I am looking a reference book, it was only one volume. I cannot
remember exactly the title, but it used to gather in a single volume
the most common and interesting reference queries asked by patrons in
the New York Public Library (I am not sure whether it really was the
NY Public Library or other famous Library). It was not a big volume,
and I think it was illustrated. I recall the cover had a colorful
design. I think that it was aimed as a help for the reference
librarian, but it is also of interest for curious readers. Please
help!
Regards,
Tom

It appears the book you’re referring to is The New York Public Library
Desk Reference by Paul Fargis.

Here is a description to verify that this is the correct book:

“With more than 1 million copies sold, the ultimate source for the
most frequently sought information is back -- in a completely updated
fourth edition.”

(..)

“The most reliable, useful, and entertaining information is once again
just a page-turn away in the fourth edition of The New York Public
Library Desk Reference. This timeless resource originates from one of
the world's great storehouses of knowledge. With collections totaling
over 50 million items, The New York Public Library's vast collections
continue to expand at a rate of approximately 10,000 items per week.
Fully updated with more than 1,000 pages, The New York Public Library
Desk Reference is packed with answers to the most frequently asked
questions, as well as easy-to-read charts, graphs, and tables,
insightful sidebars, full-color maps, and illustrations, plus
cross-references and web addresses to aid more in-depth research. From
the serious to the trivial, the most frequently sought information
from more than 50 reference books is readily at hand in this one
comprehensive and accessible guide.”


“ISBN: 0786868465 Manufactured: Hyperion Books Publisher: Hyperion
Books Subject: General Subject: Encyclopedias Subject: Encyclopedias
and dictionaries Edition Number: 4 Series: New York Public Library
Desk Reference Publication Date: November 2002 Binding: Hardcover
Language: English Illustrations: Y Pages: 999 Dimensions:
9.58x7.66x2.29 in. 4.00 lbs.”

Source:Powells
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=7-0786868465-0


You can view sample pages here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0786868465/ref=lib_rd_ss/002-7146665-7011255?v=glance&s=books&vi=slide-show#reader-link


You may purchase a copy of this book at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786868465/qid=1050526868/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/002-7146665-7011255


Search Criteria:
New York Library Reference


If by any chance this is not the book you’re looking for, please let
me know *BEFORE* rating my answer and I will resume my search.


Best Regards,
Bobbie7-ga

Thank you!
It seems to be the book I was looking for.
Regards,
Tom