said Tony Marx, President & CEO of <a href="http://www.nypl.org/">New York Public Library</a>.

"This new open-air Library Lawn will give the public the opportunity to do just that, as well as participate in educational activities, sign up for library cards, and learn about library programs, all on beautiful Governor's Island. We are very excited to join our fellow city Library systems in spreading a love of reading, learning, and libraries to the great outdoors this summer."

<a href="http://www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/media/press/%E2%80%9Clibrary-lawn%E2%80%9D-new-open-air-library-governor%E2%80%99s-island-launch-saturday-june-1">Library Lawn</a> launched on June 1, 2013 and will be open every weekend from 12-5PM throughout the summer.

In addition to the outdoor reading room offering free books to borrow (as long as they are returned later), the space will host entertainment and educational programs.

Visitors will also be able to register for library cards and learn more about the Brooklyn, Queens and New York public libraries. Families will also be able to enjoy special programs like magic shows, folktale readings and musical events every Saturday at 1PM. You can find Library Lawn on the northern side of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/index.php?s=governors+island">Governors Island </a>near Castle Williams.

And don't forget to visit Benjamin Jones' colorful treehouse on the other side of the island after you're done reading.