NYPL

NYC public libraries say $36.2M budget cut will impact service, free programs

Image courtesy of the New York Public Library

March 21, 2023

NYC public libraries say $36.2M budget cut will impact service, free programs

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New York City's three public library systems are protesting Mayor Eric Adams' planned $36.2 million budget cuts in the FY24 budget. Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson, Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott, and New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx testified in front of the City Council on Monday, warning the proposed budget cut could lead to reduced hours of service and fewer free programs, classes, and other opportunities thousands of New Yorkers depend on.
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NYPL acquires archive of Joan Didion’s papers including personal photos, letters, and more

Joan Didion, undated.

January 27, 2023

NYPL acquires archive of Joan Didion’s papers including personal photos, letters, and more

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The New York Public Library (NYPL) has acquired an extensive collection of papers and personal items belonging to writer Joan Didion and her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne. The archive of writings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera provides a rich portrait of the celebrated couples' life and work.
Find out more about the collection
Snøhetta-designed Bronx library features a green glass facade inspired by trees

The Library’s fritted glass facade is wrapped in a graphic print inspired by the verdant tree canopies of The Bronx. Credit: © Snøhetta & LMNB

December 29, 2022

Snøhetta-designed Bronx library features a green glass facade inspired by trees

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World-renowned architecture firm Snøhetta last week unveiled its design for a new library in the Bronx. The 12,000-square-foot Westchester Square Library, which will sit next to the historic Huntington Free Library on Glebe Avenue, will feature a striking green glass facade with abstract views of the neighborhood's trees, a way to pay homage to the Bronx's status as the city's "greenest borough," according to the firm. The library is being developed with the city's Department of Design and Construction and the New York Public Library.
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Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2022

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

December 19, 2022

Here are the library books New Yorkers borrowed the most in 2022

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New York City's three public library systems released their annual lists for their most checked-out titles of 2022. At the New York Public Library, the most borrowed book of the year was Matt Haig's The Midnight Library: A Novel. In Brooklyn, the top checkout was Laura Dave's The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel, and in Queens, The Paris Apartment: A Novel by Lucy Foley.
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These are the best books of 2022, according to the NYPL

Photo © 6sqft

November 28, 2022

These are the best books of 2022, according to the NYPL

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The New York Public Library last week released its annual list of the best books of the year. The recommendations were selected by expert librarians and staff who reviewed nearly 3,000 books and ultimately selected 260 of the best titles for kids, teens, and adults in 2022. Whether you want to buy a book as a gift for the holidays or are just interested in reading one yourself, NYPL's Best Books of 2022 list has something for every type of reader.
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15 ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in NYC

Photo of the National Museum of the American Indian courtesy of Wikimedia; Photo of AMNH’s Northwest Coast Hall  courses of D. Finnin/AMNH

November 1, 2022

15 ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in NYC

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In November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month as a way to commemorate the cultures, histories, and traditions of indigenous peoples across the country. Although New York became the first state to recognize "American Indian Day" in 1916, it's important to remember that the forceful removal of Native people from their homes is inextricably linked to the history of New York City and the surrounding area. Ahead, find ways to honor Native American Heritage Month, from events at the National Museum of the American Indian to nature-inspired tours through city parks.
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NYPL and Marvel team up to release special Spider-Man library card

© 2022 MARVEL

October 4, 2022

NYPL and Marvel team up to release special Spider-Man library card

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The New York Public Library and Marvel Entertainment are releasing a limited-edition Spider-Man library card this month. Debuting just in time for New York Comic Con this week, the card will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis at NYPL branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island starting October 11. The collaboration marks the 60th anniversary of Spider-Man's first comic book appearance in the 15th edition of Amazing Fantasy. 
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New York commits $8M to renovate Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Image of the Schomburg Center via Wiki Commons

August 18, 2022

New York commits $8M to renovate Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

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Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced the state will commit $8 million for upgrades to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. The investment will go toward the refurbishment of the building's facade, replacement of the roof and windows, and the installation of much-needed safety and energy-efficient features. The state's announcement comes during Harlem Week, a weeklong celebration of the neighborhood's history and culture.
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Citywide scavenger hunt tests your knowledge of NYC’s public libraries

