Welcome to the Grand Central Library Newsletter, a monthly showcase of news, programs, and services offered by NYPL staff and partners. Our branch in Midtown East/Turtle Bay is conveniently accessible to both local residents and metro area commuters.

In addition to diverse educational and cultural programming, the Grand Central Library offers computer services, including free WiFi and power outlets, plentiful seating for individual and group work, and collections of print and non-print media for all ages. Grand Central is also home to IDNYC and Single Stop services, each located on our 2nd floor.

Staff Recommendations

Here’s what the Grand Central staff is reading, watching, and listening to this month. To find out more or place a hold on a particular book or recording, just click on its link. 

Books and ebooks

• Are You An Echo?: The Lost Poetry of Misuzu Kaneko by Misuzu Kaneko
• Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead
• The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute by Zac Bissonnette
• L'isola Di Arturo by Elsa Morante
• Maestros and Their Music: The Art and Alchemy of Conducting  by John Mauceri
• No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel
• Planting Gardens in Graves by R.H. Sin
• Star Wars: The Last Jedi by Jason Fry
• Station Eleven: A Novel by Emily St. John Mandel

Feature Films and TV Shows 

• Children of Paradise / Les Enfants Du Paradis
• DC's Legends of Tomorrow. The Complete First Season
• Jessica Jones. The Complete First Season
• The 100. The Complete First & Second Season

Music

• Awaken, My Love! by Childish Gambino
• Five by Prince Royce
• Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z
• Tago Mago by Can

This Month's Library Highlights

Free Income Tax Preparation: ​Every Saturday until Tax Day 2018, volunteers from AARP will be on hand to help prepare your taxes, on a first come, first served basis. Join us April 7 or 14, 10:15 AM-2 PM. Click here to see a list of the documents you'll need to bring. 

This program is supported in part by the New York State Coordinated Outreach Services Grant. AARP membership is not required.

Author Talk: Lou Reed: A Life: Grand Central Library is thrilled to host Rolling Stone writer Anthony DeCurtis for an author talk on his latest book, Lou Reed: A Life. DeCurtis, who knew the groundbreaking alternative rock musician, and interviewed him extensively, tells the provocative story of his complex and chameleonic life. Read more. Join us Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 PM.

Volunteer Fair: Find out how you can make a difference! Meet non-profit organizations in the neighborhood, learn what they do, and see how you can be an important part of that work. Get information or make a commitment on the spot! Read more. Join us Friday, April 27 at 12 PM.

Adult Events

e-Services Help: Start borrowing ebooks on your tablet, smartphone, and/or e-reader. Drop by the table near the branch front door with your device to get one-on-one help!

April 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 1 PM

Film Screening: In Remembrance of Martin: Grand Central is proud to present In Remembrance of Martin, a remarkable hour-long documentary honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring personal comments from his family, friends, and advisors. Includes portions of his "I Have a Dream" speech. Read more. 

April 10 at 6:30 PM

Adult/Teen Coloring : Artistic coloring for adults is the latest craze. Bring your sketchpad project or use one of our unique coloring books. All materials will be provided by Grand Central Library!

April 12 and 26 at 5:30 PM

Book Club: Maya's Notebook: Join us to discuss this startling novel of suspense from New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende. This contemporary coming-of-age story centers on Maya Vidal, a remarkable teenager abandoned by her parents. Read more.

April 17 at 6 PM

Kids Programs

Early Literacy Baby Storytime: A lapsit storytime for children 18 months and younger. Grow your baby's early literacy skills by reading short books, singing songs, reciting rhymes, and taking part in other interactive activities. You must register to attend.

All sessions at 10:30 AM

April 3 (Click here to register.)

April 10 (Please check back here Friday, April 6th for the link to register.)

April 17 (Please check back here Friday, April 13th for the link to register.)

April 24 (Please check back here Friday, April 20th for the link to register.)

Kid Engineers: By playing theater and experiential learning games, and utilizing engineering toys and puzzles, kids construct a variety of projects and address challenges while learning scientific concepts such as gravity, tension, compression, friction, static electricity, the laws of flight, and more. They also will create a relevant arts and crafts project to take home.

Best for ages 5 to 12. To reserve a spot, please email allisonameduri@nypl.org.

April 4 at 4PM

Early Literacy Storytime - Toddler Time: Toddlers age 18 to 36 months, and their caregivers, can practice early literacy skills with interactive stories, action songs, and fun finger plays, all while meeting others in the neighborhood.

All sessions at 10:30 AM

April 5 (Click here to register.)

April 12 (Please check back here Friday, April 6th for the link to register.)

Early Literacy Sensory Storytime: Sensory Storytime is an interactive program that can be enjoyed by all children, but especially children with sensory interaction challenges. We will combine stories, songs, movement, and playtime activities to promote learning and community. 

April 5 at 4 PM

Early Literacy Storytime: Hands On Storytime: Join us at Grand Central for an active, touchy-feely storytime focused on the early literacy component of play. Learn how children explore the world through playing, and how you can incorporate many of these easy activities into your child's day, helping them get ready for school. Suitable for older babies, toddlers, and Pre-K-aged kids.

April 9 at 11 AM

Afterschool Dabble + Do: Join us after school for an hour of semi-structured STEAM and art activities. Build with Legos, experiment with basic coding, draw and color, play board games, read books, and more! Homework-doers also welcome.

April 11, 18, and 25 at 4 PM

Coloring & Crafts:  Coloring & Crafts is the perfect way to create an afternoon of fun for children. Crafts are a great way to promote flexibility in children, and require your child to use both hands together, important in other areas such as writing, tying shoes, typing, and much more!

April 26 at 4 PM

Earth Day: Party with the Animals!: Let's celebrate with live animals that help keep our planet healthy and clean! Solve riddles to figure out which amazing animals received invitations to attend this VIP (Very Important Planet) Party! 

Best for ages 4-9. Maximum 25 children with adults. Adults must stay with children under 7.

April 23 at 4 PM

Teen Programs

Multimedia Narratives: This workshop pushes participants to develop multimedia and improvisation skills, employing their everyday surroundings, and collaborate on storytelling. Workshops will culminate in participants editing and uploading their work onto password-protected online platforms, enabling them to share their talents on the Internet with friends and family.

April 13 at 4 PM

Spotlight on the Research Libraries: Thinking Out Loud: Preserving Net Neutrality with a Panel of Experts

April 16 at 6:30 PM at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Celeste Auditorium. Program is free, but advance registration is recommended.
 

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