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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September Staff Picks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult Events

Spanish Conversation with Rocio

Every Tuesday in September 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!

Film Screening: James Thurber: The Life and Hard Times

Tuesday, September 3 at 5:30 PM
Join Grand Central for James Thurber: The Life and Hard Times, the first major documentary on the life and work of one of America's greatest humorists.

Film Screening and Q&A: Look At Us Now, Mother!

Thursday, September 5 at 6 PM
Director/producer/star Gayle Kirschenbaum will screen her newest documentary Look At Us Now, Mother! and answer your questions. Look At Us Now, Mother! is about the transformation of a highly charged mother/daughter from "Mommie Dearest to Dear Mom," from hatred to love. It's about forgiveness.

Going Digital: Library eResources 

Every Friday in September, 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!

Author Talk: James Thurber At 125!

Monday, September 9 at 6 PM
Grand Central commemorates the quasquicentennial of James Thurber’s birth! One of America’s most celebrated authors and humorists, Thurber was best known for his cartoons and short stories published mainly in The New Yorker. Register here via email.

Book Discussion: Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

Tuesday, September 17, 6 PM- 7 PM
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup is the full, inside story of the breathtaking rise and shocking collapse of Theranos—the Enron of Silicon Valley—by the prize-winning journalist who first broke the story and pursued it to the end, in the face of pressure and threats from the CEO and her lawyers. 

Meditation: Death and Afterlife

Wednesday, September 18 at 12:30 PM
Join Dr. Vidich for this interactive lecture and discussion, followed by a demonstration through meditation. Learn how each of us can begin our own inner journey.

Day Of Mindfulness

Saturday, September 21, 10 AM-4 PM
When the library opens at 10 AM, head to the 2nd floor, and go all the way to the back-left corner. In this unassuming room, you will "Settle Down with Mindfulness." Bring family and friends, and let us bring mindfulness to them, too. (There will be a lunch break from 12 PM to 1 PM, and we will give you instructions on how to extend your mindfulness during the break, if you want.) We’ll sit together again in the afternoon, from 1 PM to 4 PM, and have time for your questions and comments on the day. No need to register but if you have questions, feel free to email Donald Fleck. 

LPA: Jazz Speak At Grand Central

Thursday, September 26 at 6 PM
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Presents: Jazz Speak at Grand Central with Miles Davis: 1969 and Beyond. Using rare materials from the Library’s archival collections, librarian Dave McMullin presents the story of a fascinating and challenging period in the career of one of the great masters of 20th century American music. Register here via email.

Pain-Proof: A Community Conversation About Living With Chronic Pain

Monday, September 30, 3 PM-5 PM
Join Dr. Robert Kachko and Andrew Vickery for this informal Community Conversation about living well with chronic pain. Learn about some of the latest research on what it takes to develop a "pain-proof" brain and body, and feel welcomed to share your personal story with pain, if you’d like. Register here via email. 

Kids Programs

Early Literacy: Baby Storytime

Every Tuesday in September 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, September 3rd, please click here on Friday, August 30th around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, September 10th, please click here on Friday, September 6th around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, September 17th, please click here on Friday, September 13th around 1 PM.

To RSVP for Tuesday, September 24th, please click here on Saturday, September 21st around noon.

Early Literacy: Baby Playtime

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

3-D Printing Bookmarks

Wednesday, September 4 at 4 PM
Design your very own bookmarks in Tinkercad and then print them out in 3-D, to take home and use when reading your next books! For ages 8 and up. Parent participation is strongly encouraged. Register here via email.

Early Literacy: Toddler Storytime

Thursdays, September 5, 12, and 19 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 also meeting others in the neighborhood.

Watercolor Exploration

Wednesday, September 11 at 4 PM
Join us at Grand Central Library for a watercolor workshop where participants will have a chance to paint still lifes, abstract art, and their own symbolic paintings, on heavy watercolor paper, after learning a few distinct techniques for watercolor painting. All materials provided. Ages 5-12. Register here via email.

Printmaking with Cardboard and More

Wednesday, September 18 at 4 PM
Join us at this workshop as we make printing plates and stamps out of cardboard, styrofoam, bubble wrap, potatoes, and fruit, to create prints on paper and fabric. Best for ages 5 and up. Register here via email.

Books & Coding

Wednesday, September 25 at 4 PM
Explore some basic coding in Python as we create our very own book recommendation programs. For ages 8 and up with parent participation strongly encouraged for any child under 10. Register here via email.

Teen Programs

Retro Video Game Day

Every Friday in September 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!

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