1. Roses are red, violets are blue,

    Happy Valentine’s Day to each one of you!

    Enjoy these Valentine’s tokens from many years ago,

    They’ll surely go nicely with emails and texts received from your beau!

    If you like these historic Valentine’s Day cards, it’s not too late to send one to your friends and family! Share an NYPL Valentine eCard today.

    (More Valentine’s greeting cards can be found in NYPL’s Digital Gallery.)

  2. In 1909, Frank from Lansing, Michigan received this Valentine’s Day postcard with the following question: “Are you still on the fence, Frank?”  Sadly, we will never know the answer, but oh! The possibilities! (The number of valentine’s day cards in the picture collection is also full of possibilities.. and fun! Rifle through it online, it’s the perfect treat for today’s lovely holiday)

    In 1909, Frank from Lansing, Michigan received this Valentine’s Day postcard with the following question: “Are you still on the fence, Frank?” 

    Sadly, we will never know the answer, but oh! The possibilities! (The number of valentine’s day cards in the picture collection is also full of possibilities.. and fun! Rifle through it online, it’s the perfect treat for today’s lovely holiday)

  3. Have you heard? Valentine’s Day is also Generosity Day! Why not show love to the whole world? You could make a donation, send valentines to your local senior center, or volunteer in your community. If you’d like to inspire others, you can even share your generous act, or one that you witnessed, online at Causes.com. 

  4. Did you know... We have e.e. cumming's valentines to his wife, Marion? →

  5. Here’s a simple way to show you love your Library this Valentine’s Day… reblog our love-infused logo!

    Here’s a simple way to show you love your Library this Valentine’s Day… reblog our love-infused logo!

  6. Still don’t have a Valentine’s Day gift? Time is running out! But NYPL is here to help you. How about a beautiful heart pendant that says, “You Are The Key To My Heart”? It’s designed by Kathy Bransfield and we think it’s pretty darn nice. So swing by our shop in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street or order it online (OK, it’ll be a little late, but you can always print out a photo and put it in a card).

    Still don’t have a Valentine’s Day gift? Time is running out! But NYPL is here to help you. How about a beautiful heart pendant that says, “You Are The Key To My Heart”? It’s designed by Kathy Bransfield and we think it’s pretty darn nice. So swing by our shop in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street or order it online (OK, it’ll be a little late, but you can always print out a photo and put it in a card).

  7. This is an amazing photo of Whelan’s Drug Store (which used to be on 44th Street and Eighth Avenue in NYC) on Feb. 7, 1936. Check out the Valentine’s Day display on the right. Neat, huh? The image was captured by famous photographer Berenice Abbott as part of the Federal Art Project. The photo currently lives in our Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs. 

    This is an amazing photo of Whelan’s Drug Store (which used to be on 44th Street and Eighth Avenue in NYC) on Feb. 7, 1936. Check out the Valentine’s Day display on the right. Neat, huh? The image was captured by famous photographer Berenice Abbott as part of the Federal Art Project. The photo currently lives in our Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs. 

  8. Happy Valentine’s Day! This very cute card designed by artist Elizabeth Curtis was originally published in 1903 and is now in our Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection. Want to see more old fashioned Valentine’s Day cards? We have plenty in our Digital Gallery.

    Happy Valentine’s Day! This very cute card designed by artist Elizabeth Curtis was originally published in 1903 and is now in our Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection. Want to see more old fashioned Valentine’s Day cards? We have plenty in our Digital Gallery.

  9. “Dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria!” Yes, love and harmony are in the air for Caturday. In honor of rapidly approaching Valentine’s Day, here’s an image of an adorable kitten who seemingly hearts a cute dog. And the feeling is clearly mutual. Everyone now … “Awwww.” This drawing was originally printed in The Illustrated London News in 1867 and is now in our Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection. And it gave us an excuse to quote the movie “Ghostbusters,” which was filmed at our landmark building! What a great Caturday!

    “Dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria!” Yes, love and harmony are in the air for Caturday. In honor of rapidly approaching Valentine’s Day, here’s an image of an adorable kitten who seemingly hearts a cute dog. And the feeling is clearly mutual. Everyone now … “Awwww.” This drawing was originally printed in The Illustrated London News in 1867 and is now in our Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection. And it gave us an excuse to quote the movie “Ghostbusters,” which was filmed at our landmark building! What a great Caturday!

  10. Gettin’ Crafty with Martha Stewart!

    Our librarian Jessica Pigza has turned her passion for poking around the library’s special collections and also for handmade goodies into Handmade Crafternoon, a monthly crafting party at NYPL co-hosted by Maura Madden. 

    Of course, it figures their legion of fans include grande dame Martha Stewart! Handmade Crafternoon is featured in the February issue of Martha Stewart Living (also check out this great video they made) and is on today’s show! Be sure to tune in.

    We’re also totally psyched to have Martha Stewart Living Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Holden and Senior Associate Craft Editor Athena Preston join us this Saturday for a Valentines-making party. Stop by to get some hearty tips from the pros.

    Vintage-Inspired Valentines with Martha Stewart Living!
    Saturday, February 5
    2-4pm
    NYPL’s Schwarzman Building (42nd Street & 5th Avenue)
    Berger Forum, 2nd Floor

    Please note this is a *free* event & there is no advance registration. Seating will be first-come-first-served. Doors open at 1:45PM.