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, both 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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resource Spotlight

Culture Pass is a program for cardholding patrons, age 13 and older, of Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Library. Using their library card, New Yorkers can reserve a pass and get free admission to dozens of NYC cultural institutions including museums, historical societies, heritage centers, public gardens, and more.
To get started, visit the Culture Pass website.
 

August Highlights

Author Talk: A Hole in the Wind

A Climate Scientist's Bicycle Journey Across the United States by David Goodrich

Thursday, August 23 at 6:30 PM
An epic bicycle journey across the American hinterland that explores the challenges of climate change alongside a diverse array of American voices.

First come, first seated.

 

Adult Events

Library @ Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket

Wednesday, August 1, 10 AM-1 PM
Stop by our table at the Greenmarket on 47th Street and 2nd Avenue. We will be talking about our services and programs and giving out freebies (woohoo!) Parents, help your kids complete our 1960s Rock 'n' Roll Scavenger Hunt for a prize!

e-Services Help

Fridays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 1 PM  
Start borrowing ebooks on your tablet, smartphone, and/or e-reader. Bring your device and drop by the table near Grand Central's main entrance to get one-on-one help.

Adult/Teen Coloring

Thursday, August 9 at 5:30 PM
The latest craze is artistic coloring for adults. Bring your sketchpad project or use one of our unique coloring books. All materials will be provided by Grand Central! Also available: A jigsaw puzzle table for maximum relaxation. (Please note: There is just one session in August!)

Film Screening: Monsieur Lazhar

Tuesday, August 14 at 6:30 PM
Nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, Monsieur Lazhar (2011) tells the poignant story of a Montreal middle-school class shaken by the death of their well-liked teacher. 

Book Club

Tuesday, August 21 at 6 PM
Join us to discuss Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. In Memphis, Tennessee, 1936, the five Foss children find their lives changed forever when their parents leave them alone on the family shantyboat one stormy night.

The 1960s: 16mm 50th Anniversary Film: Memories of Underdevelopment

Tuesday, August 28 at 6:30 PM
Grand Central Library, in collaboration with The Library for Performing Arts - Reserve Film and Video Collection, is honored to host a 50th anniversary 16mm presentation of Memories of Underdevelopment by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea.

Kids Programs

Programs in a Box: Music Makers Design Lab

Wednesday, August 1 at 4PM | Register here  
In this interactive program, children in grades K-5 will explore the mechanics behind music as they learn how percussion, string, and wind instruments, as well as the human voice, are used to produce dynamic sounds and rhythms. 
 

Early Literacy: Baby Storytime

Tuesdays at 11 AM
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.

To register for Tuesday, August 7th, please click here on Thursday, August 2nd around 12 PM.

To register for Tuesday, August 14th, please click here on Friday, August 10th around 12 PM.

To register for Tuesday August 21st, please click here on Thursday, August 16th around 12 PM.

To register for Tuesday August 28th, please click here on Friday, August 24th around 12 PM.
 

Summer Reading: Music Making with Soundtrap

Wednesdays at 4 PM | August 8, 15, and 22
Together, we'll learn how to use an online tool called Soundtrap to make music of our very own. Let your imagination run wild as we experiment with different sounds and rhythms to create unique music compositions. For ages 8 and up. To RSVP, please email allisonameduri@nypl.org.
 

Early Literacy: Storymakers and Shakers

Thursdays at 11 AM | August 9, 16, 23, and 30 
In this exciting program for early learners, caregivers and children will become familiar with concepts of story-building, how music relates to literacy development, and how to use visual and auditory cues to visualize a story outside of a book! Every session will include a read-aloud, a hands-on activity, and wonderful tips for parents to make stories come to life! For children ages 18 months and older.
 

Rock and Rhyme (Acoustic)! (A Summer Reading Celebration)

Friday, August 10 at 11 AM
Come celebrate the end of the Summer Reading program and get everything you need to make reading rock! Let’s celebrate summer with a full band show! Young children are thrilled to meet Meredith LeVande in person after watching her appear daily in between PBS kids shows. Best for ages 6 and older.
 

Early Literacy: Museums & More Storytime

Monday, August 13 at 11 AM
Join us for a storytime where we'll celebrate museums and cultural institutions while also learning about NYPL's new Culture Pass.
 

Teen Programs

Mario Party 3 Tournament

Wednesday, August 1 at 5:30 PM
Join us in Teen Central for our summer Mario Party 3 Tournaments! Snacks to be provided.

Retro Video Game Day

July 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 3:30 PM
We'll provide those old school 8-, 16-, and 32-bit consoles, games, and controllers that you all love. All you have to bring is your skills! Do you still have it? Come and find out!

Graffiti Art Remix

Friday, August 17 at 4 PM
Learn how to create traditional and futuristic graffiti art lettering and character design. Create the hottest manga and anime characters and mash with abstract, symmetrical, and geometrical artwork. For ages 13 to 18. Presented by DJ SpazeCraft.

Upcoming Events

The 1960s: LPA presents: Teo Macero Producing Miles Davis

Thursday, September 6 at 6:30 PM

Grand Central Library continues its partnership with the Library for the Performing Arts with a special presentation on Miles Davis’s music of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

 

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