BROOKLYN ART LIBRARY IS HOME TO THE SKETCHBOOK PROJECT – a compendium of over 40,000 artists’ sketchbooks from over 135 countries.  The library serves as a reading room where you can get cozy and spend an afternoon enjoying artwork in a hands-on experience.  Each sketchbook is individually barcoded and cataloged with searchable details, like where the book came from, the materials used, the artist name, tag words and oh-so-much-more.  Anyone can contribute to The Sketchbook Project.  Available for purchase at the library are all the tools and art supplies a doodler, parent, student, writer or artist requires to complete and decorate their personalized book.  Contributions from first-time artists and children sit alongside the work of professional illustrators and painters.   Once your book is filled, just ship it back and it becomes part of the project.  Librarians add a barcode and catalogue each book with searchable details.  Visitors to the library can then physically flip through the work, engaging with an artist’s visual diary from all corners of the world.  Books have been used to memorialize friends or family members, as a time capsule, a travel journal and even a marriage proposal (which was actually hidden within a featured sketchbook.)  Located in Williamsburg Brooklyn, the library encourages interaction between artist and those they reach through their work.

BROOKLYN ART LIBRARY, 28 Frost Street  Brooklyn, NY   http://brooklynartlibrary.com

DUMBO = Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass

Local artists named the neighborhood in the 1980’s, as they began flocking to this industrial relic. Blending a gritty industrial past with urban chic: Belgian block streets, old train rails and former warehouses. DUMBO is bustling with the creative vibrancy of artists, theaters, restaurants and two waterfront parks. Brooklyn’s Dumbo amazes with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. This small walkable neighborhood is fun to explore by foot and no matter where you wander, your bound to stumble upon amazing places to eat, shop and explore.

 

WALK ACROSS THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Whether you’re the city born, just “passing through” or an enthralled tourist, no time spent in our fair city would be truly complete with out a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. Built in 1883, this grande dame reaches majestically over New York City’s East River, linking the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. More than 12,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 3,100 bicyclists cross it every day. It has inspired the works of such notable artists as Georgia O’Keefe and Andy Warhol, the playwright Arthur Miller, poet Jack Kerouac, musician Wyclef Jean and has featured rolls in time-honored films like “Moonstruck” and Woody Allen’s “Manhattan”. On any given day you’ll exchange pleasantries with fellow footmen from around the globe, pay homage to the possibilities of endless love when viewing the “love locks” or offer congratulatory wishes to those fearless newlyweds taking their first official stroll straight from taking the plunge at City Hall.  It’s all there and it’s free. Go take a hike!

BROOKLYN BRIDGE LOVE LOCKS

Starting in the 1990’s, the tradition of affixing engraved locks to bridges has been seen all around the world from Paris’s Pont des Arts, to Rome’s Pont Milvio, to the Brooklyn Bridge. Couples secure their locks then throw the keys into the East River often hitting cars below. The Brooklyn Bridge is a beloved National Historic Landmark and must not be damaged or altered. Because of this iconic status, The New York City of Transportation has started cracking down on these locks of love due to safety concerns. So far the city has removed more than 6,000 locks of love.

TAKE A RIDE ON JANE’S CAROUSEL

No visit to Dumbo would be complete without a spin on Jane’s Carousel, a 1922 merry-go-round that was moved from Ohio completely restored. It’s 48 beautiful horses prance near the East River year-round. Located in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel is housed in a gorgeous glass pavilion.

SHOP DUMBO

You will be delighted in DUMBO’s eclectic stores, many of which are housed in huge lofty spaces. A couple of my favorites are:

~ SHIBUI Japanese Antiques, 38 Washington Street.  Reflecting the aesthetic of its namesake (meaning simple, subtle and unobtrusive beauty) SHIBUI offers a treasure trove of unique Japanese ceramics, textiles, cabinetry and folk art items.

