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. 

February Staff Picks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult Events

Tax Preparation with AARP

Every Monday in February, 10 AM-2 PM, except President's Day, February 17.
AARP’s free income tax preparation program is an IRS-certified and supervised program offering tax services. FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVE BASIS ONLY. Please see tax prep requirements here.

Census 2020: U.S. Census Bureau: Recruitment Event

Every Monday in Februrary, 2 PM-6 PM, except President's Day, February 17.
Grand Central Library will be hosting recruiters from the U.S. Census Bureau as they seek applicants to help make the 2020 Census a success. They will offer a variety of positions for which paid training will be offered. Learn more at: 2020census.gov/jobs or by calling 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020)

Spanish Conversation Meet-up

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

Chess 101 for Seniors

Every Wednesday in February, 12 PM-2:30 PM
Chess Master Douglas Bellizzi will be conducting a 15 week BEGINNER class for older adults. Through discussion, worksheets, and practice you will exercise your brain and have fun with new people. There is limited space, click here to register.

Going Digital: Library e-Resources Help

Every Friday in February, 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.

Meditation with Jim Rose

Tuesday, February 4, 6 PM-7 PM
Join long-time meditator Jim Rose, a retired executive with Johnson and Johnson, as he offers this engaging workshop on how to use the practice of meditation to transform the heart.

College Admissions Insights: What the Insiders Can't and Won't Tell You

Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 PM
In this free seminar for parents, Versed Advisory Network and guest EN*TRANCE will share the workings of the college admissions committees and highlight the mostly invisible and rarely shared triggers to move your child into the "acceptance pile." Click here to register. Walk-ins also welcome.

NYPL125: Community Partnerships: American Heart Association

Monday, February 10, 12 PM-3 PM
This month, for ONE DAY ONLY, the American Heart Association will be on hand to talk about healthy living in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

NYPL125: The Real Green Book: Using NYPL Collections to Bridge the Past

Tuesday, February 11 at 6 PM
Join the conversation at Grand Central Library as we explore the origins of the "Green Book" travel guide. Register here via email.

Book Discussion: My Ántonia by Willa Cather

Tuesday, February 18 at 6 PM-7 PM
Join us to discuss My Ántonia by Willa Cather, The reminiscences of a New York lawyer, Jim Burden, about his boyhood in Nebraska.

Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights with Gretchen Sorin, PhD

Thursday, February 20 at 6 PM
Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights. How the automobile fundamentally changed African American life―the true history beyond the Best Picture–winning movie.

Kids Programs

Early Literacy: Preschool Storytime

Every Monday in February at 4 PM, except President's Day, February 17.
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive storytime featuring read-alouds, songs, movement, and creative activities.

Early Literacy: Baby Storytime

Every Tuesday in February 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, February 4, please click here on Friday, January 31 around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, February 11, please click here on Friday, February 7 around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, February 18, please click here on Friday, February 14 around noon.

To RSVP for Tuesday, February 25, please click here on Saturday, February 22 around noon.

Early Literacy: Baby Playtime

Every Tuesday in February 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 February 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 February 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.

Sock Puppet Party!

Wednesday, February 5 at 4 PM
Join us as we turn ordinary socks into creative, wacky puppets with their own personalities! Buttons, yarn, sewing materials, and socks will be provided (patrons may also bring their own socks). After creating our puppets, we will practice puppetry using writing and drama exercises.

Stuffed Animals & Creatures

Wednesday, February 12 at 4 PM
Make your very own stuffed animal or creature to take home! We'll draw out designs on felt and then cut, sew, and stuff your project together. Ages 6 and up. Register here via email.

Crafting With Clay

Wednesday, February 19 at 4 PM
Use all-natural clay to make bowls, vases, or unique sculptures!  Learn basic techniques for working with clay to make different shapes and experiment with design and form. Register here via email.

Teen Programs

Retro Video Game Day

Every Friday in February 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!

Anime Dreamz

Friday, February 21 at 4 PM
Learn Animé character drawing Kawaii Chibis & Kaiju & more! Mix it up with your own funky flavors! For 13-18 years old. Presented by DJ SpazeCraft.

SAT Paper & Pencil Practice Test

Saturday, February 22 at 10 AM
Join a classroom of your peers and take a full-length practice SAT. After the test, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.

Author Talk: Big Black: Stand at Attica

Saturday, February 22 at 3 PM
Join us at the Grand Central Library for an author talk featuring the creators of the new graphic novel, Big Black: Stand at Attica. We will have co-writer Jared D. Reinmuth, Daniel Meyers (one of Frank "Big Black" Smith's lawyers) and Pearl Smith (Frank's widow), all on hand to discuss the life and times of Frank "Big Black" Smith and the Attica Prison uprising.

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