This week our nation is preparing for a new chapter. Tomorrow is Inauguration Day, and no matter what our backgrounds or political persuasions, we should all hope for the peaceful transfer of power that is so central to our democratic process. We are still reeling from the brazen, anti-American attack at the Capitol that was a direct threat to our democracy, and grappling with the division, hate, willful ignorance, and inequity at its foundation. Libraries actively fight against those forces, providing trusted information, convening communities (even remotely), and offering opportunities and knowledge to all. As we all navigate 2021, which is already testing our strength and resilience, I am proud that The New York Public Library will provide all New Yorkers with the tools that they need to be productive members of civic society, to open their minds and hearts, and to help our divided nation heal. I urge all of you to explore our book lists, our research offerings, and all that we have in an effort to learn, grow, and help strengthen our communities. 

Tony

Anthony W. Marx
President, The New York Public Library

In the Spotlight

Raised Voices: Classic Speeches from Feminist Pioneers

Tues, Jan 19 | 8 PM
On the eve of tomorrow's inauguration, join The New Yorker's Jiayang Fan, author Martha S. Jones, and contemporary activists to read speeches from past generations of BIPOC trailblazers, including Jovita Idár, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Susette La Flesche, Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, and Mary Church Terrell, that demonstrate the enduring power of citizenship, the ongoing struggle for equality, and the value of a vote. 

Harry Belafonte Black Liberation Speaker Series, with thanks to Kenneth Cole

Valarie Kaur and Rashad Robinson, with Gina Belafonte

Thurs, Jan 21 | 8 PM
As our nation grapples with this moment in our democracy, join celebrated activists to discuss race, justice, and a more equitable future. Valarie Kaur, Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer, and Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change, come together in conversation with filmmaker and Sankofa.org executive director Gina Belafonte, to take stock of our present moment and shine a light on the revolutionary love needed for a better tomorrow.

Harry Belafonte Black Liberation Speaker Series, with thanks to Kenneth Cole

Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar, with Alison Stewart

Thurs, Jan 28 | 8 PM
Sisters Lacey Lamar and Amber Ruffin, a Late Night with Seth Meyers writer and host of Peacock's The Amber Ruffin Show, tackle modern-day racism with their new book, You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism. Together, the pair will share their horrifying and outrageous experiences with racism, from Omaha, Nebraska to New York City.

Library Updates

Service Updates from the Library

As we work to provide New Yorkers with the services they need during this unprecedented time, visit our website for updates on open locations, safety procedures, and grab-and-go services. Plus, be sure to check for the latest hours at your preferred grab-and-go location.

Stay Connected with Our E-Newsletters

Find out all the different events the Library hosts to foster conversation, bring leading thinkers together, and promote learning and curiosity about the world around us.

NYPL Events: Learn about the latest events across the Library, including new programs from your neighborhood branch.
NYPL Kids: Discover kid-friendly programs and resources, including book talks, multilingual storytimes, crafts, STEAM activities, and more.
NYPL en Español: Actualizaciones mensuales e información sobre la variedad de recursos digitales, servicios, actividades y recomendaciones de lectura principales para todas las edades en español.
Library for the Performing Arts: Access events and resources from one of the world's most extensive collections of performing arts materials.
Schomburg Connection: Access events and resources from the Library's renowned Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Book of the Day: Get inspired with daily book recommendations delivered to your inbox each morning.

For Kids & Teens

Story Line Available in English, Español, and 普通话 

Now it's easier than ever for your family to hear stories from our children's librarians from anywhere! Our new Story Line service offers weekly stories released every Monday that are read in English, Español, and 普通话 when you dial 917-ASK-NYPL. Plus, find out other ways to listen.

Bilingual Drag Queen Story Hour for Little Learners

Tune in this week for new storytimes from Drag Queen Story Hour, including seven stories read in Spanish and English! This week's bilingual storytimes include Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre by Juana Martinez-Neal, ¡Estamos en un libro! by Mo Willems, El día en que descubres quién eres by Jacqueline Woodson, De la cabeza a los pies by Eric Carle, Julian es una sirena by Jessica Love, Pete el gato: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, and La araña muy ocupada and El artista que pinto un caballo azul by Eric Carle.

NYPL After School Resources

Every week, the Library provides STEAM activities, book talks, and tips for staying focused while learning remotely. This month, the theme is “appreciate”—check back every week for new recommended reads, crafts, and more to learn about the power of appreciation.

Free Events & Resources

Doc Chat: Weekly Dives Into NYPL Collections

Doc Chat is a program series that digs deep into the stories behind the Library’s most interesting collections and highlights ways that teachers can incorporate them into the classroom. Coming up, public historian Richard Cheu joins NYPL to analyze several 19th-century photographs related to the construction and completion of the transcontinental railroad through the lens of  the business of photography and the history of Chinese Americans. Find all upcoming Doc Chat discussions!

Dance and Immigration: A Symposium Beyond Boundaries

Fri, Jan 29 | 10 AM
Copy: Join the Jerome Robbins Dance Division at the Library for the Performing Arts to view lectures, performances, and more from the cohort of 2020–21 Dance Research Fellows, presented as part of their annual dance symposium. The fellows, selected in June 2020, were invited to explore the theme of dance and immigration using resources from the Library for the Performing Arts.

Citizenship Study Groups at NYPL

New Americans have the opportunity to join a virtual citizenship study group to prepare for the civics portion of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Naturalization Test. Learn more about joining an online study group and all the resources the Library has to offer. 

Spaces to Thrive: COVID-19 & Mental Health Discussions

Spaces to Thrive is a partnership between NYPL and the Mayor's Office of ThriveNYC to spark conversation about mental health and bring free mental health programming to New Yorkers. Find community discussions at your local library to share your experiences and find resources to help you and loved ones through difficult times. 

Chinese Conversation Tutoring

Looking to improve your Chinese language skills? The Library provides an array of online Chinese conversation courses for those looking to practice conversational Mandarin with an instructor and others in their community

Don't Forget: Update Your Information Before the 2021 New York Primary Election

Review your voter information and stay engaged ahead of the New York primary election. The deadline to confirm or change your party affiliation is Sunday, February 14. Keeping this information up to date is critical in making sure your voice is heard during the primary election on June 22, 2021.

New & Noteworthy

Take the Read Harder Challenge in 2021

Book Riot's 2021 Read Harder Challenge encourages readers to explore new viewpoints, titles, and genres they wouldn't otherwise have read with prompts like, "Read a romance by a trans or nonbinary author," and, "Read an SFF anthology edited by a person of color." If you want to participate, the Library offers a ton of suggestions to get you started.

Get Inspired by These Books About Bold One-Year Life Experiments

From Year of Yes to The Year of Less, discover books by authors who went beyond making small resolutions or minor modifications to their lives and strove for greater impact—for themselves and their communities.

Children's Fantasy Novels Set in New York City

These books are set in a variety of otherworldly New Yorks imagined by 14 talented authors. NYC fans of the fantastical will enjoy these adventures set in their home town.

The Librarian Is In: New Year Edition

Frank and Rhonda kick off 2021 the way they know best—through books and reading! Join in for an hour of great conversation including discussions of The Nickel Boys, The Alchemy of Us, and even musical theater. Plus, Frank and Rhonda reveal which book from our 125 NYC Books We Love anniversary list they'll be reading for their next book club.

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