~ The FEED Shop & Cafe, 55 Water Street.  Lauren Bush Lauren has just opened FEED’s first brick-and-mortar shop – and cafe.  Alongside her philanthropic tote bags and accessories you will find beautifully curated, socially conscious items.  And like FEED bags, everything purchased helps children in need.

~ BLACKBARN, 20 John Street.  BLACKBARN shop is a home emporium of distinctive, sophisticated designs from all over the world. This stunning 3,000 square ft space is filled with curiosities, art, furniture and home goods

~ Powerhouse Arena Books, 28 Adam’s Street.  Support the independent bookstore, this bright and roomy spot that functions as a bookstore focused on art, events and exhibitions. It also has a terrific kids section.

~ Trunk, 68 Jay Street.  Clothing, jewelry, bags, wallets and furniture, all locally designed and manufactured, making a bold statement that “style can be created and found locally”.

~ Modern Anthology, 68 Jay Street.  Male-friendly furniture and home accessories, casual clothing and traditional men’s accessories. For your favorite hipster you will find “beard oil” infused with scents of eucalyptus, cedar wood and pine.

~ Half Pint Citizens, 41 Washington Street.  Affordable shop offering unique clothing, eco-friendly products, gear & toys for babies and kids.

VISIT DUMBO GALLERIES

Photography to painting, street art to sculpture: DUMBO’s galleries bring the work of local, national and international artists to the Brooklyn waterfront.

~ Klompching Gallery – 89 Water St. Wed.-Sat. 11-6

~ United Photo Industries – 16 Main St. Tues.-Sat. 11-6

~ Minus Space – 16 Main St. Wed.-Sat. 11-5

~ Masters Projects – 91 Water St. Wed.-Sat. 11-6

~ Smack Mellon – 92 Plymouth St. Wed.-Sun. 11-6

First Thursday Gallery Walk, 6-9pm – The First Thursday of every month galleries of DUMBO stay open late, hosting special events and receptions.

LAND STUDIO AND GALLERY

Stop in and visit the artists at LAND Gallery, 67 Front St. Land Studio and Gallery is a unique nonprofit day habilitation program that teaches life skills through the modality of art. LAND (League Artists Natural Design) was founded in 2005 and serves as both studio and gallery for 16 adult artists with developmental disabilities. At LAND, artist develop their skills in a nurturing environment, while their work is marketed to the community in a vibrant and inclusive manner. LAND artist work with painters, sculptors, fiber artists, animators, designers and others who value creative collaboration.

EATS IN DUMBO

~ The River Cafe, One Water St. Celebrate something special at one of New York’s most unique locations. Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge offering sweeping views of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty, this elegant restaurant has become a favorite destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.

~It’s no secret that DUMBO is the pizza capital of New York, with the highest slice-to-cobblestone ratio of anywhere in the city.  Try a five pie tour: Grimaldi’s, Juliana’s, Ignazio, Front Street Pizza and Love & Dough.

~ Atrium Dumbo, 15 Main St. Atrium offers a fresh, market-driven menu that draws influence from Chef Laurent Kalkotour’s upbringing in the South of France.

~ Vinegar Hill, 72 Hudson Ave. A more relaxed restaurant in a rustic part of the Brooklyn waterfront.

~ Superfine, 126 Front St. Seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, organic meats and fresh seafood. Full bar and occasional live music and pool table.

~ Olympia Wine Bar, 54 Jay St. Wine, beer, cocktails and small plates are offered.

~ 7 Old Fulton, 7 Old Fulton St. Italian, French, Spanish and American Fare under the Brooklyn Bridge.

~ Gran Electrica, 5 Front St. Authentic seasonal Mexican restaurant known for their hand pressed tortillas.

~ Miso Sushi, 40 Main St. Eat in or take out sushi.

