Sugar Hill is at the heart of Harlem, New York, the mecca of African American art and culture. It is where the apartments are stylish. Bright minds excel in this tony portion of upper Manhattan. People dance to jazz and the blues at parties. Doctors and lawyers live adjacent to store owners. The talent of musicians, storytellers, dancers, painters and novelists meld into each other. Creativity flows from these professionals' souls. Many famous people contributed to the artistic field day that was the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s.
Erika Paul, Pre-Professional at the Schomburg Center's Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, shares how a recent visit from a renowned cartoonist Mauricio Pestana helped her discover our vast collections of Afro-Latino research materials:
Mauricio Pestana (center) visits the Schomburg Center
One of the things I’ve learned as a Pre-Professional for the Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division at the Schomburg Center is that the collections here go far beyond the traditional study of black culture. The reservoir of materials—arts, photographs, manuscripts and books—also includes information for scholars interested in Afro-Latino and Afro-Caribbean history. For instance, my experience as a Pre-Professional has allowed me to meet Mauricio Pestana, a renowned Afro-Latino cartoonist, author and journalist who recently visited the Schomburg from Brazil whose work has greatly influenced African literature.
Pestana has created numerous cartoons featuring blacks and indigenous people in the context of how Brazil became independent. His most popular works include Violencia Historica, in which he shows the social problem African descendants face in many countries as well as O Negro, No Mercado De Trabalho, about discrimination against Afro-Latinos in the job market.
Pestana's visit encouraged me to reflect on my past experiences in the arts and literary world, and it gave me more confidence to explore the diverse collections the Schomburg holds.
Summertime is reading time—and that means the release of eagerly anticipated new installments in beloved series, plus some first-time authors with original offerings.
My Life in Dioramas by Tara Altebrando
As 12-year-old Kate is forced to confront losing her beloved house, she and her friends plot to block its sale and create dioramas of every room as a tribute.
Shingaling: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio
Palacio’s third short ebook covers another character from his fantastic hit Wonder. This one is narrated by Charlotte, and it reveals the story behind her lovely line at the end of the book, “It's not enough to be friendly. You have to be a friend.” (Julian and Pluto’s chapters are available for download too.)
Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story by Mariam Gates
Yoginis of all ages will be primed for a restful slumber with gentle instructions guiding them through basic poses. Beautiful illustrations complement the story.
The Blood of Olympusby Rick Riordan
Riordan’s terrifically popular Heroes of Olympus series concludes with this fifth volume, in which hero Percy Jackson and Greek and Roman demigods all face a common enemy. Plenty of action, with epic battle scenes. (Also available in Spanish.)
Surviving Summer Vacation by Willo Davis Roberts
Readers join twins Allison and Lewis on a road trip Yellowstone National Park with their neighbors, the Rupe family. But something creepy is going on... mysterious strangers are following them and $100 bills are being stashed in their RV.
Sabrina hears and sees things that are invisible to other people. These experiences are what drives her parents to admit her to the euphemistically named "Wellness Center." There, nurses fill her body up with pills, and the psychiatrists fill her mind with advice and talk, talk, talk.
The girl finds a kindred spirit in Alec. Alec has been admitted since he shocked the teachers and kids at his school by suggesting that it would be good if they were killed. Alec does not see the problem with this. Sabrina was upset that he did not tell her about this earlier, but she revels in his company, and he seems different from the other kids there, many of whom are completely unresponsive to her overtures. The two find solace in each other against the rules of the Center.
Memories of childhood friend, Kayleigh, float through Sabrina's brain at regular intervals. She also thinks about her parents, Dr. Richards, and how her life differs from those of others.
Предлагаем нашим читателям новейшие поступления в нашу систему.
Книги проектаДмитрия ГлуховскогоВселенная Метро 2033 высоко оценен любителями российской постапокалиптики. Предлагаем вашему вниманию последнюю книгу участника проекта , писателя Сергея Антонова Рублевка-2. Совместив апокалиптику с торжеством классовой справедливости, автор книги создал новый жанр в серии Вселенная Метро 2033. Креативный директор проэкта Дмитрий Глуховский именует этот жанр "треш-бастером".
Если вы хотите знать какими книгами увлекаются современные подростки, то вам обязательно нужно прочитать нашумевший и недавно экранизированный роман американского писателя Джона Грина "Виноваты Звезды". Романтическую историю двух молодых, но тяжело больных влюбленных можно найти в библиотеке Mid-Manhattan.
Роман Ариадны Борисовой Змеев Столбвысоко оценен критиками и самими писателями. Сосланные из предвоенной Литвы в Якутию молодые люди проходят через несколько кругов ледяного ада , сохраняя любовь к жизни и верность друг другу.
Книга Маргариты ХемлинДознавательбыла награждена ппремией "Инспектор Нос" , спецпроекта литературной премии "НОС" (Новая словесность) за лучший постсоветский детектив.
