1. The Library’s Fort Washington Branch got an unexpected delivery this week — a book that was last checked out 55 years ago. The extremely overdue book — The Fire of Francis Xavier by Rev. Arthur R. McGratty — was checked out on April 10, 1958 and returned Monday by mail in a plain brown envelope. There was no note, but there WAS a generous donation of $100 from those who sent it back. So big thanks to them - the Library greatly appreciates the support! If you want to read more about this, check out just a few recent accounts by DNA Info, NY Daily News, WCBS, and WNBC.

  2. Happy 111th birthday to the legendary American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes. At The New York Public Library you can find ample Langston Hughes information, including photos (the one featured here is from our Manuscripts and Archives Division), papers , books, and films. Of course, you can also go over to the NYPL’s great Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and visit the Langston Hughes Auditorium.

    Happy 111th birthday to the legendary American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes. At The New York Public Library you can find ample Langston Hughes information, including photos (the one featured here is from our Manuscripts and Archives Division), papers , books, and films. Of course, you can also go over to the NYPL’s great Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and visit the Langston Hughes Auditorium.

  3. Join us next week for an evening of conversation with Vanity Fair’s legendary Editor-in-Chief, Graydon Carter and iconic society photographer Jonathan Becker, celebrating of Becker’s 30 years at the magazine. Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2013Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm See you there!

    Join us next week for an evening of conversation with Vanity Fair’s legendary Editor-in-Chief, Graydon Carter and iconic society photographer Jonathan Becker, celebrating of Becker’s 30 years at the magazine.

    Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2013
    Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

    See you there!

  4. Just a reminder to all you Bob Dylan fans that tonight at 6pm at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is a free program in which the music of Bob Dylan is performed by Dylan interpreter Howard Fishman and his band. This program is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s debut album. 

    Just a reminder to all you Bob Dylan fans that tonight at 6pm at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is a free program in which the music of Bob Dylan is performed by Dylan interpreter Howard Fishman and his band. This program is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s debut album. 

  5. It’s Flashback Friday… and it feels fine

    REM may have called it quits this time last year, but for today’s flashback friday we’re taking a fond look back at their three decades in the music business. If you’re an REM fan, listen to this e-version of the collector’s edition of their album And I Feel Fine…..The Best of the IRS Years 82-87. It’s not the end of the world; it’s just the beginning! See what else is here for your ears at NYPL.

  6. We’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. But, you should join us tomorrow at 6pm when Helen Jennings, the author of New African Fashion, will be joined by members of Africa’s fashion industry to discuss the past, present and future of the continent’s style.

  7. To Be Seen AND Heard

    Mid-Manhattan Library presents Storylights, an exhibition featuring the work of artist Katherine Jackson,  celebrating the centennial of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The new work includes large scale abstract images - edge-lit or back lit etched glass sculptures - inspired by architectural elements of the iconic branch.

    Tonight there will be a public reception from 6-9pm in Mid-Manhattan Library’s first-floor reading room, featuring a free solo performance by renowned jazz guitarist Paul Meyers. Let your eyes and ears be inspired!


  8. Are You Experienced?

    Actually, the question we want to know is: Where will you be tomorrow night at 6pm? We think you should be at the Library where New York Times art critic Ken Johnson, author of Are You Experienced?: How Psychedelic Consciousness Transformed Modern Art, will discuss the book’s thought-provoking look at art through the lens of psychedelic experience and culture with artists Deborah Kass (of the image above) and Chris Martin. 

    Intrigued? See you tomorrow night!

  9. Landmark 42nd Street Building Closed Today

    The Library’s landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue is closed today for a special event. Sorry everyone! But the rest of our locations are open, including our Mid-Manhattan Library right across the street on 40th and Fifth. Thanks for understanding, everyone! We’ll be back open tomorrow!

  10. We ♥ fashion! Yesterday, we were joined by award-winning designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte and acclaimed photographer Catherine Opie to discuss their latest collaboration - a monograph of exquisite design, featuring the designs of Rodarte, the portraiture of Catherine Opie, and the landscapes of Alec Soth. 

    Simply Stunning!

    framenoir:

    Behind the Scenes: Kate Mulleavy and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte and Catherine Opie Book Talk/Signing at the New York Public Library