For 125 years, The New York Public Library has brought the power of books, reading, and knowledge to New Yorkers of all ages—a core tenant of our mission that we remain committed to during our temporary closure. As we look ahead to our 125th anniversary on May 23, we’re proud to continue providing free digital access to a wide array of resources and programs that help New Yorkers find the inspiration and information they need during this challenging time. Read on to discover all that the Library has to offer, including this week's free online events presented by our premier cultural series, LIVE from NYPL. Hear author Nic Stone talk about her new novel starring Shuri from Black Panther, and listen to Stacy Schiff discuss her bestselling biography, Cleopatra—which was featured on our recent anniversary list of 125 Books We Love. Plus, stay tuned for our next anniversary list—125 Kids Books We Love—launching on Friday to celebrate our 125 years of service to New York City.

LIVE from NYPL

Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra with Tim Gunn

Thursday, May 21 | 8 PM
Join us on Thursday as we host Pulitzer Prize–winning author and Library Lion Stacy Schiff along with television personality Tim Gunn for a singular discussion about the enduring power of the past. Schiff’s biography of Cleopatra has been widely hailed for diffusing the myths surrounding the last queen of Egypt and is featured on our popular 125th anniversary book list, 125 Books We Love. Schiff will join Gunn online to talk about the vitality of history in our present-obsessed moment and the complex art of biography. Register for free and receive a link and password to participate.

Nic Stone's Shuri: A Black Panther Novel

Friday, May 22 | 4 PM
Tune in for a talk and Q&A with bestselling author Nic Stone about her new novel,  based on Marvel’s Black Panther comics. Just released this month, Stone’s latest book follows Marvel fan favorite Shuri, who must save Wakanda and the mythical herb that powers her home. Get the chance to ask Stone about writing Shuri, her previous work, and her inspirations. Register for free to receive a link and password to participate. 

Ends Tonight! Neil Gaiman’s Coraline

Monday, May 18 | 6 PM
Every night over the past week, LIVE from NYPL has brought book-lovers around the world a dynamic reading of Neil Gaiman's Coraline with a star-studded cast, featuring the author himself, actor and educator LeVar Burton, and actor Rosario Dawson. Join us tonight for the conclusion of this series, with actor Dakota Fanning reading the final chapter. Plus, catch up with the full  series on our website for a limited time only. Still can’t get enough of Coraline? NYPL cardholders can borrow a copy and start reading immediately—no holds, no waiting! 

Coming Up: Terry McMillan with Tayari Jones

Tuesday, May 26 | 8 PM
Hear New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan discuss her new novel It’s Not All Downhill from Here, her creative influences, and the career she has built writing stories about resilience. She will be joined in conversation by the Women's Prize for Fiction–winning author of An American Marriage, Tayari Jones. Register for free to receive a link and password to participate.

125th Anniversary

Guess What’s on the List: 125 Kids Books We Love

It’s almost here! In honor of The New York Public Library’s 125th anniversary on May 23, we’ll be releasing our latest anniversary book list, 125 Kids Books We Love—which follows the release of our popular list of 125 Books We Love from February and will feature both new and classic titles for young readers that inspire a lifelong love of reading. Which beloved titles do you think made the cut? Let us know below, then check back on Friday, May 22 to see the full list!

In Case You Missed It: 125 Books We Love

Our first anniversary book list, released in February for Valentine’s Day, honors 125 titles for adults that inspire us to #LoveReading. Discover the full list, plus an array of related activities—including a book club you can join from anywhere and a DIY craft you can make at home. 

Celebrating Patience & Fortitude

We’d like to send a big thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the birthday of our beloved lions, Patience and Fortitude, last week. Since 1911, our iconic lions—who got their names from Mayor Fiorello La Guardia during the Great Depression—have stood watch over New York City, while remaining steadfast symbols of all that the Library stands for: strength and inspiration available to all. Last week, they received well wishes from fans across NYC and beyond. Here are just a few favorites.