Неутомимый, можно даже сказать дотошный , но верный идеалам профессии дознаватель Цупко, цепко цепляется за факты. В конце концов сами факты поворачиваются к нему таким образом , что норовят обмануть. Красочный ансамбль многонациональных обывателей Чернигова , сплошные интриги и заговоры , сплетни и судьбы , страстная любовь , тайная ненависть , манера общения , и более всего , неповторимый говор всей этой пестрой, но крайне подозрительной компании , произведут на читателя глубокое впечатление.
Аргентинский писатель Федерико Андахаси умудрился написать идеальную книгу для летнего отдыха .
Книга Запретных Наслаждений названием и обложной отпугивает любителей остросюжетных исторических романов , напоминая скорее книгу эротических грез . На самом деле роман исторически познавателен , благодаря очень старательной исследовательской деятельности писателя. Историческая фигура Иоганна Гутенберга предстанет перед читателем вовсе не степенным и самоуверенным мастером печатных дел, а трудолюбивым и терзаемым нищетой и безызвестностью изобретателем. Именно он , а не зверски убитые жрицы любви , и является главным героемКниги Запретных Желаний.
Remember how the neighborhood used to look? Well, for a very happy #TBT, we're indulging in some neighborhood nostalgia for Bushwick, Brooklyn. After all, Bushwick has been home to some of our most beloved cultural icons like Eddie Murphy and Mae West. So take a stroll down memory lane with us through Bushwick. Rooftop, Jefferson Street. Image ID: 5211707Of course we love this photo from the Bushwick Branch Library. Bushwick readers, unite!
P.S. 196 alums, this one's for you. Check out your alma mater 85 years ago.
Public Schools - Brooklyn - P.S. 196. Image ID: 732707F
You can party like it's 1999, or you can ride the subway like it's 1999. Check out more of William Meyers's photos in our exhibition "William Meyers: Outer Boroughs."
Bushwick, Brooklyn: April 29, 1999. Image ID: 5209107
L Train riders will be familiar with this corner of Wyckoff and Stockholm, right by the Dekalb stop!
Row houses & storefronts; H. C. Bohack grocer, A. Zevis carpenter: 313-317 Marcy Av-Rutledge St., Brooklyn. Image ID: 3985296
Commuting is a big part of any New Yorker's life, so we must include this photo composite of the Myrtle Avenue station.
Myrtle Avenue subway station. Image ID: 5211691
We've got to end with a little celebration, so: Hurrah for Bushwick High!
Hurrah for Bushwick High. Image ID: G99C845_001
Do you love your neighborhood library? Tell your elected officials in Bushwick and everywhere else in the five boroughs. Invest in libraries: write a letter now!
Can't wait for the new young-adult titles coming out this summer?
Give that library card a workout: Put the summer's most popular releases on hold right now and get them the moment they arrive.
The Last Leaves Falling by Sarah Benwell
A Kyoto teen with rapidly progressing ASL finds friendship and acceptance in an online chat room.
Last Year’s Mistakeby Gina Ciocca
In chapters alternating between past and present, we learn about David and Kelsey’s friendship and what tore them apart.
More Happy Than Notby Adam Silvera
Sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto from the Bronx hasn't had an easy time of it... and now he is considering a memory-altering procedure to erase all those memories.
Tiny Pretty Thingsby Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton
Enter the cutthroat world of pre-professional ballet.
The Improbable Theory of Ana & Zakby Brian Katcher
A straight-A student (Ana) and a slacker (Zak) are thrown together on a nightlong chase after Ana’s runaway little brother.
Three Day Summer by Sarvenaz Tash
Plunge headlong into the heady experience of Woodstock in this summer romance.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your picks! Leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend.
Wyatt wants to play football. His father wants him to enjoy golf, as he and his daughter, Kate, do. Brother Aaron extols the virtues of football with Wyatt. Their mother does not want the injuries that come with tackle football.
Instead of volunteering at the park and attending golf camp as their parents believe, Aaron and Wyatt have joined The League of Pain, a group of teens that play football all summer. The Idiots vs. the Morons. Wyatt is deemed an Idiot.
Wyatt's friend, Francis, is disappointed that Wyatt did not join him for golf camp. Girlfriend Evan is disappointed when she sees him attempt to shoplift a candy bar. The parental units will be disappointed if they discover the boys' deception.
Football, golf, or any other sport. What difference does it make?
Literary types and fiction nerds have been abuzz about Nell Zink’s second novel, Mislaid. Zink is known for her fast-paced, in-your-face writing style, her quirky casts of characters and the most unusual situations she places them in.
Set in rural Virginia, Mislaid’s first fifty pages alone contain enough action alone to sustain an entire novel. Without giving away any spoilers, the first chapter goes something like this: young woman discovers she is a lesbian, enrolls in a sleepy women's liberal arts college, finds herself in a sexual relationship with a gay (male) professor/poet, gets pregnant, and has a shotgun wedding. In Zink’s capable and creative hands, what would take another novelist 300+ pages of pensive prose is radically and exuberantly knocked out in just 20 pages. And things only get weirder from there!