 

SWEET TREATS

No visit to DUMBO would be complete without trying a triple scoop chocolate chip cone from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory-among the City’s best. The sauces for their sundaes , such as butterscotch and hot fudge, are prepared by the pastry chef at the nearby River Cafe. A couple of other nearby musts to quench your sweet tooth are:

~ Jacques Torres, 66 Water St. This is the original shop where you can buy all types of delicious chocolate including the thickest, richest hot chocolate in town.

~ One Girl Cookies, 33 Main St. The place to go for mini cookies, whoopee pies and cupcakes.

~ Almondine Bakery, 85 Water Street. All the baking is done on the premises by owner and chef Herve Poussot (formerly of Payard and Le Bernadine) croissants, tarts and macaroons are their specialty.

 

SEE GREAT THEATER AT ST. ANN’S WAREHOUSE

For 35 years St. Ann’s Warehouse has been bringing top-notch theater to Brooklyn in a beautifully restored tobacco warehouse on Water Street right next to the Brooklyn Bridge. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.

 

HEAR THE MUSIC AT BARGEMUSIC

Docked beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, Bargemusic is a floating chamber-music venue, formerly an old coffee barge converted into a music space with an incredible view of the New York skyline. Bargemusic is committed to attracting local audiences and enhancing the cultural life of New York by offering more than 200 performances year-round.

Looking to escape the concrete jungle and reconnect with nature?  How about a quick getaway that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away?  Hop on an eight minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan to Governors Island and check into “Glamping Camp”.  Collective Retreats, the company known for creating “campsites” in unexpected places such as Vail, Sonoma, Yellowstone and the heart of Texas Hill Country, brings its newest evolution to the city that never sleeps – although sleep you will in this extraordinarily unique setting.

There are two types of luxury tents available: (10) “Summit Tents” (from $500, double occupancy, breakfast included) contain king beds or two singles and private bathrooms and (27) “Journey Tents” (from $150 double occupancy) offer a queen bed or two singles and shared bathroom facilities.  We stayed in one of the Summit Tents that was beautifully appointed with fur throws, wool blankets high thread count sheets , binoculars, a deck of cards, vintage books, electricity, WI-FI and a big bathroom with a rain-style shower and plush Turkish towels.

The tents encircle Collectives Three Peak Lodge Restaurant which is also where you check in or relax in one of the many lounge chairs on the sprawling lawn with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.  There are three dinner options: a la carte menu, prix fixe or for a more authentic experience, BBQ-in-a-box which you cook yourself on one of the grills arranged around the lawn perimeter. The Governors Island Farm supplies much of the produce. Be forewarned: they don’t have their liquor license yet so you may want to make a stop at Island Oyster for a glass of rosé.  We ate our dinner against the backdrop of the setting sun in all its fuchsia-toned glory.  As if on cue, Lady Liberty then lit the night sky as did the hundreds of fireflies.  Such a magical sight!  After dinner we headed over to a large campfire  where guests of all ages and backgrounds were picking up their s’mores kits and popping marshmallows on sticks ready for the roast.

As the sun rose over the city the next morning, we awoke to the sound of seagulls flying overhead while the Staten Island Ferry transported the early commuters to Manhattan.  Be sure to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of roaming the island starting at 7 am, before the first ferries arrive at 10 am transporting hordes of eager visitors to the island.  Grab your book and head over to Hammock Grove, climb to the top of Hill Park (situated 70 feet above the island at some points) with extraordinary 360-degree panoramic views of the New York Harbor or wander the island and explore the public art throughout the park.  It’s all gloriously breathtaking!

How to get there:  Governors Island is easily accessible by ferry every day of the week from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street in Lower Manhattan).  For ferry schedule go to GOVISLAND.COM

Trying to describe the singular sensation that’s Central Park is like trying to describe well, life itself (especially for us city dwellers) !  Each one of the park’s 843 acres is a most coveted haven from the madness of Manhattan, containing a treasure trove of art, entertainment, culinary delights, people watching and nature. It’s what separates our city – both literally and figuratively – from any other public space in the world. No visit to the Big Apple would be complete without a long, leisurely stroll through this 156 year old gem that is Central Park – truly New York’s jewel in the crown.

