In the Spotlight

Update: Expanded Services at Select Locations

Starting today, NYPL is beginning to launch expanded access across our locations. We will begin by rolling out computer reservations and limited browsing at select grab-and-go branches. We aim to have all available branches open by mid-July, with the full complement of services such as general space use, programs, and classes incrementally reinstituted as quickly as circumstances allow. Additionally, researchers can get limited onsite access to our research centers by appointment. Check our website for the latest updates, including information about our reopening and how to download our mobile app for contactless checkout. See you at the Library!

Big Apple Book Ballot: The Ultimate NYC Read

Get ready for New York's next chapter by helping us choose the ultimate NYC read! NYPL is partnering with Gothamist to help prepare New Yorkers for the new Ranked Choice Voting system by taking part in our Big Apple Book Ballot. Rank your top five NYC reads and we’ll see which title reigns supreme over the Big Apple. Polls close on Tuesday, May 11, so vote now!

Watch: Libraries Make NYC Stronger

NYPL has stood by New York City throughout the pandemic and will be central to making sure we come back stronger than ever. From connecting New Yorkers to books, reading, and learning, to providing virtual job search help and resilience training, libraries are vital to our communities. As we look ahead, show your support for NYC's libraries. The City Council meets today, May 10—sign a letter now!

LIVE from NYPL

Let’s Talk About Hard Things: Anna Sale with Michael Arceneaux

Tues, May 18 | 7 PM

Which Side of History: Chelsea Clinton and Jim Steyer

Mon, May 24 | 7 PM
Co-presented with Common Sense Media

Immigration History, Politics & Prejudices: Jia Lynn Yang

Tues, May 25 | 8 PM ​

A Drop of Treason: Jonathan Stevenson with Jean Strouse

Wed, May 26 | 7 PM
Co-presented with the Library's Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers

Kids & Teens

Lift Off with Launchpads

The Library is proud to announce expanded access to our early learning tablets, now available to borrow from any open location. These Launchpad tablets from Playaway, previously only available for in-branch use, come preloaded with apps, games, and books for children ages 3–5 and 5–7. They are ad-free, easy to use, and do not require a Wi-Fi connection. Explore topics like math, language arts, critical thinking, and creativity in engaging and fun ways.

Special Storytime with Mona Golabek: Hold On to Your Music

Tues, May 18 | 10 AM

Come and learn about the story of pianist Lisa Jura and the "Children of Willesden Lane" during World War II. Concert pianist, author, and Lisa Jura’s daughter, Mona Golabek, will share a very special reading of her new children’s book, Hold On to Your Music, beautifully illustrated by renowned Italian artist Sonia Possentini.

TeenLIVE: Traci Chee

Wed, May 19 | 4:30 PM

Join us for a talk with Traci Chee, author of We Are Not Free, featured on the Library's 2020 Best Books for Teens list. A National Book Award finalist, the book follows 14-year-old budding artist Minoru Ito, her two brothers, her friends, and the other members of the Japanese-American community in southern California in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attacks.

Power to the Youth: Mental Health in Focus

Tues, May 25 | 4:30 PM

Following the difficulties of the past year, join a panel of youth leaders who will share personal stories and constructive tips about dealing with hardship, along with a mental health professional from ThriveNYC.

More Events & Resources

Navigating Ranked Choice Voting

Wed, May 12 | 6 PM presented in English, 普通话 (Mandarin), and 广东话 (Cantonese)
Tues, May 18 | 6 PM presented in English and বাংলা (Bengali)
Tues, May 25 | 6 PM presented in English and Español (Spanish)

Join us for an information session about what the 2021 elections mean for you and how the new Ranked Choice Voting system works. Language interpretation at various events will be available in Español (Spanish), 普通话 (Mandarin) and 广东话 (Cantonese), and বাংলা (Bengali).

ActionNYC: Free Legal Immigration Help

Anyone living in New York City can access free and safe immigration legal help through ActionNYC and the Library. Find free immigration legal screenings and representation in your language, plus referrals to other legal services and more resources.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The Library is here to help you find reliable resources about getting vaccinated. Discover organizations and providers across the city that can help you learn about all the COVID-19 vaccine options available to you.

Citizenship Study Groups

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 our online study groups and all the free resources the Library has to offer.

Mental Health Talks at the Library

Find community conversations about health and wellness, including talks on suicide prevention, health equity, and resilience, as part of our ongoing partnership with Spaces to Thrive.

Creative Aging Workshops

Discover a new art medium—and a sense of community—with this series of online workshops for Library patrons ages 50 and older. Program activities include knitting and crochet, writing, drawing and painting, acting, and more.

New & Noteworthy

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Reading List

To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, explore books for all ages that spotlight a range of experiences within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Book Adaptations Coming to a Screen Near You

Discover a list of books that are soon being made into movies and streaming series, including acclaimed titles such as Octavia Butler's Kindred and Nella Larson's Passing, as well as manga, comic books, and works for children. Plus, check out a few that just recently became available to watch.

Read the Women's Prize for Fiction Shortlist

The Women's Prize for Fiction has just announced the titles that have made the shortlist for the 2021 prize. This year's shortlist features stories that take readers everywhere from the mansions of Baxter Beach, Barbados to the high-anxiety world of the extremely online—and all are available to borrow from the Library in a variety of formats.

The Librarian Is In Podcast: All Quiet on the Western Front

In this episode of the Library's podcast, Frank and Crystal read and discuss Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front, selected from the Library's 125 Books We Love anniversary book list, about a German soldier grappling with the effects of World War I.

The Nanny's Fran Fine as Books

With the beloved '90s sitcom The Nanny now available on streaming services, many are returning to the show for its joyful love story, classic hijinks, and iconic costuming. To honor New York’s own flashy girl from Flushing, we’ve paired some of Fran’s best looks with books! Share your own Fran Fine book-inspired outfits and tag us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!