Zink’s style threatens to smash up the current landscape of literary fiction and criticism as we know it. Sexual and racial politics in her books—especially Mislaid—are treated with a no-duh, what-are-you-looking-at-stupid? attitude that is simply revolutionary. Rather than keep her readers busy trying to decode any hidden messages in the text, she pushes them an inch farther by putting the subtext right there on the page in plain type, effectively skewering academics and poets, with their ‘serious’ work. Instead, Zink pulls from her encyclopaedic knowledge of everything from masonry, ornithology, subculture, Shakespeare, and classical philosophy to create a work of fiction that is at once both serious and seriously hilarious.
One really special thing about Mislaid is that despite how unconventional it is, it fits pretty squarely in with other works of Southern Gothic fiction. You can clearly see where her roots are as a writer (like her protagonist Zink also hails from rural Virginia) through the intimacy she clearly has with the innate strangeness of the natural and social landscape of the American South. Whether you’re waiting to get your hands on your copy of Mislaid, or looking for some more weird Southern fiction to keep your mind busy after devouring this title in one sitting (like me), here is a list of some titles that you might enjoy:
The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers
A novella centered around the unusual love between the pillar of a small Georgia town and a traveling hunchback, filled with grotesque imagery and heartwarming (and gut-wrenching) truths about human relationships.
A Confederacy of Duncesby John Kennedy Toole
In New Orleans, an obese medievalist with bad hygiene who lives with his mother finds himself at the center of a race riot in a pants factory, among other misadventures.
Tampa by Alyssa Nutting
Lolita in reverse, this book’s protagonist is a female middle-school teacher with a raging libido and a thing for prepubescent boys. Once she sets her sights on one of her students, she gleefully initiates an illicit affair that will surely destroy her ‘perfect’ suburban life.
The Complete Stories of Flannery O'Connor
Some of the best, most hard-hitting short stories you’ll ever read. Start with “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” “Good Country People,” and “The Life You Save May Be Your Own.”
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
A depressed travel writer who hates to travel meets an eccentric, exuberant, and beautiful dog trainer and single mom who coaxes him out of his shell, helps him deal with his tragic past, and threatens to become the love of his life.
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
Classic Faulkner, not to be missed! Did you know that William Faulkner insists that he wrote this book over a course of six weeks, every night from 12 midnight to 4 am, and didn’t edit a word of it before publication? I guess constraint really is creativity’s best friend!
Tobacco Road by Erskine Caldwell
Living in deep isolation during the Depression, the Lesters are poor white farmers who are obsessed with death and sex. They also live with the curse of optimism, always believing things will get better--even when circumstances continue to worsen.
Other Voices Other Rooms by Truman Capote
A young, effeminate boy in rural Louisiana moves in with a fading debutante, an aging transvestite, and befriends his tomboy neighbor. While observing the strange people that surround him, he learns an important lesson about himself.
The Feast of All Saints by Anne Rice
This historical novel is centered around the large population of free people of color living around New Orleans in the 1840s. It discusses the nuances and challenges faced by mixed race people of that time, especially for those who try to ‘pass as white.’
Great Tales and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe
Poe basically invented Southern Gothic literature, so a list of weird books that take place in the South wouldn’t be complete without him. This edition is a compact volume containing only his best and most frightening stories and poems.
The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty
A young woman moves back home to New Orleans to care for her dying father. In the days following his death she learns that her stepmother is nothing but a miserable gold digger, but discovers the importance of the true friends and loving family members she has left.
The series finale of Mad Men that aired on AMC on May 17 roughly coincided with NYPL's digitization of over one-thousand fashion illustrations produced in the 1950s and '60s by New York City-based firm Creators Studios. ("Not yesterday's but tomorrow's fashions today" was the company's tagline.) Perhaps we've just had Mad Men on the brain lately, but if you see traces of the show's female protagonists in these ready-to-wear design drawings you are not alone:
Almacks, A Swell Evening c1822. Image ID: ps_dan_cd37_522
If you’re Regency romance fan and have yet to read a Company of Rogues novel by Jo Beverley, then boy do I have a summer challenge/project for you! The Rogues books are a series of 16 (so far) historical romance novels about a group of tight knit friends who went off to fight the Napoleonic Wars and are now coming back in 1811-1817 to find that they must marry for one reason or another. The books are full of dashing, forward-thinking lords, smart, stubborn ladies, despicable villains, mystery, adventure and of course, swoon-worthy romance.
Jo Beverley was inspired to write historical romance from reading Jane Austen and the great Georgette Heyer, who practically invented the modern historical romance novel. Just like those authors, Beverley creates engaging, complicated characters who somehow find their way to each other despite the ever increasing obstacles in their paths. What I find refreshing is that while there is always a great love scene or two (or three) they’re never the main point of the novel. The plot is always the point. She fills her books with great historical details and doesn’t shy away from the dark parts of the time period: war, economic hardship, revolution, corruption and the limited options and rights of women. Her heroes are haunted by war and mourning the loss of family and friends. The heroines often find themselves forced economically into bad, compromising situations and marriages and must deal with the consequences of that. However, it is always the power of friendship and the loyalty of the Rogues that help our characters save the day and find happiness at last.