Where to begin suggestions for the far-too-many spots that capture the spirit, sights and sounds of this magical wonderland? Aaaagh. There are far too many to numerate so herewith are a few of my all-time favorites.

THE CENTRAL PARK BENCHES – Come Sit A Spell

The next time you’re sitting, strolling or racing through the Park, take a moment to read the plaques that are affixed to each of the over 9,000 benches scattered throughout the expansive acreage. They are part of the Adopt-A-Bench program established in 1986 to maintain the park seating and their surrounding landscapes. Each plaque describes a personal, poignant moment in time, from marriage proposals “After she said yes, they walked through Central Park”, anniversaries “40 wonderful years together and more to come”, tributes to our 4-legged friends “To Maja & Bessie: 2 incredible ladies. Thank you for your kindness, friendship and love”, as well as honoring our 2-legged giants “In memory of Mike Nichols whose path led from the Upper West Side to the Delacorte Theatre and beyond.”

 

STRAWBERRY FIELDS/ IMAGINE MOSAIC

This beautiful “Imagine” memorial located in Strawberry Fields (so named for the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever”), was dedicated on October 1985 on what would have been John Lennon’s 45th birthday. The space is located directly across the street from The Dakota apartment building on West 72nd Street, the building where Lennon lived with his wife Yoko Ono, before his untimely death. As one of the most popular sights in the park, visitors from around the world leave flowers, stuffed animals and photos of their beloved song man. A bird’s eye view of Strawberry Fields shows it is shaped like a tear drop, a design request from Lennon’s widow who worked with the park’s landscape architect. The area is a living testament to the intense love that John had for this city – and it for him.

 

THE BETHESDA FOUNTAIN

The Bethesda Fountain is one of the largest fountains in New York and one of the most well known in the world. Located mid-park at 72nd St.,

this neoclassical sculpture also known as the “Angel of the Waters” features an eight foot bronze angel who stands above four small cherubs representing health, purity, temperance and peace. The angel carries a lily in one hand, while the other hand is outstretched, delivering a blessing on the water pouring from around her feet.

3 BELOVED, ARCHETYPAL CENTRAL PARK SCULPTURES

Hans Christian Anderson, erected in 1956 to commemorate the author’s 150th birthday, the large bronze statue depicts Anderson seated upon a bench, reading from his beloved children’s tale, The Ugly Duckling. For the past 60 years generations of children have gathered around the foot of this statue every Saturday morning from 11am-12pm, rain or shine throughout the summer months, listening to storytellers from the Hans Christian Anderson Storytelling Center read passages from Anderson’s heartwarming tales including The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and The Little Match Girl.

Alice In Wonderland, “Alice” stands eleven feet tall, surrounded by the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and a few of her tea party friends. Unlike most sculptures, children are encouraged to climb, touch and crawl all over the beautifully bronzed sculpture so much so that much of the iconic statue’s exterior polish has been worn down to a smooth finish, thanks to generations of admiring “climbers” of all ages.

“Balto,” the real-life hero sled dog, has stood his guard with great nobility from high atop his boulder since 1925. Legend has it that back then, in the town of Nome, Alaska, there was a horrific outbreak of diphtheria. Balto battled a blinding blizzard and traveled 674 miles to deliver medicine, thus saving the lives of literally thousands of desperate citizens. Located near The Tisch Children’s Zoo, beloved Balto stands ready to offer complementary rides on his bronzed back and accept hugs from his admiring fans.

 

FRIEDSAM MEMORIAL CAROUSEL

Don’t leave the park without taking a ride on the famous carousel located at 64th Street in the middle of the park. Taking a ride on one of the 58 beautifully hand-carved horses is a thrill no matter your age. The carousel has an interesting history: from 1871 to 1924 it was powered by a real four-legged animal! The wooden horses that riders sat on were actually set in motion by a live mule walking on a treadmill in an underground pit. The current carousel (the fourth incarnation from the original and one of the largest in the country) was discovered by the Parks Department, abandoned in an old trolley terminal in Coney Island. Further proof that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!

