As one of the most challenging years in recent memory comes to a close, I want to thank you for letting the Library continue to be part of your world—even when that world was turned upside down. It was our privilege to serve the City and to provide New Yorkers with what they needed during a time of unprecedented isolation, anxiety, and difficulty. We are proud that we could offer a wide range of virtual services throughout 2020, including e-books, timely reading recommendations, remote learning resources, and so much more. In many ways, there was no more appropriate way to mark our 125th anniversary than doing what we have done for all that time: stepping up, in good times and bad, to connect our communities to the knowledge, opportunities, trusted information, and escapes of creativity that they want and need. 

As part of looking back, today we released our list of the top checkouts of 2020, a snapshot of what New Yorkers read during this historic year. It is gratifying to see so many books featured as part of our WNYC book club and our Black Liberation Reading List, showing that New Yorkers were determined to find a sense of togetherness around reading, and a better understanding of world events and of each other. I encourage you to take a look, and I hope it inspires you to find your next great read in 2021. And please note, we have suspended late fines through June. 

Speaking of moving into next year, the Library looks forward to being here for you as we all continue to cope with and eventually recover from way too much: a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, a reckoning over race and basic securities, and a sorely divided nation. With patience and fortitude, we will all turn the page and start a hopeful new chapter, together. 

Yours,

Tony

Anthony W. Marx
President, The New York Public Library 

In the Spotlight

See the List: NYPL's Top Checkouts of 2020

No matter what difficulties we faced, New Yorkers managed to read millions of books this year. Check out the top 10 books that were checked out across the city, find out what kids and teens have been reading this year, and see what titles were popular in Spanish. How many have you read? Many titles are available in accessible editions and world languages.

 

Roar for NYC: Books, Photos, History & More

To wrap up our 125th anniversary year, the Library is paying tribute to the city we call home. Check out our latest anniversary list, 125 NYC Books We Love, to explore some of our favorite titles that are about or set in New York City. Plus, dive deep into the history of New York with a look at items from our collections, plus special storytimes and more. 

Service Updates: Fines & Library Card Renewals

As we enter a new year, check for updates from the Library about changes to our policies as we work to keep our communities safe. We just suspended fines on checked out material through at least June 30, 2021. Additionally, library cards set to expire will have their renewal dates pushed until at least June 30, 2021. Be sure to check all of our updates.  Plus, don't forget that you can download the new NYPL app for iOS and Android to manage your account on the go, use contactless checkout, and more!

Season Highlights

 ICYMI: Holiday Open House

If you missed the Library's first-ever virtual edition of our Holiday Open House, featuring storytimes, a puppet show, a ballet class, collection tours, choir performances, and plenty of holiday cheer, it's not too late! There’s still time to discover our special holiday dance party playlist, downloadable kids crafts, and cocktail and cookie recipes from the Library's archives—perfect for sharing this holiday season.

New Online Exhibition About The Nutcracker

Revisit the magic of New York during the holidays with our latest exhibition, Winter Wonderland: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Using items from the Library for the Performing Arts's Jerome Robbins Dance Division, this festive exhibition explores the unlikely success story behind Balanchine’s production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, a beloved holiday tradition. 

Gems from the Dorot Jewish Collection: Chanukah Hymns 

Celebrate the holidays with this post about the Library’s stunning illuminated manuscript, the David Bar Pesah Mahzor, donated to the Library by the manufacturer and philanthropist Louis Rabinowitz in the mid-20th century. The codex contains numerous examples of religious poems, or piyutim, aimed to enhance festive synagogue services on the holidays and special Shabbats.

Kwanzaa Books for Children, Adults & Families

In this post, one of our librarians discusses  what Kwanzaa means within his family and to the larger Black community. Explore recommended titles for all ages to learn about the principles of Kwanzaa: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).

Events & Resources

Livestream Event: Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem

Thurs, Jan 7 | 7 PM​
Catch up on our latest book club pick, Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem—available on the Library's free e-reader app, SimplyE—with our librarian-led discussion groups, leading up to a livestream conversation with Lethem himself on Thursday, January 7. Come prepared—Lethem will take audience questions and our Get Lit with All of It host Alison Stewart will reveal what our January book club pick will be. Don't miss out!

Reinvigorating Your Career in the New Year with Jim Arnoff

Tues, Jan 5 | 5 PM​

Money Matters: Wills vs. Trusts with Daniel A. Timins

Wed, Jan 6 | 12 Noon​

Community Resources from NYPL

During these challenging times, the Library is here to help our communities to find the resources they need. NYPL has collected a range of resources to help our patrons find important information and help. Explore our page to find economic resources, health and wellness services, housing information, and more. Have a safe, pleasant, and positive New Year.

For Kids & Teens

Watch Online Storytimes

Every weekday, find new storytimes from our children's librarians! Discover beloved books, songs, and useful literacy tips to help foster a love of reading in young learners. Plus, look back on special storytimes including multilingual editions, stories that reflect the diversity and beauty of New York City, drag queen story hours, and more!

Activities & More from NYPL 

Check out your one-stop shop for everything kids need to stay sharp over winter break at NYPL, free with a library card. Find digital resources that support blended learning, e-books and audiobooks with school stories to help kids keep up with their reading, craft projects to get excited about learning, one-on-one tutoring—just to name a few! See what the Library has to offer you and your students! 

New & Noteworthy

Seven Books to Read If You Love Cheesy Christmas Movies

These books will give you the same warm, familiar feelings as your favorite holiday movie.

Festive Library-Themed Backgrounds for Your Zoom Holiday Party

To make your virtual holiday office party a bit more jolly, why not join your coworkers online with some festive backgrounds?

Found Family: Literature That Celebrates Families of Choice

This holiday season, consider celebrating the beauty of families of choice through these selections available through The New York Public Library.

Sweet Cakes & Pies to Bake at Home

These mouth-watering baking books are suitable for beginner bakers and experts who want to expand their knowledge.

Favorite 2020 Titles from the Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Non-Conforming Canon 

These mouth-watering baking books are suitable for beginner bakers and experts who want to expand their knowledge.

The Librarian Is In: Bodega Dreams & Holiday Themes

Frank and Rhonda talk holiday plans and share their thoughts on their latest reads. Frank chose Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Rhonda discusses Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law: A Memoir by Haben Girma. Plus they reveal their next book club pick from our 125 NYC Books We Love anniversary list: Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez.

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