So just who are the Rogues? One of my favorite parts of these books is the origin story. Nicholas Delaney, the hero in the first book An Arranged Marriage, formed the Rogues back in his schooldays at Harrow, a notoriously brutal British boarding school. He formed the group of friends as a way to combat bullies and brutish school masters. He picked them not necessarily for their rank or aristocratic title but for their skills. Now these young men have found there way into all parts of society, the military and government and help each other out (as well as other friends and relatives) as much as they can. One of the things you’ll find is that Nicholas is a bit of a busybody as well as being extremely progressive for the era and so he likes to have his fingers in a lot of pies. In addition, to the Rogues books, Beverley writes books about their sisters, friends, army buddies, ex-fiancés all set in the A Company of Rogues world and I’ve included those as well. For more on their backstory check out the author’s website.
* Reading note: I'm listing the books below in order and while each novel essentially builds on the others storywise it is not important to read them in order. It certainly helps with some subplots and character relationships but it is not required. Also note, that some, but not all, of the Rogues (that are alive) will pop up in the subsequent books to check-in and help out. The author also puts in fun Easter eggs that give you clues to how the couples are faring.
An Arranged Marriage
Nicholas Delaney is busy using his considerable skills with women to seduce secrets out of a notorious French spy when he is asked by his brother, the Earl, to marry Eleanor, a young woman who the Earl has scandalously ruined. As plots and villains gather around them, Nicholas calls on his old, schoolboy pals "The Company of Rogues" for assistance. *Rogue (e-book)
An Unwilling Bride (e-book only)
Lucien, the Marquess of Arden and heir to the Duke of Belcraven, has just learned that he's the product of his mother's affair and therefore illegitimate. To make matters worse, his father also had an affair resulting in a daughter named Beth. Now, Lucien's father wants to fix the whole mess by having Lucien marry Beth, a very independently minded schoolteacher raised on the principles of the Rights of Women. It may take a "Company of Rogues" to help them find common ground. *Rogue
A Christmas Angel
Leander, Lord Charrington, is a charming diplomat who has women just falling at his feet. A nice change would be a woman immune to his charms so for a wife he focuses in on Judith Rossiter, the infamous weeping widow of a romantic poet and an impoverished mother of two. This suits Judith just fine as she is not looking for another love match but not for the reasons you think. Of course, trying not to fall in love can be just as hard as trying to fall into it. *Rogue (e-book)
Forbidden(e-book only)
Frances, Lord Middlethorpe, is all set to marry the amiable Lady Anne Peckworth when he runs into a fleeing woman. With the death of her husband, Serena Rivington has been freed from life as an abused sex object only to find that her brother wants to marry her off to another vile man. Penniless and desperate, she goes on the run with Frances only to find that scandal is, once again, forcing her into another unwanted marriage. However, if they want to stay in society they will have to make the best of it. *Rogue
Dangerous Joy
Miles Cavanaugh, an Irish lord, wants nothing more than to hunt and ride his horses on his estate when he discovers that he is now the guardian to rebellious, young heiress Felicity Monahan. Felicity, fueled by dangerous secrets, is hell bent on marrying a vile fortune-hunter. She'll get her wish too unless Miles can stop her or they fall in love—whichever comes first. *Rogue (e-book)
Into the Company of Rogues comes a mini-trilogy the Three Heroes,one of whom, Con, is a Rogue. The other two are his childhood best friends and at 16 they all ran off to join the army together. While close with Con, Van and Hawk don't necessarily trust his Harrow buddies.
The Demon's Mistress (e-novella only)
Van, Lord Vandieman, returns from Waterloo to find his estate in ruins and his entire family dead from sickness. Deep in debt, Van is on the verge of suicide when he gets an interesting proposition from Marie Celestin, a wealthy, older widow. She will pay him a small fortune to pretend to be her fiancé for six weeks. That should be just enough time to save his estate, find out what she's hiding and get her into his bed. *Friend of a Rogue
The Dragon's Bride (e-book only)
Con Somerford, Viscount Amleigh, is not happy to have inherited the title of Earl of Wyvern nor the monstrous, Cornwall estate and house that goes with it. He's even less happy when he arrives at the house only to be met by Susan Kerslake pointing a pistol at him. To say they have an unhappy history would be an understatement and Con's PTSD and Susan's secrets are not helping the situation. *Rogue
The Devil's Heiress (e-book only)
Hawk, Maj. George Hawkinville, returns home after Waterloo to learn that his unscrupulous father has gambled away the family estate to gain a peerage, the title of the hated Lord Deveril. The only way to save his beloved home is snare the "Devil's Heiress," the scheming girl who was betrothed to Deveril and inherited his fortune at his death. However, quiet, plain, Clarissa, is not the heiress Hawk imagined she would be. It will take a whole bunch of Rogues to finally sort the whole mess out. This is my favorite book in the entire series. *Friend of a Rogue
Hazard (e-book only)
Lady Anne Peckworth, the daughter of a Duke, has been jilted TWICE! First by Francis Middlethorpe and next by Con Somerford. The fact that she was less than enthusiastic for either one is besides the point. This polite, amiable woman is now very angry and not looking for a new suitor but she gets one anyway and he is completely unsuitable. Race de Vere, is a mysterious, charismatic man far below Anne's station but he finds himself fascinated by her innate sassiness hidden beneath a cool exterior. Will they gamble everything for love? *ex-fiancée of a Rogue