 

SHAKESPEARE’S GARDEN: Where Words Come To Life

Shakespeare’s Garden, located on the West Side of the park and 79th Street, covers four acres of plants that change according to the season so that there is something in bloom 365 days of the year. Every flower, herb, plant and shrub in the garden has been meticulously planned and planted to coincide with Shakespeare’s works. For example there is a grouping of rosemary with pansies, a nod to a verse which the character Ophelia alludes to in “Hamlet.” Thistle, grown abundantly throughout the property is mentioned in “Much Ado About Nothing” and there is even a white mulberry tree standing in the garden, said to have been grown from a graft of a tree planted by Shakespeare himself. Bronze plaques with corresponding quotations from Shakespeare’s plays are placed sporadically along the path. It’s the perfect little quiet locale to meditate, pray or just let those sonnets fly!

 

THE LOEB BOATHOUSE CENTRAL PARK

Who needs the expense, airport hassle and jet lag of an overseas adventure when you have a place like this to go to right in your own back yard?! You can literally row, walk or horse and carriage your way over to The Boathouse – truly one of my favorite places in all of New York. The site of numerous iconic movies (When Harry Met Sally, 27 Dresses, Enchanted just to name a few) with its lakeside setting in the heart of the Park, this establishment has it all.

Originally built in 1873, The Boathouse is a haven for romantics and nature lovers alike. Indulge in a sumptuous meal, grab an evening cocktail or jump start your day with a cup of “Joe” on the go at the Express Cafe, all the while gazing upon the hills and dales of Central Park.

 

ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT!
(The “Boats” at The Boathouse)

…as long as you’re dropping anchor at The Loeb Boathouse, why not indulge in the spirit of your environs?

There is a fleet of 100 rowboats available for rent or, if it’s a taste of Venice Italy you’re after, you should book the classic gondola tour. I’d bet a few cannolis that if the moon and stars align you might just get the gondolier (resplendent in traditional straw hat and striped t-shirt) to serenade you. Amore!

CONSERVATORY GARDEN

One of the hidden wonders of Central Park is the Conservatory Garden at Fifth Ave. and 105th Street. A secluded six-acre oasis, just a few steps down from one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. It is the only formal garden found in Central Park. The quiet calm atmosphere of the Garden free from runners and cyclists make it an ideal spot for weddings and relaxing afternoon walks. The Garden is divided into three different sections each representing its’ own specific style: the north (French Garden), central (Italian Garden) and south (English Garden).

 

THE MALL

There is only one straight line walkway in all of Central Park and it’s located on The Mall. This quarter-mile stretch also happens to be the parks’ widest pedestrian way, lined with some of the largest and last remaining American Elms in North America. The southern end of The Mall is called Literary Walk, so named for the statues of writers William Shakespeare, Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. There is also a beautiful depiction of Christopher Columbus, who, although seemingly a bit of an odd man out in this pack of literary figures, was equally a leader and bold thinker of his time.

 

WONDERING WHERE YOU ARE IN THE PARK?

If you ever lose your sense of direction in the park, head to the nearest lamp post or “luminaries” as they are called. There are 1,600 throughout the park and each one can tell you your whereabouts. On the post you will see four numbers. The first two digits tell you the nearest street and the second set of numbers will tell you whether you are on the east or west side. Even numbers mean east, odd numbers west. No compasses (or bread crumbs a’la Hansel and Gretel when lost in the forest) needed to retrace your steps! Just look to the lamps. Who knew?!!!

 

A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN

For years, whether en route to the Wollman Skating Rink from my west side abode or simply crossing the expanse of Central Park for some east side shopping, I would ponder the existence of an isolated, fenced-in piece of land looming overhead atop the formidable boulders in the park’s southeast corner, teaming with a symphonic cacophany of bird songs. It turns out to be the newly restored and reopened 4 acre Hallett Nature Sanctuary – one of the park’s three woodlands.