Resources for Kids & Teens

Special Online Storytime: I'm Bilingual! with Yolanda Borrás

Wednesday, May 20 | 2 PM
Join us for a special edition of online storytime in Spanish! Yolanda Borrás, the director of the arts program I'm Bilingual!, will read Los pajaritos, or The Little Birds, a beautifully illustrated book based on a popular children's song. Meet flying birds, bouncing bunnies, trotting horses, and swimming fishies—all while singing and learning in both English and Spanish. For grades Pre-K–2. 

Take a Brain Break with NYPL

Young children need to take a break from their workload to re-energize, refocus, and refresh their minds. The New York Public Library has several digital resources that can support creative, engaging, and educational brain breaks that allow students to step away from the virtual classroom and into a calmer and more focused headspace. For grades Pre-K–8.

For Students & Educators: Simultaneous-Use Titles to Support Remote Learning

With New York City schools closed through the rest of the 2020 school year, teachers are looking for e-books with enough copies available for every student in their classrooms. These simultaneous-use e-books can be used by an unlimited number of readers at the same time—perfect for classroom settings. For all grade levels.

One-on-One College & Career Counseling—Plus a New Resource Calendar

Sign up for a one-on-one session with a College and Career Pathways librarian to get individual postsecondary-readiness assistance online. Our librarians hold regular office hours Monday through Friday, from 3 PM to 5 PM, and can schedule appointments at times that are convenient for you. Plus, check out the College and Career Pathways Resources Calendar—if you have a Gmail account, you can subscribe to stay up-to-date on virtual events, upcoming deadlines for internships and scholarships, and other opportunities for teens. For grades 9–12.

More Digital Resources

Webinar: Small Business Strategies for the “New Normal”

Thursday, May 21 | 6 PM
As state legislatures begin to assess the reopening process, small businesses must quickly figure out what changes are necessary to succeed in an altered marketplace. This webinar will teach you how to prepare to survive and thrive in this new economy, using a process that focuses on customers’ changing needs and your company’s unique strengths.

‘Get Lit’ Book Club Discussions: My Dark Vanessa

Dates and times vary
Join NYPL librarians to discuss Kate Elizabeth Russell’s novel about the fallout of a predatory relationship, My Dark Vanessa, part of our new virtual “Get Lit with All of It” book club. NYPL cardholders can start reading the title immediately—without holds—using our free e-reader app, SimplyE. Find a discussion group and learn how to participate.

Graduate & Civil Servant Test Prep Materials

Are you studying for a graduate admissions test, civil servant exam, or licensing exam? Find dozens of practice tests, tutorials, and e-books to support you, whatever your testing needs might be, through the Library.  

New & Noteworthy

Book Buzz: Exciting YA Titles to Look Forward To

Although NYPL branches are temporarily closed, the members of our Best Books for Kids and Teens committees are still hard at work, discovering the most exciting books that are coming out in 2020. Here are a few YA novels that have them buzzing already. 

The Greatest Commencement Speeches—in Book Form

College seniors—we know you're not having the graduation ceremony you expected. If you need an extra boost of inspiration as you transition to a new phase of life with more uncertainty than ever, we offer these titles drawn from memorable commencement speeches.

Baseball Books to Read While You're Missing Baseball

Missing baseball while we shelter in place? As we wait for the return of baseball season, take a look at The New York Public Library’s digital resources about New York’s very own home teams and more. 

Exploring the Past with The New American Series

Explore our digitized collection of The New American Series, which conducted a number of studies about newly arrived immigrant groups in the United States just before Ellis Island was closed to mass immigration.

Nature Walk Through History: 10 Famous Trees of NYC

The historic trees of New York City are some of our most venerable and impressive landmarks, literally forming the roots of our great city. Take a virtual nature walk to admire these living landmarks—some still standing and some that live on only in memory.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy E-Books: Escape to Another Time, Planet, or Universe!

If you are looking for an escape from the news—or feel like "leaving" home for awhile—these science fiction and fantasy recommendations can take you far away from our current situation without moving from your couch.

Tales of Courage & Sacrifice on the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II

 In May of 1945, the Allies accepted Germany’s surrender, marking the beginning of the end of World War II. As we commemorate this moment, these memoirs of valor and resilience honor WWII heroes and inspire us to persevere.

Thanks for reading! Sign up for NYPL Connect today and get the latest updates on Library resources available to you during our temporary closure sent straight to your inbox.