St. Raven (e-book only)
Tristan Tregallows, the Duke of St. Raven, is posing as a highwayman to catch the odious Lord Crofton when he stumbles upon Cressida Mandeville who is traveling with the debauched lord. Thinking he is saving her, he spirits her away. Cressida isn't at all happy to be rescued. She is on a quest to retrieve the family jewels hidden away at the house her father lost in a game of cards to Crofton. A house now hosting a scandalous party. With her escort now gone, it's up to St. Raven to help her out. Luckily for her, he's not averse to an orgy. *Friend of friend of a Rogue
Skylark (e-book only)
Sir Stephen Ball, is an MP and while a Rogue, he's been largely kept out of their adventures but now he has one of his own. Laura Gardeyne is the girl that got away. Six years ago the girl he'd dubbed "Lady Skylark" laughed at his proposal and married the dashing Harry Gardeyne instead. Now she's a widow and desperately needs Stephen's help keeping her young son safe from her husband's nefarious family. *Rogue
The Rogue's Return (e-book only)
Simon St. Bride has been the missing Rogue for most of the series but now he's back. Turns out he was off in Canada finding his fortune and fighting in the war of 1812. Now it's 1816 and he's ready to return home but not before he gets involved in an ill advised duel (is there ever an advisable one?) and ends up being forced to marry Jane, the woman who's honor he was defending. Now, as they set sail for England, will Simon's family and secrets from his new wife's past ruin their chances at happiness? *Rogue
To Rescue a Rogue (e-book only)
Still recovering from his wounds taken at Waterloo as well as an addiction to opium, Lord Darius Debenham is haunted by his demons and has lost all his joy for life. When he encounters Mara St. Bride, the sister of one of his oldest friends, roaming the London streets late at night and clothed in only a shift, corset and blanket he, of course, rescues her. Mara is determined to make Dare smile again. She has never backed down from a challenge not even one as stubborn and devilishly sexy as Dare. She's ready to rescue him right back if he'll let her. *Rogue *Sister of a Rogue
Lady Beware (e-book only)
Horatio Cave, the new Viscount Darien, may be a hero of Waterloo but his family has been plagued with scandal, madness and violence. He resolves to rehabilitate that reputation by becoming engaged to a darling of the ton, Lady Thea Debenham. Too bad she's the sister of one his most hated enemies from school and wants nothing to do with him. He proposes a deal: be his fiancée for 6 weeks and he will clear her brother of battlefield cowardice. To help her brother, Thea will do whatever takes even if means spending time with someone as dark, dangerous and sexy as Darien. *Sister of a Rogue
Shocking Delight
At the end of The Dragon's Bride, David Kerslake takes over the title of Earl of Wyvern from his new brother-in-law Con Somerford but that doesn't mean he's given up his role as the smuggling master, Captain Drake. While trying to stay one step ahead of the Preventive Officers he discovers an even bigger problem, the earldom is broke and he needs to find himself a rich (and hopefully clueless) bride. Lucy Potter, may be the daughter of a rich London merchant but she is more interested in matters of trade than finding a husband. One kiss from David, however, and her resolves weakens. David is certainly intrigued by her but being with someone as smart and sharp as Lucy will put his whole life (and those he cares about) at risk. (e-book) *Brother-in-law to a Rogue
Too Dangerous for A Lady
Lady Hermione Merryhew and her chaotic family are on their way to beg for money from a dying relative. Stopped at an inn for the night, she's putting her nephews to sleep when a thief steals into her room seeking refuge—a thief who turns out to be a man from her past. Mark Thayne, Viscount Faringay, a veteran of the wars, is undercover with a violent, revolutionary group when he steals into Hermione's room and unwittingly gets her involved with his mission. He certainly never expected to find the girl that stole his heart and a kiss six years ago. Now to be together they just have to stay alive. Luckily, they have help. Hermione is a sister of a Rogue who perished in the wars and Mark's boss is none other than Maj. George Hawkinville. (e-book) *Sister of a Rogue *Friend of a Rogue
Detail from Youth on Coney Island Beach, 1991. Image ID: 5033980
This summer, NYPL staff members are reading you their favorite short stories to offer you a brief escape from the heat and the haze. Each week, listen as they read their delightful selections and describe what makes these stories special to them — then be sure to check out these stories and more at your local library.
We Need Diverse Books has created awareness thanks to social media, beginning as a hashtag that is now a successful organization. The goal of We Need Diverse Books is for diversity to become the norm by promoting "literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people." I really enjoyed the panel because it was very exciting to see so many individuals who are also excited about the need for the diverse books and the work of diverse authors. In the panel it was noted that the literary world should reflect the diversity in the world.
In order for diverse books to make a difference they must tell stories that are real. Stories that are authentic for the readers to enjoy. When writing diverse books it is important to celebrate the differences while not defining the characters by their differences. In other to do that it is important to bring out the many aspects and layers of the characters. The panelist also noted that diversity has to be thoughtful and meaningful.