The Adams Street Library in Dumbo; Photo Credit: Gregg Richards

July 22, 2022

Citywide scavenger hunt tests your knowledge of NYC’s public libraries

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Think you know the library? Prove it during a citywide scavenger hunt next month. Hosted by Open House New York, "Library Love: Five Borough Scavenger Hunt" is a challenging "urban adventure" that will have participants racing across the city, deciphering clues, and deepening their knowledge about the city's public libraries. If you have a library card, it's free to compete.
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NYPL’s historic Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village reopens after $10M overhaul

All images courtesy of The New York Public Library

July 15, 2022

NYPL’s historic Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village reopens after $10M overhaul

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The New York Public Library on Thursday reopened its Jefferson Market branch in Greenwich Village following a three-year renovation of the historic building. The $10 million project included installing much-needed accessibility features, renovating public and staff spaces, reconstructing ADA-compliant bathrooms, and improving electronic services for the communities tech needs.
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NYPL is giving away 500,000 free books to New York kids and teens this summer

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

June 13, 2022

NYPL is giving away 500,000 free books to New York kids and teens this summer

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The New York Public Library will give away half a million brand new books to families, part of a series of programs aimed at keeping kids and teens engaged while school is out for the summer. The free books are available at all branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, as well as during select outdoor programs. In addition to distributing 500,000 free books, NYPL's "Summer at the Library" program includes outdoor pop-up storytime, writing and reading challenges, and hundreds of free programs for readers of all ages.
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New York City’s first net-zero energy library opens on Staten Island

All images courtesy of The New York Public Library

March 17, 2022

New York City’s first net-zero energy library opens on Staten Island

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The New York Public Library on Wednesday opened its 14th branch on Staten Island and the first net-zero energy library in New York City. Located in the Bricktown Commons shopping center on the South Shore in Charleston, the $17 million, 10,000-square-foot building was designed by Ikon 5 Architects to be energy efficient, with solar panels providing nearly 100 percent of the energy the building will use. Managed by the city's Economic Development Corporation with the Gilbane Building Company, the new branch offers patrons a variety of amenities, including dedicated spaces for adults, teens, and children and flexible multi-purpose rooms for programs and classes.
See more here
How to celebrate Black History Month 2022 in New York City

“Renaming Project” Exhibition, Photo Credit: Daniel Avila / NYC Parks

February 7, 2022

How to celebrate Black History Month 2022 in New York City

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In the United States, February is a month dedicated to the celebration of African American history and culture. Ahead find a variety of events to commemorate Black History Month in New York City, ranging from community service and walking tours to jazz concerts and live performances.
Full list ahead
These are the library books New Yorkers checked out the most in 2021

Images courtesy of NYPL

December 21, 2021

These are the library books New Yorkers checked out the most in 2021

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In another year dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, New Yorkers looked to the public library system for solace. New York City’s public libraries on Tuesday released their annual list of the most checked-out books of 2021. At the New York Public Library, which includes branches in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, the most borrowed book for the second year in a row was Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half. In Brooklyn, Bennett’s novel also took the top spot. In Queens, the most borrowed book was The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.
Full list ahead
New York Public Library honors Stephen Sondheim with new tribute display

Photograph of Sondheim at the piano by Friedman-Abeles (Firm) Courtesy of the New York Public Library Digital Collections.

December 3, 2021

New York Public Library honors Stephen Sondheim with new tribute display

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The New York Public Library has opened a new exhibit honoring the legacy of the late Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim, considered one of the best musical theater composers of our time. Sondheim, the mastermind behind works in West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and many others, died last week at age 91. Free and open to the public until early next year, the display features letters and other objects related to Sondheim found in the archives of the Library of the Performing Arts.
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Here are the best books of 2021, according to the NYPL

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

November 23, 2021

Here are the best books of 2021, according to the NYPL

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The New York Public Library on Tuesday released its annual list of the best books of the year, a tradition that started nearly 100 years ago. This year, committees of expert librarians selected nearly 300 titles across categories for kids, teens, and adults. From fiction to fantasy to graphic novels and poetry, the Best Books of 2021 list has something for every reader in your life.
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New York Public Library’s iconic marble lions show off oversized bandages to encourage vaccination

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

November 8, 2021

New York Public Library’s iconic marble lions show off oversized bandages to encourage vaccination

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The marble lions that have guarded the New York Public Library's mane branch for 110 years are now wearing oversized red bandages. The library last week announced Patience and Fortitude received their Covid-19 vaccine, with newly applied 14-by 4.6-inch bandaids as proof. The library hopes the lions' new look encourages more New Yorkers to get vaccinated.
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Late fees canceled at all of NYC’s public libraries

