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East 125th Street Library One of Five Original Carnegie Libraries to Receive Full Renovation

East Harlem, New York Public Library, NYPL

In 2021, the New York Public Library enhanced, repaired, and expanded public spaces to the tune of over $335 million in a capital construction program. In addition to the highlighted Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library and upgrades to Gottesman Hall in the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (including the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures), the Library spent $37.4 million on 30 other branches serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Many of these projects were stalled during the pandemic, and have now been restarted. One such project is a complete renovation for five of the original Carnegie Libraries. And one of those five is located at 224 East 125th Street. Below are a few renderings for the new space, including artwork.

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Learn About ‘The Women Writers of the Caffe Cino, 1959-1968’ at Jefferson Market Library, March 16th

Greenwich Village, Jefferson Market Library, LGBT Historic Sites Project, LGBTQ, NYPL

The Caffe Cino, 31 Cornelia Street. Image courtesy LGBT Historic Sites Project.

On March 16 at 6pm, the Jefferson Market Library and archivist and Caffe Cino actress Magie Dominic will share documentation and stories about the landmark space, Caffe Cino, presenting the first program devoted to the women playwrights who produced their work at the Caffe. This small theater, located at 31 Cornelia Street in Greenwich Village, opened in 1958, and produced plays and theater work until its closing in 1968. Magie Dominic was one of the original performers at the Caffe, and like many, worked in a multiple of capacities. During its 10 year existence, Joe Cino, owner of the Caffe Cino, produced the work of hundreds of new writers, many of whom went on to win a multitude of awards -including Pulitzers, Tonys, Academy Awards and Obies.

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The Wondrous Willa Kim: Costume Designs for Actors & Dancers Opens at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

New York Public Library, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, NYPL

Installation view, The Wondrous Willa Kim: Costume Designs for Actors and Dancers courtesy NYPL

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts celebrates the long and colorful career of costume designer Willa Kim in her first-ever major retrospective exhibition, The Wondrous Willa Kim: Costume Designs for Actors and Dancers. Kim’s archive was acquired by the Library in 2017. The show features an assortment of designs and costumes from her long and prolific career, including work from productions like Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, The Will Rogers Follies, and her final Broadway show, Victor/Victoriastarring Julie Andrews.

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Gov. Hochul Commits $8 Million for Upgrades to Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Harlem, NYPL, The Schomburg Center

Governor Kathy Hochul announces the commitment of $8 million for improvements to The Schomburg. Images courtesy Gov Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the commitment of $8 million for improvements to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. The funding, which is being administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, will enable the refurbishment of the building façade, replacement of windows and roof, and will allow for safety enhancements and energy-saving improvements. DASNY will also provide design services and construction management for the project. This announcement comes during Harlem Week, an annual celebration of Harlem’s wide ranging culture and history.

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NYPL Hosts ‘Happy Hour’ with Asian American Writers’ Workshop on Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library’s Gorgeous New Rooftop

NYPL, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)

Image via NYPL. Stavos Niarchos Foundation Library Rooftop, 455 Fifth Avenue, NYC

This month, The New York Public Library will partner with the Asian American Writers’ Workshop to present a Rooftop Happy Hour on the fabulous new rooftop terrace of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library! The event will include readings of new work by Zain Khalid and Daphne Palais Andreades.

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Brooklyn Public Library in Partnership with The Lenape Center presents the Exhibition ‘Lenapehoking’

Brooklyn, Brooklyn Public Library, NYPL

Image: Bandolier Bag, 2014, Joe Baker. Fabric, wool, glass beads, 24 inches L, 7inch- wide strap: Bag is 8 1/4inches H, 9″ W, Courtesy of the artist.

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and The Lenape Center announced today Lenapehoking, the first-ever Lenape-curated exhibition in New York featuring masterworks by Lenape artists past and present. The new exhibition, opening January 20 and on view through April 30 at Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, includes never-before-seen beaded bandolier bags from the 1800s, a newly created turkey feather cape, culinary tapestries from a seed rematriation project in the Hudson Valley, and more.

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A Look-Back at Andrew Carnegie and the NYC Historic Carnegie Libraries

Carnegie Libraries, NYPL

Patrons in the reading room of the Carnegie Library of Homestead in Munhall, Pa., circa 1900. The Carnegie Steel Co.fought back against striking steel workers in Homestead in 1892. Library of Congress

This is the story of an immigrant, coming to America in the 1880s, building an empire, and donating most of his millions to fund public libraries across the country. The man was Andrew Carnegie, who arrived in the U.S. at the age of thirteen with his family from Scotland. His family was dirt poor, but young Carnegie’s world opened up when he was invited to spend Saturday afternoons at a local private library by a wealthy Pittsburgh man. It was then that he resolved that if he would ever obtain wealth, it should be used to establish free libraries.

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The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Annouces Fall 2018 Season

Harlem, NYPL, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Little Man, Little Man, by James Baldwin. Image courtesy of The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will kick-off its Fall 2018 Season this September with The Queer Black Voice in Fashion on Wednesday, September 5th as part of Talks at the Schomburg during New York Fashion 2018 (September 6-14).

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LIVE from the NYPL!

Event, NYPL

The Spring Season for LIVE from the NYPL is upon us, engaging notable writers, artists, and leaders in conversation with host, Paul Holdengräber. Take a look at who is heading to the Library Stage + more at NYPL.

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You Say You Want a Revolution: Remembering the 60s

Event, New York City, NYPL

Oracle/City of Los Angeles 1, no.5 (August 1967). Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection of English and American Literature

In collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s citywide festival The 60s, the New York Public Library is launching an exploration of the most influential elements of culture from 1960-74, and how they carry forward today.

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