Responsibility in representation of diverse character is very important so that diverse books do not create more harm than good. The characters must be represented as people. People have many different layers. Authors of diverse books must write people, their family and experiences, not stereotypes. Diversity in books requires authenticity. In addition, disability representation in diverse books is important because young people with disabilities also want to see themselves in books.
Writers are responsible for that they put out into the world. Negative representation of groups that are often stereotyped is not good for the diverse literary community. The diverse background of an author brings a different perspective their characters.
It is important to represent diverse characters honestly because creating diverse characters who are wrong creates a bigger problem in the diverse literature community.
The panelist spoke about how teachers, marketers, and librarians can promote diverse books by borrowing diverse books from the local libraries, sharing diverse books with friends and family, and by buying diverse books.
SAGEWork Boot Camp Enrollment on Monday, June 8, 2015, 9:30 am - 2 pm. This two-week intensive training course will provide participants with essential skills to lead them toward job placement. The first session is Monday–Friday, June 8–June 19, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Participants must attend every day at the SAGE Center, located at 305 7th Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
United States Tennis Association will present a recruitment on Monday, June 8, 2015, 10 am - 6 pm for Cleaner (250 Seasonal openings) at Flushing Workforce 1 Career Center, 138-60 Barclay Avenue, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355.
New Partners, Inc. will present a recruitment on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, 10 am - 1:30 pm for Home Health Aide ( 5 openings F/T & P/T) at Flushing Workforce 1 Career Center, 138-60 Barclay Avenue, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355.
United States Tennis Association will present a recruitment on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 10 am for Cleaner (250 Seasonal openings) at Flushing Workforce 1 Career Center, 138-60 Barclay Avenue, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355.
ASPCA will present a recruitment on Thursday, June 11, 2015, 10 am - 1 pm for Licensed Veterinary Technician (1 opening), Kitten Nursery Caregiver ( 1 Seasonal opening), Licensed Veterinary Technician ( 1 Evening opening), Nursery Licensed Veterinary (1 Seasonal opening), Senior Veterinary Assistant (1 opening), Veterinary Staff Manager (1 opening), at the New York State Department of Labor, 9 Bond Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Hamilton Grange Library, NYPL - 1st Annual College and Career Fair on Thursday, June 11, 2015, 11 am - 4 pm. There may be over 40 companies and educational institutions in attendance. There will also be several workshops providing valuable information and insight on interviewing skills, IT Training and Employment, Re-Entering The Workforce, Financial Security, Resume Writing and Dress for Success at Hamilton Grange Library, 503 West 145th Street, New York, NY 10031.
The New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCE&TC) is an association of 200 community based organizations, educational institutions, and labor unions that annually provide job training and employment services to over 750,000 New Yorkers, including welfare recipients, unemployed workers, low-wage workers, at-risk youth, the formerly incarcerated, immigrants and the mentally and physically disabled. View the NYCE&TC Job Listings.
Digital NYC is the official online hub of the New York City startup and technology ecosystem, bringing together every company, startup, investor, event, job, class, blog, video, workplace, accelerator, incubator, resource, and organization in the five boroughs. Search jobs by category on this site.
St. Nicks Alliance Workforce Development provides Free Job Training and Educational Programs in Environmental Response and Remediation Tec (ERRT). Commercial Driver's License, Pest Control Technician Training (PCT), Employment Search and Prep Training and Job Placement, Earn Benefits and Career Path Center. For information and assistance, please visit St. Nicks Alliance Workforce Development or call 718-302-2057 ext. 202.
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations helps jobless and working poor New Yorkers establish careers in sectors that offer good wages and opportunities for advancement. Currently, BWI offers free job training programs in four industries: commercial driving, telecommunications cable installation, TV and film production, and skilled woodworking.
CMP (formerly Chinatown Manpower Project) in lower Manhattan is now recruiting for a free training in Quickbooks, Basic Accounting, and Excel. This training is open to anyone who is receiving food stamps but no cash assistance. Class runs for eight weeks, followed by one-on-one meetings with a job developer. CMP also provides Free Home Health Aide Training for bilingual English/Cantonese speakers who are receiving food stamps but no cash assistance. Training runs Mondays through Fridays for six weeks and includes test prep and taking the HHA certification exam. Students learn about direct care techniques such as taking vital signs and assisting with personal hygiene and nutrition. For more information for the above two training programs, email: info@cmpny.org, call 212-571-1690, or visit. CMP also provides tuition-based healthcare and business trainings free to students who are entitled to ACCESS funding.
Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) trains women and places them in careers in the skilled construction, utility, and maintenance trades. It helps women achieve economic independence and a secure future. For information call 212-627-6252 or register online.
Grace Institute provides tuition-free, practical job training in a supportive learning community for underserved New York area women of all ages and from many different backgrounds. For information call 212-832-7605.
Please note this will be revised when more recruitment events for the week of June 7 become available.
