Grand Central Library Events and News: November 2019
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, located on our second floor.
November Staff Picks
Adult Events
Midtown Local Voices Network: Community Conversation
Thursday, November 7, 6-7:30 PM
Join us for a recorded community conversation on the topics that matter most to you. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited. Register here to attend!
Author Talk: Boss of the Grips: The Life of James H. Williams
Tuesday, November 12 at 6 PM
Eric K. Washington discusses his biography about the head of Grand Central Terminal’s Red Caps, who flourished in the cultural nexus of Harlem and American railroads. Register here via email.
Community Conversation: Alzheimer's and Dementia
Thursday, November 14 at 3 PM
Come talk with experts about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Register here via email.
Midtown Local Voices Network: Community Conversation
Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 PM
Join us for another recorded community conversation on the topics that matter most to you. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited. Register here to attend!
Day Of Mindfulness
Saturday, November 16, 10 AM-4 PM
When the library opens at 10 AM, head to the second floor, and go 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.
Book Discussion: A Wonderful Stroke of Luck by Ann Beattie
Tuesday, November 19, 6 PM-7 PM
Join us to discuss A Wonderful Stroke of Luck, a razor-sharp, deeply felt new novel about the complicated relationship between a charismatic teacher and his students, and the secrets we keep from those we love.
Enhancing the Quality of Life for Our Manhattan Seniors
Wednesday, November 20 at 2 PM
A panel of experts in the field of elder care will inform the public of their options when it comes to planning their own care, or the care of their loved ones as they age.
Be Creative with Crafts
Thursday, November 21, 2 PM-4 PM
Mixed-media artist, Donna Castelluccio, will lead the group in creating a small fabric-and-lace book. Donna will also exhibit her fabric books on the first floor of Grand Central Library from November 1-30. A craft program for adults. All materials will be provided by Grand Central! Register here via email.
Kids Programs
Early Literacy: Baby Storytime
Every Tuesday in November 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, November 5, please click here on Friday, November 1 around noon.
To RSVP for Tuesday, November 12, please click here on Saturday, November 9 around noon.
To RSVP for Tuesday, November 19, please click here on Friday, November 15 around noon.
To RSVP for Tuesday, November 26, please click here on Friday, November 22 around noon.
Early Literacy: Baby Playtime
Every Tuesday in November 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.
Early Literacy: Toddler Storytime
Every Thursday in October at 10:30 AM and 11:15 AM
Children ages 18 months-36 months can practice early literacy skills alongside their caregivers. Note: This is the first of two Toddler Storytime sessions. Participants may pick up tickets for each session at the front desk.
Early Literacy: Teatro SEA's Spanish/English Bilingual Storytelling and Puppet Series
Fridays, November 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 11 AM
Children ages 0-5 years can learn about Latin American folktales through bilingual storytelling with puppets. Get more information here.
Drag Queen Story Hour
Monday, November 4 at 4 PM
In this 45-minute program designed for children ages 3-8, drag queen Harmonica Sunbeam will read picture books that touch on themes of diversity and difference, sing songs, and do craft activities.
Speak Your Mind, Change The World: Button Making and T-Shirt Decorating
Wednesday, November 6 at 4 PM
Participants will have an opportunity to make buttons and decorate T-shirts for causes they care about. This program is best for ages 7 and up. Register here via email.
English Conversation for Caregivers
Thursdays, November 7, 14, and 21 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 playtime.
Early Literacy: Preschool Storytime
Mondays, November 11 and 18 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.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Wednesday, November 13 at 4 PM
Explore story writing with Choose Your Own Adventure stories! We'll read through a book where we decide our fate together, and then work on telling and writing our very own adventure stories. Best for kids ages 8 and up. Register here via email.
Code Your Own Adventure
Wednesday, November 20 at 4 PM
Jump into telling your own adventure with Python coding! We'll use the basics of Choose Your Own Adventure stories to create a simple story to play through and share with other kids. Ages 8 and up. Register here via email.
Teen Programs
Retro Video Game Day
Every Friday in November 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!
Create and Animate
Friday, November 15 at 4 PM
Learn how to turn your ideas into animated drawings. Experiment and draw artwork digitally by using the various tools in an iPad drawing app, and turn it into an animation. For ages 13-18 years old. Presented by DJ SpazeCraft.
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