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 Wi-Fi 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. 

January Staff Picks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult Events

Going Digital: Library e-Resources Help

Every Friday in January, 2 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! If time permits, we can help you with any other tech issue you are facing.

Spanish Conversation Meet-up

Every Tuesday in January, 1 PM-2:30 PM
Are you looking to practice your Spanish language skills? 1.5 hours per week our volunteers from Nicaragua and Spain lead us to practice speaking and listening. No registration necessary. Teens welcome!

Special Edition Book Discussion: Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Last Interview

Tuesday, January 7, 6 PM-7 PM
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we will be discussing The Last Interview and Other Conversations of the Reverend.

Midtown LVN Conversation: Access, Equality, and Segregation in NYC Schools

Thursday, January 16, 5:30 PM-7 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.

American Manifesto - WNYC’s Bob Garfield in conversation with Ken Auletta

Tuesday, January 21 at 6 PM
Join the conversation at Grand Central Library. Do you fear for our democracy? Are you ready to throw in the towel? Register here via email.

Martin Luther King Jr. Music & Film

Thursday, January 23, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Media will include, from special collections, Highway into history : 50 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Mahalia Jackson sings the best-loved hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Martin Luther King, Jr.: Letter from Birmingham Jail, and more.

Book Discussion: Winners Take All : The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas

Tuesday, January 28, 6 PM- 7 PM
Join us to discuss Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas. An insider's groundbreaking investigation of how the global elite's efforts to "change the world" preserve the status quo and obscure their role in causing the problems they later seek to solve.

NYPL125: NYPL Treasures - Race, Politics and Photography

Thursday, January 30 at 6 PM
Join the conversation at Grand Central Library. The event will feature rare and seldom seen images and showcase their relevance in our ongoing conversation on identity and art.

Kids Programs

Early Literacy: Baby Storytime

Every Tuesday in January 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, January 7, please click here on Saturday, January 4 around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, January 14, please click here on Friday, January 10 around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, January 21, please click here on Friday, January 17 around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, January 28, please click here on Friday, January 24 around noon.

Early Literacy: Baby Playtime

Every Tuesday in January 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 January at 10:30 AM and 11:15 AM
Children ages 18-36 months can practice early literacy skills alongside their caregivers. Participants may pick up tickets for each session at the front desk.

English Conversation for Caregivers

Every Thursday in January 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, January 6, 13 and 27 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.

Shirts & Circuits!

Wednesday, January 8 at 4 PM
Bring  a t-shirt or fabric to this event and decorate it with fabric markers and pens. We'll also use sewable circuits to make them light up! Ages 8 and up. Space is limited. Register here via  email.

Mapping Midtown!

Wednesday, January 15 at 4 PM
Using butcher paper with pre-sketched city street plans, patrons ages 5-12 will label landmarks and their favorite places to play or eat , find subway stations, and illustrate Manhattan as they see it.

Arts & Circuits!

Wednesday, January 22 at 4 PM
Get crafty with markers, crayons, and colored pencils and then use paper circuits to make your artistic creations light up! Artwork will then be displayed in the library. Ages 6 and up. Register here via  email.

Crafting Birdfeeders!

Wednesday, January 29 at 4 PM
Help feed birds in your yard or on your balcony by crafting a variety of kid-friendly bird feeders from recycled materials and birdseed—and learn how to identify some common birds that tend to visit New York City parks and window ledges. Ages 4 and up. Register here via email.

Teen Programs

Retro Video Game Day

Every Friday in January 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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