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What to Do at the New York Public Library This Winter

The New York Public Library is an amazing resource, and not only for the thousands of books it has on offer. In addition to its collections, the NYPL’s schedule of hundreds of free events gives New Yorkers and visitors alike the chance to watch performances, learn from experts, and hear from authors hailing from around the world. With topics spanning tap dancing to affordable housing, NYPL visitors are sure to find an event to get excited about. Here are our picks for the top events at the NYPL for winter 2015.

the nypl in winter

Image: Paul Churcher/Flickr

Architecture and urban design fans can head to NYPL’s flagship Stephen A. Schwartzman Building, which hosts a series of programs dedicated to Architectural Explorations in Books. The December 9 event 49 Cities will look back at visionary examples of urban design throughout history and how cities can be sites of experimental thinking in an ever-evolving world. On December 15, leading scholars and historians will discuss Affordable Housing in New York, which will look at low- and middle-income housing projects over the past century and examine how these projects can influence the city’s affordable housing issues today.

In addition to this series, the Schwartzman Building will also host such events as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – 150 Years Later (December 12), a panel discussion on the “wit, wonder, and legacy” of Lewis Carroll’s most famous tale as it celebrates its 150th anniversary and American Artists Against War (February 10), a discussion about antiwar art and artist activism from the 1930s through today. Another look at social justice can be found at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which will present an examination of the problems with NYC’s history of racial policing on December 3.

Across the street, the Mid-Manhattan Library is home to its own vast array of events. Culinary types can check out Voracious: A Hungry Reader Cooks Her Way Through Great Books (January 12), a discussion about the intersection of food and literature with author Cara Nicoletti. Those looking to learn more about the city have plenty of events to choose from, with subjects that include the history of St. Marks Place (December 17) and an examination of the creation and effect of the city’s grid system (January 25). Other intriguing events at the Mid-Manhattan library include a lecture on the history of tap dancing with dance critic Brian Seibert (December 21) and a discussion deconstructing America’s education system, examining how it can be made more equal in spite of the growing divide between rich and poor (December 8).

Further uptown at Lincoln Center, the Library of Performing Arts is host to a variety of performances and discussions centered around all aspects of the performing arts. Those looking for historical rarities should head to such events as dance historian David Vaughan’s screening of rare works by George Balanchine on January 27; or Fie! Fie! Fi-Fi! (January 4), a performance of a musical written for the Princeton Triangle Club in 1914 by a talented young freshman: F. Scott Fitzgerald. Classical music fans can also enjoy a slate of free performances at the museum. On December 5, young musicians will perform Beethoven in an evening inspired by the composer’s Opus String Quartets Nos. 1, 4, and 5.

fie fie fi fi fitzgerald

Those looking for a behind-the-scenes take on the arts have several events to choose from. On January 11, Broadway lyricist Sheldon Harnick and legendary performer Barbara Cook will discuss the musical She Loves Me with a panel of actors and creative leaders from the Roundabout Theatre Company, whose revival of the 1963 musical begins previews on Broadway this February 5. The event will look back on the show’s creation and original production, with forays into original manuscripts and production notes, while also previewing the new production and its updated designs. On December 12, audiences can get an up-close look at how plays get their illumination in a discussion with lighting designer Beverly Emmons, whose past work includes such notable productions as Einstein on the Beach at the Metropolitan Opera, Annie Get Your Gun and Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway, and productions by Bill T. Jones and the Martha Graham Dance Company.

These NYPL events are all free, but some may require advance registration. For more information, visit nypl.org.

About the Author

Alison Durkee is a New York-based arts journalist and critic with a background in theatre and dance. She currently serves as the Features Editor of London theatre website Everything Theatre and also covers news and politics for Mic.com.

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