Robert Wittman idolized law enforcement as a child, and he was thrilled when his wife urged him to apply for admission to the ranks of the venerated Federal Bureau of Investigation. It beat sales work, even though the pay was less. Luckily, his first assignment landed him in Philadelphia, a mecca of art. He loves art, so fighting art theft and crime was second nature to him. Undercover work allowed him to utilize his training in salesmanship. He eventually spearheaded an effort to create the FBI Art Crime Team in 2004, though he was the only agent devoted full-time to solving art crime and recovering priceless works.
There is a cardinal rule in undercover work: tell as few lies as possible because they are hard to remember. Wittman used his real first name in dealings with art thieves in order to make things less complicated. He assumed a role that was to deceive and betray, but he called his wife to remind himself not to play the hero and get killed. He haggled with people on prices for the stolen art, he held the Bill of Rights in his hand, and he was mistakenly arrested during a SWAT take-down. But most of all, the adrenaline and satisfaction of saving irreplaceable art is what drove this agent to persist in his international dangerous ventures into the underbelly of the criminal world.
Unfortunately, many museums do not maintain accurate inventories, so it is impossible for them to determine which items have been stolen or have simply been moved into storage temporarily. Also, theft of art was not a felony until recently. It was treated as theft of money or any goods. Given the unique value of art in our society, however, the laws have been changed.
The FBI work did had its downsides. There were many hairy moments where a careless lie almost brought Wittman down. Any error could result in him losing his life. He also dealt with supervisors who micro managed and refused to make waves in order to advance their own careers. The FBI is definitely a "good old boys" organization.
The Marvel Universe continues to grow as their next shrinking Avenger is set to appear on the big screen in July 2015 in the form of Ant-Man. Whether you are familiar with the storyline of Hank Pym and his notorious Pym Particles, you’ve probably come across some rather smaller than average characters in your life. Here are just some you may or may not have heard of that are worth checking out.
Before Ant-Man came Richard Matheson’s The Shrinking Man, written in 1956. Matheson wrote a number of episodes for the The Twilight Zone and the novels: I am Legend, Stir of Echoes and What Dreams May Come, among others. Unlike Hank Pym or Scott Lang, the protagonist in Matheson’s novel, Scott Carey, begins to shrink with no way to stop after encountering a mysterious radioactive mist. Download the e-audio book or watch the Hugo Award winning film from 1957, The Incredible Shrinking Man.
In the DC Universe, Ray Palmer AKA The Atom, also has the power to shrink, thanks to a shrinking lense fashioned from white dwarf star matter that fell to earth. His character was introduced on the hit WB television show, Arrow, in season 3.
Fantasy novels such as The Littles and The Borrowers provide fun adventures for grades 2-5. Both feature stories involving tiny families that live in the walls of homes. First published in 1952, Mary Norton’s award winning novel The Borrowers tells the story of the Clocks—who are the tiny family that live below the “Human Beans.” And published in 1967, John Lawrence Peterson’s series The Littles introduced the Little Family, who are a tiny family living in the walls of a house that face serious challenges such as invading mice!
Let’s not forget the “Atom Sucker” that Andrew Dubble creates in the series Andrew Lost! A great series for grades 3-7, Andrew’s tiny adventures cause nothing but big problems that he must rise to the occasion to solve!
I would be remiss to exclude one of the most famous literary shrinking scenes when Alice pursues the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. Would you also risk the unknown by testing the “Drink Me” potion if you were in Alice’s shoes?
Did I miss some? Please leave a comment and add to this “tiny” list!
Harper Lee’s 1960 classic touches a chord in almost everyone who reads it—including (maybe especially) librarians.
As we prepare for the July 14 release of Lee’s second book, Go Set a Watchman, we asked our NYPL colleagues for personal reflections on the first time they read To Kill a Mockingbird: Where were you, and how old were you? What struck you about the story or characters? And what stuck with you?
I was probably in the 7th or 8th grade when I first read To Kill a Mockingbird. Having grown up in a relatively sleepy and homogeneous community, I had a hard time understanding the turbulent world that Scout inhabited at first, but eventually the book woke me up to a lot of the injustices that were going on beyond the small town I lived in. It was the first time I was exposed to literature with a meaningful political dimension.
This was an especially powerful awakening for me, since I felt so closely bonded to Scout. Like her, I too was curious (read: nosy) and eager to be a part of the adult world, so reading To Kill a Mockingbird was super immersive in that I felt like I was with Scout as she related her story, almost as if I was seeing the book's plot unfold through my own eyes.
Since the sequel, Go Set a Watchman, is told by an all-grown-up Scout, I'm really looking forward to finding out if I still feel that same affinity with her. —Nancy Aravecz, Mid-Manhattan
I remember first reading it in 8th-grade English, and loving how Atticus spoke so gently to his children but never talked down to them. He spoke to them about justice in a way that was powerful, but also completely understandable to them (and me). And, of course, I loved that Scout dressed as a ham for Halloween. —Ronni Krasnow, Morningside Heights
I must have been in middle school when I first read To Kill a Mockingbird. I couldn't believe that the United States had been that horribly segregated. My father had grown up in the Deep South, in New Orleans, and I remember asking him if that was really how it was.
