NYC Destinations for High School Writing Students
New York City is an inspiring destination for high school writing students due to its rich literary history, diverse cultural influences and dynamic creative energy. The city is home to iconic bookstores like The Strand and The Mysterious Bookshop, world-class libraries like the New York Public Library and events like the Brooklyn Book Festival — all offering opportunities for young writers to immerse themselves in the literary world.
NYC also hosts workshops, author readings and tours of literary landmarks, allowing writing students to engage directly with the craft. From the artistic inspiration found in Central Park to the vibrant stories unfolding in every neighborhood, the city provides a unique backdrop for aspiring writers to explore their creativity and broaden their perspectives.
Poet’s House
Poets House contains one of the largest poetry collections in the country. Nestled in Battery Park City, this nonprofit organization offers a quiet space where visitors can explore a vast collection of over 70,000 volumes of poetry, as well as literary journals and recordings. Its open and inviting atmosphere welcomes poets, scholars, and casual readers alike to read, write or simply contemplate the art of poetry. Along with its extensive library, the Poet’s House hosts poetry workshops, readings and community events that connect poets of all backgrounds.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the world’s largest and most iconic public library systems. Founded in 1895, it boasts a network of 92 branches across the city’s boroughs, offering free access to a vast collection of over 55 million items, including books, manuscripts, films and rare historical documents.
Its main branch, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue, is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece featuring grand architecture and stone lions, Patience and Fortitude, guarding its entrance. The NYPL serves not only as a place for reading and research but also as a community hub, offering programs, exhibitions, and educational services to people of all ages. With a mission to inspire lifelong learning and ensure access to information for everyone, the NYPL remains a vital influence on the intellectual and cultural life of the city.
Strand Bookstore
Strand Bookstore is a must-see for high school writing students. This New York City landmark is renowned for its vast collection of new, used and rare books, famously advertising “18 miles of books.” Founded in 1927, the Strand is one of the last remaining bookstores from the original “Book Row” that once stretched along Fourth Avenue. Its towering shelves and eclectic selection attract bibliophiles from all over the world, offering everything from literary classics to obscure finds. In addition to its immense inventory, the Strand hosts author events, book clubs and workshops.
The Drama Book Shop
Young writers and theatre enthusiasts alike will adore the Drama Book Shop’s collection of scripts, scores and biographical material of some of the most renowned actors from the stage and screen.
Offering an extensive collection of plays, scripts, and books on acting, theater history and performance, this Theater District institution has served generations of actors, playwrights and theater enthusiasts since 1917.
After a brief closure, it was revitalized in 2020 with the support of Lin-Manuel Miranda and other Broadway figures, reopening in a beautifully designed space that includes a café and an intimate stage for readings and events. With its deep-rooted connection to New York’s theatrical heritage, the Drama Book Shop remains a cherished gathering place for creatives and a key resource for all things theater.
Morgan Library and Museum
The Morgan Library & Museum blends rare books, manuscripts and fine art with breathtaking architecture. The museum’s collections include medieval manuscripts, first editions, literary drafts from authors like Dickens and Austen and original musical scores by great composers.
Alongside these treasures, the Morgan’s breathtaking interior is a work of art in itself. Intricately detailed Italian Renaissance architecture crowns floor-to-vaulted-ceiling shelves of books. In recent years, the addition of modern exhibition spaces and galleries has made it a dynamic center for rotating exhibitions, cultural events and educational programs.
NBC Studios Tour
For students interested in production writing, NBC Studios Tour in New York City offers a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of television production. Located in the iconic Rockefeller Center, the tour provides access to the studios where some of NBC’s most famous shows, like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, are filmed.
Students can learn about the history of broadcasting, explore the technology used in modern TV production and even try their hand at creating their own mock news segment. This hands-on experience is particularly valuable for students interested in media, journalism or entertainment, as it combines fun with practical insights into careers in television.
Brooklyn Book Festival
Brooklyn Book Festival is a free event that draws thousands of literary enthusiasts every year. The festival brings together a wide array of local, national and international authors across multiple genres.
The week-long event includes presentations, panel discussions, workshops, readings and book signings. The festival’s inclusive atmosphere, accessible programming and focus on literary innovation offer a platform for both well-known and underrepresented voices. For students and book lovers of all ages, it’s an enriching opportunity to connect with authors, discover new books and engage in lively conversations about literature and culture.
The Literary Walk in Central Park
The Literary Walk in Central Park celebrates some of the most influential authors in literature. Located at the southern end of the Mall, the wide, tree-lined promenade features statues of iconic writers and poets, including William Shakespeare, Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
The Mysterious Bookshop
The Mysterious Bookshop is the oldest bookstore dedicated exclusively to the genres of mystery, crime, and thriller fiction in the world. The shop offers an extensive collection of classic detective novels, contemporary thrillers, rare editions, and signed first editions from masters of the genre like Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Raymond Chandler.
In addition to its impressive inventory, The Mysterious Bookshop hosts author events, signings and readings. The store’s cozy, vintage atmosphere, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and leather chairs, invites visitors to explore the shadowy world of crime fiction and detective stories, making it a must-visit for mystery lovers and literary sleuths.
Other Educational Travel Opportunities
Looking for more destinations that offer hands-on historical experiences? Click here for other formative student history trip opportunities.
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