When you’re in need of an escape “far from the maddening crowd”. This magnificently serene oasis should fit the bill. Note: there are specific day/hours of operation so be sure to check out the Central Park website beforehand.

 

PERFECT PICNIC IN CENTRAL PARK

Planning on packing a picnic to hear the Philharmonic perform in the Park or have aspirations of popping the big question in a more unique and personalized fashion, then you should check out Perfect Picnic NYC’s coterie of themes, european-style artisanal fare and comprehensive service. You pick your location and they do the rest. This is not the ‘ole marshmallow and hot dog roasting picnic paradigm from back in the day; rather this is all about taking time to smell the rose’ (flowers and wine) as it were!

 

CENTRAL PARKS VERY OWN PILGRIM

Here’s a little fact I’ll bet you die hard New York natives, newly arrived and tourists alike didn’t know. That grassy knoll which nestles just beyond the Central Park entrance on East 72nd Street is known as “Pilgrim Hill”, in homage to the brazenly bronze statue of a Pilgrim that crowns its crest. Sculpted by John Quincy Adams Ward, “The Pilgrim” was gifted to Central Park by the New England Society in 1885. As an aside, it just so happens that this stoic bronzed gent also watches over what us insiders know to be one of the park’s primo sledding locales in winter as well as a popular picnicking spot in the warmer months. I’d like to think that such joyful sights bring an inward smile to our man as he continues to stand guard throughout the decades.

More than 50 multicolored murals have transformed a swath of buildings into a vast outdoor gallery known as the BUSHWICK COLLECTIVE.  The accidental curator of the Collective is Joseph Ficalora, a native of this Brooklyn town.  Up until the last fifteen years, Bushwick had been an area of high crime and blight.  In fact, it was the devastating murder of Joseph’s father back in 1991 that prompted his son to take positive action and initiative.

In 2013 Joseph decided the best way to heal from this tragedy and support his still-beloved neighborhood was through a transformative Graffiti and Street Art project.  Once he started googling key words related to this art form, his role as a steward of outdoor art began.  He reached out to artist from around the globe, asking them to contribute their talents to the canvases that are the industrial and residential buildings of Bushwick.  There are few rules:  nothing offensive to children, women and the local buisnesses.  Themes are varied and range from cartoon figures, to stark black and white imagery to subtle and not so subtle takes on the current social and political situation.   None of the street art is permanent and stays around for 12 months or so at the most.  It is truly a wonder to behold!

The area is now wonderfully diverse and home to some great eateries so do support local commerce while your in town.  Two of my favorite spots to grab a bite are:

~ ROBERTA’S PIZZA, 261 Moore Street http://robertaspizza.com

~SEA WOLF, 19 Wycoff Ave.  http://seawolfbk.com

HOW TO GET TO THE BUSHWICK COLLECTIVE:  Take the “L” train to the Jefferson ave. stop.  As soon as you get out of the subway you will see the murals.  I walk one block to Troutman and Wycoff Streets and start meandering from there.

 

When you walk up the majestic steps at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, pass “Patience” and “Fortitude” – the iconic library lions – you enter the legendary main branch of the New York Public Library (“NYPL”).  Free to enter and explore, this often-overlooked museum is a refuge for New Yorkers who need a quiet place to read, think or just be.  For the past 105 years, millions of people have marveled over the wonders of the library’s architectural magnificence and gleaned inspiration from its trove of resources.

 

LIBRARY WAY

When you do visit the NY Public Library be sure to take a few moments en route and  look down (a real indulgence in our head-spinning-upward city!) on the pavement on 41st Street between Park and Fifth Avenue. There you will find 44 beautifully sculpted bronze plaques with inspirational literary quotes and whimsical illustrations – named “Library Way“, it is our city’s homage to the world’s greatest literature.