“Worse,” he said. “There's a reason why I left.”
But he made sure I understood that just as there was evil in the Jim Crow South, there were also good people trying to make a difference, like Atticus and my grandmother Claire and great aunts. This book always reminds me of my courageous relatives and that it’s always worth fighting the good fight, no matter the consequences. —Anne Rouyer, Mulberry Street
My first reading of To Kill a Mockingbird was in response to having seen the movie. The image that sticks with me the most from my childhood reading/viewing (and I have a little trouble separating the book from the film, I must admit!) is Scout discovering Boo Radley, not a monster but a friend. —Danita Nichols, Inwood
I read it for the first time when I was 11 over the summer. I was very aware of the civil rights movement and totally ignorant of small-town Southern society, so I was struck by Aunt Alexandra and Lee's comparisons of her rules of female behavior, compared to Maudie or Calpurnia. —Barbara Cohen-Stratyner, Exhibitions
To Kill a Mockingbird was the first book I read that made me feel like an adult. I was 13 and I bought a copy of it to bring with me to summer camp. I knew it was a classic, but no one told me to read it. I finished the book in three days.
And when I came home two months later, my mother found it in my bag and asked me what I thought. I loved it and told her so. And she agreed with me!
Sometimes there's not much a 12-year-old girl and her mother can agree on, but it was a gorgeous feeling to discuss this book with my mom and feel we were speaking the same language. —Amy Geduldig, Communications & Marketing
I first read To Kill a Mockingbird in 5th or 6th grade. I think I also watched the film for 12 Angry Men for the first time as part of the same class, and together they really set the stage for my understanding of lawyering and how the jury system works.
The names: Scout, Jem, Boo, are really vivid when you're a kid, and the story kept my rapt attention. —Jenny Baum, Jefferson Market
I remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird on the bus to and from school in 10th grade and truly being transported to that time and place. I was just beginning to understand and appreciate symbolism in literature, and I remember being particularly moved by the central symbol of the mockingbird, and the message that to kill innocent songbirds, who only sing for us, is wrong. —Susan Tucker Heimbach, Mulberry Street
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your picks! Leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend.
Special Thanks goes to Hung-yun Chang at Mid-Manhattan Library , Maria Fung in Collection Development and Sean Ferguson at Chatham Square Library for all their help with this blog post.
In honor of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Pride Month in June, the Dorot Jewish Division recognizes the achievements of LGBT Jews in history and in the Library’s collection. Here are some key moments and figures.
Jewish Pioneers in LGBT Rights
Magnus Hirschfeld (1868-1935) was a German Jewish doctor and author who fought to decriminalize homosexuality in Germany.
“What the people must know about the third sex” was a 1901 publication of Magnus Hirschfeld’s Scientific-Humanitarian committee
Jeanne Manford, mother of a gay son, was a co-founder of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) in 1973.
Retired senator Barney Frank of Massachusetts served as the first openly gay U.S. senator, coming out in 1987.
Joy Ladin, a poet, author, and Yeshiva University professor, is the first openly transgender person employed at an Orthodox Jewish institution.
Harvey Milk was a pioneering leader and one of the the first openly gay people elected to public office, and was assassinated a year after taking office.
Faygele ben Miriam, also known as John Singer, together with Paul Barwick, attempted to get the first same-sex marriage license in Seattle in 1971.
Edie Windsor successfully sued the U.S. government for recognition of her Canadian marriage to her late wife, Thea Spyer, ultimately overturning the “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) with her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan.
Activist and author Joan Nestle co-founded the Lesbian Herstory Archives, the world's largest collection of materials by and about Lesbians. Image ID: 1661019
For dads who read chapter books out loud to their kids...
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
The first volume in the epic series begins a magical, unforgettable story for dads to share with their sons and daughters.
For dads who want to watch a movie with their kids...
Star Wars
The order is up to you. Like TheLord of the Rings trilogy, Star Wars is a great adventure for dads to share with their kids (and the new movie is coming in December)!
For DIY dads…
Made by Dad: 67 Blueprints for Making Cool Stuff by Scott Bedford
Get the family’s hands dirty building projects from a crocodile toast rack to an Eiffel Tower made from spaghetti and marshmallows.
For dads who like history…
The Wright Brothersby David McCollough
A meticulously researched and high-suspense story about the pioneers of flight.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your picks! Leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend.
Writers are responsible for that they put out into the world. Negative representation of groups that are often stereotyped is not good for the diverse literary community. The diverse background of an author brings a different perspective their characters. 
这是一本使我看了就放不下的穿越小说。 “这个身体，不是她的 … 白浅闭上眼晴，脑中画面如过电影一般来回演泽。许久，最后定格在两个場景上。一个是叫凤红鸾的女子，穿着大红嫁衣怀揣着休书跳进东璃国丞相府后院的荷花池；一个是叫白浅浅的女子，穿着洁白婚纱被新婚丈夫一枪打中心脏倒在了婚礼喜宴上。无疑，她是白浅浅，如今在凤红鸾的身体里。” P14-p15
