For 10 weeks now, The New York Public Library has served New York City through an unprecedented time in our history. May 23 marks the 125th anniversary of the Library’s consolidation, as former Governor of New York Samuel J. Tilden envisioned when he dedicated his estate to the formation of “a free library and reading room in the city of New York.” Our founding mission is more important than ever as we navigate new challenges to provide New Yorkers with vital information and a sense of community through our digital resources, outreach, and programming.

Today, we commemorate the Library’s founding with the release of our latest anniversary book list, 125 Kids Books We Love. As we work to support one another, this list celebrates children’s titles from the past 125 years that have inspired generations of readers. We are also debuting our anniversary video, Reading Brings Us Together. I invite you to watch it and experience the power of books to unite and inspire us all—from your local librarian to writers, actors, directors, and more across the world. 

As we seek comfort in troubling times, I hope that the Library and its iconic lions stand as a reminder that, with patience and fortitude, we can weather this storm together.   

Yours,
Tony

Anthony W. Marx
President, The New York Public Library

125th Anniversary

Anniversary Book List: 125 Kids Books We Love

It’s here! To celebrate 125 years of reading, learning, and inspiration, we’ve released our second anniversary book list—125 Kids Books We Love—featuring children’s titles that inspire those both young and young at heart to #LoveReading. All week, we’ve invited you to take a guess at what made the list. Now see which titles expert librarians across our system chose, plus find related activities!

125 Kids Books We Love: Online Storytimes

Explore our list of 125 Kids Books We Love with our online storytime series, bringing the joy of books and reading to New York families every weekday. Join our children's librarians as they sing songs, share early literacy tips, and read aloud from beloved titles featured on our anniversary list—including The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Frog and Toad Are Friends, Goodnight Moon, Caps for Sale, and Julián Is a Mermaid.

Anniversary Video: Reading Brings Us Together

In honor of the 125th anniversary of our founding, we asked 125 people to tell us about a book that inspired them to #LoveReading. Join a wide array of booklovers—from acclaimed authors to actors, musicians, and our own expert librarians—to celebrate the power of reading to bring us together, even when we’re apart. Check out the video and tell us what book made you #LoveReading!

More Ways to Join the Festivities

From historical photos to a virtual book club featuring titles from our first anniversary book list, 125 Books We Love, explore the many ways we are honoring the Library’s legacy this season while celebrating the enduring power of books, reading, and knowledge. 

Show Your Support

Shop the 125th Anniversary Online Find an assortment of special products honoring our 125 years of service, as well as thousands of items for literature lovers of all ages, online at the Library Shop.

Be a Part of the Library's Next 125 Years We could not have reached this historic anniversary without the support of our community. As we look ahead, our work remains as important as ever—please make a donation today.

Virtual Programs

LIVE from NYPL: Terry McMillan with Tayari Jones 

Tuesday, May 26 | 8 PM
LIVE from NYPL, The New York Public Library’s premier cultural series, now brings distinguished writers, artists, and scholars to your home for virtual conversations and performances. On Tuesday, hear author Terry McMillan discuss her new book, It’s Not All Downhill from Here, her creative influences, and the career she has built writing stories about resilience. She will be joined in conversation by Tayari Jones, the Women's Prize for Fiction–winning author of An American Marriage. Register for free to receive an invitation link and password. Produced in partnership with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

LIVE from NYPL: Blake Gopnik with Deborah Solomon

Thursday, May 28 | 8 PM
Join former Cullman Center Fellow Blake Gopnik and art critic Deborah Solomon to discuss Gopnik's new book, a biography of Andy Warhol. With unprecedented access to Warhol’s archives, Gopnik follows the artist from his working-class upbringing to his early career in commercial art and subsequent rise to global fame. Register for free to receive an invitation link. Produced in partnership with the Library’s Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers.

Today! LIVE from NYPL: Nic Stone's Shuri

Friday, May 22 | 4 PM
Tune in for a talk and Q&A with bestselling author Nic Stone about her new novel, based on Marvel’s Black Panther comics. Just released this month, Stone’s latest book follows Marvel fan favorite Shuri, who must save Wakanda and the mythical herb that powers her home. Get the chance to ask Stone about writing Shuri, her previous work, and her inspirations. Register for free to receive a link and password to participate. 

May Book Club Livestream: Kate Elizabeth Russell

Tuesday, May 26 | 7 PM
 Thousands of New Yorkers are reading Kate Elizabeth Russell's My Dark Vanessa as part of our "Get Lit with All of It" book club with WNYC. Join us on Tuesday, May 26 for a special livestream discussion and audience Q&A with Russell and "All of It" host Alison Stewart. Find out how you can join in—plus, stay tuned for details about our June book club pick!

More Online Events from NYPL

During the temporary closure of our physical locations, the Library continues to provide inspiration, information, and community for New Yorkers through an array of online programs, from our LIVE from NYPL events to virtual classes, librarian consultations, and book groups. Find classes to help ease the transition to working remotely with TechConnect, get help navigating this difficult period from our business and finance experts, plus find book clubs dedicated to a range of interests—including discussion groups for our monthly “Get Lit with All of It” book club. 

Community Resources

Take the Census Today

The 2020 Census is more important than ever. Take less than 10 minutes to complete the Census today, and you can help your community for the next 10 years by making sure New York City gets the resources it needs—including funding for healthcare, housing, and education. There are no citizenship questions and you don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to complete the questionnaire. You can respond to the Census online or by phone, no mailer or unique ID required.

COVID-19: Find the Help You Need

During these challenging times, the Library is here to help connect our communities to the resources they need. NYPL has compiled a selection of resources to help our patrons find important information and get help on topics from food and housing to finances and health and wellness. 

Remote Learning Resources for Kids & Teens

Students and educators can find the tools they need to succeed with the Library’s online resources. Our curated selection of storytimes, teaching guides, databases, and more support distance learning, while keeping kids engaged and informed. Plus, families with NYPL library cards can now access free, on-demand, one-on-one tutoring from our partner, Brainfuse. 

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