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 to place a hold on a particular book or recording, just click on a title.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November highlights

The NY Common Pantry Food Drive

Currently accepting the following, throughout November:

• Whole Wheat Pasta
• Packaged Dry Beans
• Oatmeal
• Shelf-Stable Milk
• Grits
• Whole Grain Items
• Canned Tuna/Salmon/Chicken
• Farina
• Brown Rice

Adult events

Games & Hobbies Meetup

Thursdays, 3 PM-5 PM | November 1, 8, 29
For all ages! Canasta! Checkers! Bring your knitting!

The Blank Page: Writing Remembrance, Wonder, and Loss

Friday, November 2, 12 PM
The New York Writers Coalition will host a series of creative writing workshops for people to explore end-of-life themes through journals, memoirs, fiction, and poetry. NYWC's experienced workshop leaders will present writing prompts touching on legacy, endings, and imagination. Limited space, please RSVP to GregoryStall@nypl.org

e-Services Help

Fridays, 1 PM-2 PM | November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Get started borrowing ebooks on your tablet, smartphone, or e-reader. Learn how to take advantage of free access to books, films, magazines, and more from the comfort of your own home. Drop by the table near the front door with your device to get one-on-one help!

Artist Reception: National Association of Women Artists

Saturday, November 3, 12 PM-3 PM
Art of the Story: Expanding the Narrative | On display at Grand Central Library October 15 - January 2
A juried exhibition. This is a unique exhibit that challenges the artists to translate the verbal universe of the story—or an emotional or intellectual state of being—into the visual, broadening the way we look at the world. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.

Intermediate Spanish Conversation Circle

Tuesdays, 1 PM-2 PM | November 6, 13, 20, 27
Are you looking to practice your Spanish language skills? If you are at an intermediate or high-beginner level, and would like to practice conversational Spanish, this meetup is for you! One hour a week, you will join others to practice Spanish conversations that are self-guided with subject prompts. 

Beginner French

Tuesdays, 5 PM-6 PM | November 6, 13, 20, 27
Space is limited, so show up early! Through lessons and activities, you will learn basic French with a library volunteer. This is a continuation of the October classes, but walk-ins are welcome. If you did not attend in October, we recommend learning basics through the app/website Mango, which is free with your library card.

Author Talk: We Fed an Island

Thursday, November 8 at 6:30 PM
Join Grand Central Library and Richard Wolffe as he discusses his new book, We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time. The book focuses on a group of chefs who fed hundreds of thousands of hungry Americans after Hurricane Maria, and touched the hearts of many more. 

Film Screening: Meet John Doe

Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 PM
A reporter (Barbara Stanwyck) writes a fictitious column about someone named "John Doe," who is distraught at America's neglect of the little people, and plans to kill himself. The newspaper then hires an ex-ballplayer (Gary Cooper) to pose as John Doe. Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Writing and Original Story. Running time: 122 minutes

Be Creative with Crafts

Thursday, November 15, 2 PM-4 PM
Let's be creative  together, with this craft program for adults. All materials will be provided by Grand Central Library! Please RSVP by emailing SabrinaJesram@nypl.org.

The 1960s: LPA Presents: Minimalism in 1968

Thursday, November 15 at 6:30 PM
1968 was an important year in the evolution of certain styles of art and music, which would increasingly be referred to as 'minimal' or 'minimalist'. Join Grand Central Library and the Library for the Performing Arts for a look at the works and influence of four major composers in the mid to late 1960s.

Chat (in Spanish) with Juan Carlos Botero, author of The Art of Fernando Botero 

Saturday, November 17 at 1 PM
The book focuses on the themes that make up Botero's work, the different stages of his creative process, his aesthetic convictions, and the variety of techniques he uses.

Film Screening: A Street Cat Named Bob

Tuesday, November 20 at 6:30 PM
Based on the international bestselling book, A Street Cat Named Bob is a moving and uplifting feel-good true story. When down-and-out James Bowen finds an injured street cat, he has no idea just how much his life is about to change. Soon, the two are inseparable and their diverse, comic, and occasionally dangerous adventures transform both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other's troubled pasts. Running time: 103 minutes

Book Discussion: The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirahk

Tuesday, November 27, 6 PM-7 PM
About The Man Who Spoke Snakish: A bestseller in the author’s native country of Estonia, where it so well-known that it has been adapted into a popular board game. It's the imaginative and moving story of a boy who is tasked with preserving ancient traditions in the face of modernity. Get more information on book discussion groups hosted at libraries throughout the city and facilitated by New York Public Library staff. 

Kids Programs

Early Literacy: Toddler & Up Storytime

Thursdays at 11 AM | November 1, 8, 15, 29
Children ages 18 months and older can practice early literacy skills alongside their caregivers with interactive stories, action songs, and fun fingerplays, while also meeting others in the neighborhood.

Early Literacy: Baby Storytime

A lap-sit storytime for children 18 months and younger. Grow your baby's early literacy skills through reading short books, singing songs, doing rhymes, and other interactive activities. You must register to attend.

To RSVP for Tuesday, November 6th, please click here on Friday, November 2nd around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, November 13th, please click here on Thursday, November 8th around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, November 20th, please click here on Friday, November 16th around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, November 27th, please click here on Saturday, November 24th around noon.

Hummingbird Robotics Lab

Wednesdays at 4 PM | November 7 and 14
With the Hummingbird Robotics kit, we'll craft and build robots and then bring them to life through Scratch coding. 
Best for ages 8 and up. To register, please email allisonameduri@nypl.org.

Early Literacy: Bilingual Birdies - Mandarin

Friday, November 16 at 11 AM
Bilingual Birdies will take families on a magical journey to learn words in Mandarin and explore fun new themes like eating healthy food, the changing colors of the leaves, and how to identify different shapes! This program is for children from birth to age six and the class is rooted in live music, movement, dance, and puppetry. Bilingual Birdies celebrates different cultures during a time in which it is very important to embrace diversity.

Teen Programs

Retro Video Game Day

Fridays at 3:30 PM | November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Join us every Friday at Grand Central for Retro Video Game Day. 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 you and your skills! Do you still have it? Come and find out!

Designing Your Own Game Card Workshop

Friday, November 9 at 4 PM
Learn how to design your own game characters in manga style! All materials will be provided. For ages 13-18. Presented by Misako Rocks!

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