THE LIBRARY LIONS

The marble lions proudly guarding the New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue are named” Patience” and “Fortitude”.  Often called New York’s most lovable public sculptures, the lions have witnessed countless parades and been adorned with holly wreaths during the winter holidays and magnificent floral wreaths in springtime.  They have been photographed alongside countless tourists, replicated as bookends, caricatured in cartoons and illustrated in numerous children’s  books.  One of the lions even served as a hiding place for the Cowardly Lion in the motion picture The Wiz.  Their nicknames have changed over the decades but in the 1930’s, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia gave them their present names in honor of the qualities New Yorkers possessed and would need to survive the economic depression.  As a tribute to the lions’ popularity and symbolism, the library trademarked these figures as their official logo.

ROSE MAIN READING ROOM

One of New York City’s most iconic locations, the majestic Rose Reading Room runs almost the length of two city blocks.  It’s 52- foot-tall ceilings display murals of vibrant skies and billowing clouds.  Here visitors can browse and read thousands of reference volumes lining the shelves.  For more than 100 years, this room has supported many writers, journalists, historians, Nobel Laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners, as well as inventors, activists, and students in gathering information and advancing knowledge.

 

MENU COLLECTION

Wondering what to serve at your next dinner party?  With the explosion of the foodie culture across New York researchers have discovered the impressive historical menu collection in the archives of the NYPL.  With approximately 45,000 menus dating from the 1840’s to the present, the NYPL’s restaurant menu collection is one of the largest in the world, used by historians, chefs, novelists and everyday food enthusiasts.

 THE ORIGINAL WINNIE-THE-POOH DOLLS ARE AT THE LIBRARY

After more than a year of repairs and restoration, Winnie the Pooh and his pals, Eeyore, Kenga, Piglet and Tigger are on back on permanent display at the library.  Once owned by Christopher Robin Milne, son of author A.A. Milie and inspiration for the beloved “Winnie the Pooh” childhood classics, the cherished stuffed animals date back to the 1920’s and have been on display at the library since they were donated in the 1980’s.  These whimsical characters are enormously popular with the nearly 300,000 people who visit the Children’s Room at the library each year.

ARE YOU A MAP LOVER?

I recently went to the Map Room in search of  (what else?!) a map of Greenwich Village.  I became so engrossed in poring over the multitude of riches that this room holds that the hours flew by and I lost all track of time.  Officially called “The Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division”, this ornate beaux arts room holds one of the most impressive collections in the world containing over 433,000 sheet maps, 20,000 books and atlases spanning time from the 15th century to the present.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE LIBRARY

Books are not the only special feature at the library.  Some of the most beloved films of the past fifty years have used its exquisite interiors as backdrops.  “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “The Thomas Crown Affair”, “Ghostbusters”, and Carrie Bradshaw’s ill-fated wedding from “Sex in the City” were all shot here.

The NYPL is also one of New York’s most beautiful public art galleries.  In the first floor periodical room you can see murals of classic New York publishing houses including Hearst and the New York Times.  The third floor hallways are home to murals illustrating the history of the written word from Prometheus to Moses among the ancient scribes and on up through the 1930’s.

Though no longer operating, the extraordinarily decorative original water fountains are still intact and can be found throughout the library.

Marriage proposals are a common event at the library, either planned with the NYPL staff ( there is actually an office to help plan engagements) – or impromptu. Say yes!

The next time you walk through Bryant Park, think about this:  just six feet from where you stand, lies a world encompassing 40 miles of library stacks shelving 1.5 million books and 500,000 microfilm.

LITTLE SHOP OF TREASURES

Don’t leave the library without checking out the library shop.  You will find a wide range of book-related items for adults and children, toys, quirky gifts, fun souvenirs, fashion accessories and an exclusive collection of New York Public Library quote-inspired designs.  It’s September so get a jump on your holiday shopping!!!