Circulating Collections at the Performing Arts Library

Music

Despite its large size, the circulating music collection contains only a fraction of the available music in print. Selection of titles and types of music are based primarily on the interest of our public as they have developed over the past eighty years ever since the Circulating Music Collection was established in 1924 as part of the 58th St. Branch. 

Drama

The circulating drama collection encompasses all aspects of the performing arts that are not strictly music or dance. It contains published plays and screenplays in English as well as an extensive collection of film and dramatic criticism and history. 

Dance

The circulating dance collection consists of an extensive array of books which illuminate all aspects of theatrical and non-theatrical forms of dance. The collection is especially strong in dance history, dance instruction, and biographies of leading dance figures. The collection is further enhanced by periodicals and commercial videos and DVDs. 

Recorded Sound and Moving Image

Material in the circulating sound and video collection consists solely of commercially released items. 

Reserve Film and Video Collection

The Reserve Film and Video Collection includes more than 6,000 16mm films, 5,000 VHS videocassettes, and 1,200 DVDs. The New York Public Library began acquiring films in 1952, and established a film collection at the Donnell Library in 1958. The library began adding videos to the collection in the 1970s. 

Orchestra Collection

The Orchestra Collection is a fee-based lending library used by community, student and professional performing organizations.  The collection contains scores and parts for orchestra, choral, operatic and solo vocal works.