1. Take a look at the Library’s locks - within our extensive collections, we have locks of hair from literary giants, including Charlotte Bronte and Mary Shelley (pictured). Shelley’s hair is in our new exhibit at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (opening Saturday - come see it) but we have many other examples in our collections. Apparently, it was common back in the day for folks to send each other their hair. Our friends at Flavorwire wrote all about it.

    Take a look at the Library’s locks - within our extensive collections, we have locks of hair from literary giants, including Charlotte Bronte and Mary Shelley (pictured). Shelley’s hair is in our new exhibit at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (opening Saturday - come see it) but we have many other examples in our collections. Apparently, it was common back in the day for folks to send each other their hair. Our friends at Flavorwire wrote all about it.

  2. This is definitely the most bizarre Caturday yet. Legendary writer Charles Dickens was a big, big lover of cats. In fact, he once said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted” and “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” He loved his own cat - Bob - so much, that when the little guy died, Dickens wanted to keep a piece of him, specifically at his desk, where Bob used to sit and inspire him. So, of course, he took one of Bob’s paws, had it stuffed and slapped it on a letter opener. Of course. The paw letter opener is in our Berg Collection, and is one of the items Jane McGonigal is using in “Find The Future: The Game,” which she created in honor of the 100th birthday of our 42nd Street building. Want a chance to play all night at the Library on March 20? Register now to put your name in the running!

    This is definitely the most bizarre Caturday yet. Legendary writer Charles Dickens was a big, big lover of cats. In fact, he once said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted” and “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” He loved his own cat - Bob - so much, that when the little guy died, Dickens wanted to keep a piece of him, specifically at his desk, where Bob used to sit and inspire him. So, of course, he took one of Bob’s paws, had it stuffed and slapped it on a letter opener. Of course. The paw letter opener is in our Berg Collection, and is one of the items Jane McGonigal is using in “Find The Future: The Game,” which she created in honor of the 100th birthday of our 42nd Street building. Want a chance to play all night at the Library on March 20? Register now to put your name in the running!