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.

 

 

 

 

August Staff Picks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult Events

Spanish Conversation Circle with Rocio

Every Tuesday in August at 1 PM 
If you are at an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish, and would like to practice conversational Spanish, join our volunteer, Rocio from Argentina, and others to practice speaking and listening. No registration necessary. Teens welcome!

Going Digital: Library eResources 

Every Friday in August, 3 PM-4 PM
Learn how to take advantage of free access to books, films, magazines, and more on your tablet, smartphone, or e-reader. If you have a Kindle, bring your Amazon password!

An Art Adventure

Wednesdays, August 7 and 28 at 12 PM
A two-part art workshop for older adults that will help discover the hidden treasure within you of knowing how to create good art. Download free chapters from the course here. Bring the following, if you are able: loose paper, pencils, colored pencils, and watercolors (if you already own some). If you cannot bring your own supplies, we will have them on hand (except for watercolors, which are optional).  Register here via email.

Film Screening: Take the Money & Run (1969) (50th anniversary)

Tuesday, August 13 at 5:30 PM
Join Grand Central for the classic 1969 American mockumentary comedy film that chronicles the life of Virgil Starkwell (Woody Allen), an inept bank robber.

Book Discussion: Educated by Tara Westover

Tuesday, August 20, 6 PM-7 PM
Join us to discuss Educated, which traces the author's experiences as a child born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho. in the book, Westover describes her participation in her family's paranoid stockpiling activities and her resolve to educate herself well enough to earn acceptance into a prestigious university and the unfamiliar world beyond.

LPA: Jazz Speak at Grand Central

Thursday, August 29 at 6 PM
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Presents: Jazz Speak at Grand Central! Join us in celebrating the legacy of producer George Avakian, one of the most important figures in the music industry, responsible for the commercial popularization of jazz music in the 1940s and '50s. Register here via email.

Kids Programs

Early Literacy: Baby Storytime

Every Tuesday in August at 11 AM
A lap-sit storytime for children 18 months and younger. Grow your baby's early literacy skills by reading short books, singing songs, doing rhymes, and participating in other interactive activities. You must register to attend.

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

To RSVP for Tuesday, August 13th, please click here on Saturday, August 10th around noon.

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

To RSVP for Tuesday, August 27th, please click here on Friday, August 23rd around noon.

Early Literacy: Baby Playtime

Every Tuesday in August at 11:30 AM
Following our weekly storytime, join us for a fun and engaging playtime where babies will be able to meet and socialize with others in the community.

Early Literacy: Toddler Storytime

Every Thursday in August at 11 AM
Children ages 18 months-36 months can practice early literacy skills alongside their caregivers with interactive stories, action songs, and fun fingerplays, while meeting others in the neighborhood.

English Conversation for Caregivers

Every Thursday in August at 12:30 PM
A conversation circle for caregivers to practice and learn English together. Children of all ages are also welcome to attend for a playtime.

Early Literacy: Preschool Storytime

Monday, August 5, 12, and 19 at 4 PM
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive storytime featuring read-alouds, songs, movement, and creative activities.

Space Exploration

Wednesday, August 7 at 4 PM
Learn more about our solar system and beyond through sorting activities, and work together in creating a large paper rocket to display at the branch! Register here via email.

Storytelling in Comics

Wednesday, August 14 at 4 PM
Join us for a workshop where we will practice combining words and images for comedic, dramatic, or tragic effect, and illustrate existing stories using comic-book techniques. This workshop is intended for ages 8 and up. Register here via email.

3-D Printing Bubble Wands!

Wednesday, August 21 at 4 PM
Design your very own bubble wands in Tinkercad, and then print them out in 3-D to take home and use! Bubble solution will also be provided. For ages 8 and up. Parent participation is strongly encouraged. Register here via email.

Early Literacy: Summer Block Party

Friday, August 23 at 11 AM
Cool off inside with other kids in the community as we celebrate the end of summer with fun summer-themed activities and early literacy tips! Ages 6 and under. 

Summer Reading: The Rabbit in the Moon and Other Marvelous Tales of the Night Sky

Monday, August 26 at 11 AM
Blast off with LuAnn Adams in stories and discover how children in Africa got the sun in the sky! Travel to India and meet the rabbit who now lives on the moon! Join the brave Cheyenne sister who rescues her seven brothers and helps them jump in the sky and become the Big Dipper.

Early Literacy: Japanese Bilingual Storytime

Monday, August 26 at 4 PM
Join an interactive Japanese and English storytime where we'll enjoy books, songs, and more!

T-Shirt Decorating Extravaganza!

Wednesday, August 28 at 4 PM
We invite you to bring blank t-Shirts or other draw-able clothing (jeans, baseball caps, etc.) to the library and create your own handmade art. This program is best for ages 6 and up, though younger children are welcome with supervision. Register here via email.

Teen Programs

Retro Video Game Day

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

Summer Reading: The Living Remix Project

Friday, August 23 at 4 PM
Learn music production and the studio recording process by being the artist! Participants will make the beats, play the melodies and sing/rap over the song that the group collectively creates. For ages 13-18 years old. Presented by DJ SpazeCraft.

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