I hope this note finds you safe and well. The Library is now in week nine of our new normal. I hope you are staying strong, and that the Library’s wide array of remote services, tools, activities, and events are providing some comfort, information, and support during this unprecedented moment. 

As we move forward, I wanted to update you on two things: one, we have begun working with health and safety experts and our partners in government to create a roadmap for how and when we could reopen. We will do this carefully and thoughtfully, and will keep you informed of any developments. Two, and related, as we move forward cautiously and with public health as our top priority, we have decided to officially cancel or postpone all previously planned in-person Library events through June. It is an unfortunate but necessary step forward.

This situation is so filled with scary uncertainty, but we will get through it. It’s appropriate that today we are celebrating the birthday of our beloved lions Patience and Fortitude, who have stood guard outside the 42nd Street library for over a century as symbols of the resilience and strength of New Yorkers. With patience, with fortitude, we will get to the other side of this. 

Thank you, and stay safe. 

Tony

Anthony W. Marx
President, The New York Public Library

Celebrate Patience  & Fortitude

A Symbol to All New Yorkers

The iconic lions outside of our 42nd Street library have watched over New York City since they were set upon their pedestals in May 1911. For more than a century, they have stood witness to history, while remaining steadfast symbols of all that the Library stands for: strength and inspiration available to all. Named “Patience” and “Fortitude” by New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia in the 1930s, for the qualities that New Yorkers needed to get through the Great Depression, our lions are as important as ever for our city today. As we celebrate The New York Public Library’s 125th anniversary this year, check out all the ways you can join the festivities in honor of our beloved lions—from a historic slideshow to fun facts, free downloads, and more.

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Patience & Fortitude?

They’ve been at the center of New York City for more than a century—but how well do you really know the Library’s lions? Our fact-filled quiz will help you find out! 

Wish Patience & Fortitude a Happy Birthday

We’ll be celebrating with our lions throughout the day today in honor of their birthday. For the first time ever, Patience and Fortitude have just taken over the @NYPL Twitter account and will tweet throughout the day. You can also share your memories, photos, and birthday wishes on social media using the hashtag #PatienceAndFortitude—or share a memory with them with this digital birthday card!

Read Like Patience & Fortitude

Having safeguarded our main library for over a century, Patience and Fortitude know more than anyone about the millions of books in our collections. Here are just some of the titles they recommend for finding your own inner patience and fortitude—from children’s books to poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Bring the Library’s Lions Home with You

Want more patience and fortitude in your life? Check out The New York Public Library Shop online to find puzzles, toys, and more that celebrate our famous lions.

For Kids

Special Online Storytime: Lost in the Library

Monday, May 11 | 2 PM
Honor Patience and Fortitude with a special storytime airing this afternoon featuring Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude, a picture book by Josh Funk and illustrated by Stevie Lewis. When Patience goes missing, Fortitude ventures into the Library to find his friend and learns about the wonders hidden inside. Stream the storytime on our website. 

Patience & Fortitude Activities for Kids

The Library’s lions love to learn as they play—now you can, too! Download this new activity book in honor of their birthday. Young learners can color, practice their math skills, complete a fun word find, and help the lions navigate a treacherous maze.

In the Spotlight

Get E-Books & More with SimplyE

SimplyE is The New York Public Library's free e-reader app that makes it easier than ever to borrow e-books. NYPL cardholders can access over 300,000 e-books, plus an array of audiobooks, when they download the app. Don't have a library card? New York state residents can sign up for one through SimplyE.

Starting Tomorrow: Neil Gaiman’s Coraline

Monday, May 12–18 | 6 PM
 Join us for a full-length virtual reading, featuring Neil Gaiman, along with LeVar Burton, Rosario Dawson, and Dakota Fanning, of Gaiman's beloved tale of bravery and resilience, Coraline, presented by LIVE from NYPL. The author himself kicks things off with the first two chapters tomorrow night at 6 PM. Register for free and receive an email reminder with a viewing link before the first installment. Plus, NYPL cardholders can instantly borrow Coraline on SimplyE to follow along.

Resources for Kids & Teens

Free One-on-One Tutoring Available Through NYPL

Any family with students in kindergarten through 12th grade and an NYPL library card can access Brainfuse’s network of tips, activities, and one-on-one tutors. Tutors are available from 2 PM to 11 PM every day in both English and Spanish. 

Remote College & Career Help for Teens

The Library offers resources and programs to help prepare students for higher education and the workforce. Access these learning aids and databases with an NYPL library card, or find recommended resources offered by other organizations—all available from home or anywhere with an internet connection. For grades 9–12.

More Digital Resources

Webinar: Tips from Career Coaches on Job Search During COVID-19

 

Thursday, May 14 | 12 Noon
Join us for a discussion covering the different facets of job hunting during the spread of COVID-19. Career coaches Kathy Fanning, Jessica Rodriguez, Renee Lee Rosenberg, and Louisa Tatum share their insights and advice for older job seekers, as well as opportunities for new graduates—plus help with government and federal job applications, Workforce1 recruitment, and unemployment applications. 

Find Community Support Resources

The Library is here to help communities find important resources they need to navigate these difficult times. Find services and information about jobs and personal finance, health and wellness, food resources, housing, and more. 

New & Noteworthy

The Librarian Is In May Book Club: Train Dreams, Ep. 163

Do you find yourself dreaming of getting away? Escape for a bit with librarians Rhonda and Frank as they discuss this month's pick from NYPL's list of 125 Books We Love—Train Dreams by Denis Johnson—and why it’s one of the many  books that have inspired us to #LoveReading since the Library first opened its doors 125 years ago.

Reads for All Ages: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Check out this list of fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages that spans a variety of themes—including extraordinary life stories, struggles, and strengths of remarkable people—in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May.

Old Time Tours: New York City Guidebooks After the Civil War

By the 1890s, NYC guidebooks reflected the self-consciousness of a supercity exposing itself to the world.

Welcome to the Virtual Reading Room: Digitized Archives for Home Research

The librarians of the Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room in the 42nd Street library have put together this helpful guide to some of our digitized material, freely available to the public, along with related resources you can use to help with remote research.

What Andy Borowitz Is Reading

Explore this recommended reading list from Andy Borowitz, award-winning writer, comedian, satirist, and actor.

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