Brooklyn Public Library’s recently renovated Central Branch. Photo by Gregg Richards

October 5, 2021

Late fees canceled at all of NYC’s public libraries

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All of New York City's public libraries have permanently eliminated late fees and will not charge for overdue books and other materials starting Tuesday. This shift in policy, which was first established at the start of the coronavirus pandemic last March, aims to create a more equitable and open system for communities in need, according to an announcement by library officials. Combined, the city's three library systems, made up of over 200 branches, are now the largest municipality in the country to eliminate fees.
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7 historic treasures to check out at the new NYPL exhibit

Photo: Max Touhey/ NYPL

September 29, 2021

7 historic treasures to check out at the new NYPL exhibit

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More than 250 historic items and artifacts, many of which the public has never seen before, are now on display in New York City. The Polonsky Exhibition of the New York Public Library's Treasures opened at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building last week, showing off just some of the institution's incredible collection of objects, images, letters, manuscripts, and more that spans 4,000 years in history. From a draft copy of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson to the stuffed bear that inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, the library's first permanent exhibition allows the public to connect intimately with history at no cost.
More here
Original copy of the Bill of Rights, lock of Beethoven’s hair on display at new NYPL treasures exhibit

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

August 23, 2021

Original copy of the Bill of Rights, lock of Beethoven’s hair on display at new NYPL treasures exhibit

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The New York Public Library's much-anticipated permanent exhibition of rotating rare objects and artifacts finally opens to the public next month. First announced in 2018, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures features 250 unique, historic items from the library's incredible holdings, which includes more than 45 million objects in its research collections. Highlights include Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Dickens' writing desk, a letter written by James Baldwin to Angela Davis, the 1811 Comissioners' Map and Survey of Manhattan Island, and much more.
More details here
100 books with transgender, nonbinary, & gender nonconforming voices to read this Pride Month

Courtesy of the New York Public Library

June 17, 2021

100 books with transgender, nonbinary, & gender nonconforming voices to read this Pride Month

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The New York Public Library this month has released a new list of reading recommendations to commemorate Pride. Curated by expert librarians across the system, the book list includes 100 titles for adults, children, and teens that highlight transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming voices. The new recommendations join the NYPL's previous recommended LGBTQ reads, which vary in genre, from memoirs to manga.
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After $200M overhaul, NYPL’s central circulating library opens in Midtown with public rooftop terrace

Photo © John Bartelstone courtesy of Mecanoo, Beyer Blinder Belle, New York Public Library

June 4, 2021

After $200M overhaul, NYPL’s central circulating library opens in Midtown with public rooftop terrace

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The New York Public Library this week opened a new central circulating library in Midtown following a major $200 million renovation project. Located at 455 Fifth Avenue, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) was built within the shell and steel frame of the existing building formerly known as the Mid-Manhattan Library. Designed by Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo in collaboration with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, the new 180,000 square foot library boasts a dramatic light-filled atrium and an incredible rooftop terrace, which is now the only free and publicly accessible rooftop in Midtown.
Details here
NYPL celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors

Collage of adult reading recommendations; Courtesy of the NYPL

April 30, 2021

NYPL celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors

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To mark Asian American Pacific Islander Month in May, the New York Public Library this week released a recommended reading list featuring books written by AAPI authors. The curated list includes books for adults, young adults, and children that "celebrate and foster a better understanding of the AAPI experience," according to the library.
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These are the books New Yorkers borrowed the most from the library in 2020

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

December 21, 2020

These are the books New Yorkers borrowed the most from the library in 2020

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During an unusually tough year full of challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic, an election, and racial justice issues, New Yorkers relied on books to not only stay informed but to find comfort. The city's three public library systems on Monday released their top checkouts of 2020 lists. At the New York Public Library, which includes branches in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, the most borrowed book of the year was Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half. In Brooklyn, the top checkout was How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and in Queens, The Guardians by John Grisham.
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NYPL celebrates the five boroughs with list of 125 books about NYC

Photo courtesy of NYPL

December 3, 2020

NYPL celebrates the five boroughs with list of 125 books about NYC

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As it wraps up its 125th anniversary year, the New York Public Library is paying tribute to the city it has called home for over a century. On Thursday, the library released "125 NYC Books We Love," a list of titles recommended for adults, kids, and teens that celebrate the five boroughs. The book list is part of the library's "Roar for NYC" campaign, which aims to lift up New Yorkers during a challenging time and remind us of the city's resiliency.
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