We're The New York Public Library and we're here to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
He takes pains with historical accuracy, writes beautifully constructed sentences…never settles for the carelessly selected phrase but almost unerringly gets the correct word for the situation…
—
Annie Proulx, Financial Times review of Hari Kunzru’s Gods Without Men.
RSVP for next Wednesday’s event, where Hari Kunzru will discuss his latest book with National Book Critics Circle Award nominee Teju Cole!
Brain Pickings says “Typography Sketchbooks is like a visual window into the minds of the worlds most exciting type designers…” We couldn’t agree more, which is why you simply MUST join us Wednesday night when Steven Heller and Lita Tallarico visit the NYPL to discuss the heart of all visual communication.
It’s December already (seriously, how did that happen). So for this week’s Caturday, we thought we’d share a holiday-ish item from our collections - the cover of a book from the 1880s called “The Three White Kittens” by the McLoughlin Brothers. So happy Caturday!! Speaking of the holidays, NYPL is holding its annual “Holiday Open House” tomorrow for Friends of the Library complete with music, face painting, refreshments, tours of the stacks (first come, first served), etc. If you’re a Friend, come by the flagship Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street at 1 pm. If you’re not, come by anyway, sign up to become a Friend and party! Hope to see you there!
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!
Former NYPL Cullman Center fellow and Shakespeare expert James Shapiro shares his thoughts - via the New York Times - on “Anonymous,” a film that asserts Edward de Vere was the true author of Shakespeare’s plays. Join us November 16, when he and Alphabetter Juice author Roy Blount Jr. discuss the topic of language.
What greater gift than the love of a cat?
— Good question, Charles Dickens. Good question. Want to see some rare items belonging to him? Come to NYPL’s free exhibit “Celebrating 100 Years” at our 42nd Street building (the one, appropriately, with the big cats outside). We have over 200 items from people like Malcolm X, Emily Bronte, Bob Dylan, and more. Looking for something else to do? The Anthology Film Archives is playing a bunch of cat videos today in NY. Happy Caturday!
The 2011 National Book Award finalists have been announced, and we’re proud to shout a hearty congratulations to 2008-2009 Cullman Center Fellows Deborah Baker, author of THE CONVERT, and Lauren Redniss, creator of RADIOACTIVE, for their nominations in the non-fiction category. Both artists researched their books while at the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers, and we’re thrilled to share such wonderful news with everyone.
Even better news for all… Deborah Baker will be visiting the Library next Tuesday (10/18) to discuss her award-nominated book THE CONVERT with journalist Elizabeth Rubin. It’s a can’t-don’t-won’t miss event!
To write something, you have to risk making a fool of yourself.
— Best-selling author Anne Rice, whose birthday is today. Check out one of her books from NYPL, or heed her advice, take a risk and give writing a try yourself - NYPL has many writing workshops (including one for kids on Oct. 13 at our Mulberry Street Library). Always check our website for upcoming programs!
The most sophisticated people I know - inside they are all children.
— Jim Henson, who would have been 75 today. NYPL has plenty of books about and by the puppet master that we urge you to check out. We also have puppet-making classes for kids who want to be the NEXT Jim Henson. Our next one is at The Bronx Library Center on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 4 to 5. This message was brought to you by the letters NYPL.
