June is GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) Book Month and we are celebrating with some of our favorite reads. For a long time, GLBT stories were focused on the character’s sexual identity and the experience of coming out. While these stories are important, GLBT people are much more than that one piece of their identity and this is showing up in YA fiction. Here are some stories where this is a detail about the character, not the main focus of the story.

Proxy by Alex London
Every time Knox breaks the rules, Syd receives the punishment—literally. Syd has never met Knox, but he understands that taking his punishments is the only way to pay off his debts. The two were never supposed to meet.

Maplecroftby Cherie Priest
Lizzie Borden really did give her parents 40 whacks... but only because alien sea monsters took over their bodies.

Grasshopper Jungleby Andrew Smith
Austin and Robby are two best friends trying to survive the boredom of small town Iowa. They unwittingly unleash 6-foot tall praying mantises and must fight to save humanity from destruction, all while Austin battles his sex drive.

Ashby Malinda Lo
This Cinderella retelling is steeped deep in fairy folklore, but Ash could not be any less interested in Prince Charming. She must chose between a fairy tale ending and the King’s Huntress.

Carry Onby Rainbow Rowell
Simon Snow is a wizard at a magic school... but not THAT magic school. It’s his final year to defeat the nemesis and decide whether he loves or hates his vampire roommate Baz. (Psst, if you read Fangirl, this is Cath’s fanfic).

Beauty Queensby Libba Bray
It’sLord of the Flies meets Miss America when a plane full of beauty pageant contestants crashed on a deserted island. Adina only entered the pageant to expose it from the inside, but now she and the other contestants must figure out how to make it out alive.

For more GLBT book recommendations follow @nyplteens on Instagram for #30DaysofQueerYA!

Strengths and strains of adult-sibling relationships...genetic genealogy, issues of race, slavery reparations and reconciliation...the complex story of the South Street Seaport District...a gritty story of corruption, greed and law enforcement in Brooklyn...the adventures of Sherlock Holmes..."wellth" creation for a happier, healthier and meaningful life...a myth-shattering look at the challenges for LGBT Americans...explore urban and wild birding hotspots in New York City...the true story of elite team of women at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory...how Europe’s Jewish musicians were saved from the Nazis...transgender transformation and one American family’s journey...cyber wars and military information warfare squads...gay life in America from the '70s to present day...activism, passion and the persistence for marriage equality...

If any of these topics have piqued your interest, join us for an Author @ the Library talk this June at Mid-Manhattan Library!

	WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 Adult Sibling Relationships with Geoffrey Greif, PhD, Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Michael E. Woolley, PhD, MSW, DCSW, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. This illustrated lecture explores the strengths and strains of adult-sibling bonds. It clarifies the most confounding elements of sibling relationships and provides specific suggestions for realizing new, productive avenues of friendship in middle and later life.
	THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation After the Genomewith Alondra Nelson, Dean of Social Science and Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Columbia University. This illustrated lecture shows that genetic genealogy is a new tool for addressing old and enduring issues, including grappling with the unfinished business of slavery: to foster reconciliation, to establish ties with African ancestral homelands, to rethink and sometimes alter citizenship, and to make legal claims for slavery reparations specifically based on ancestry.
	WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016 Preserving South Street Seaport: The Dream and Reality of a New York Urban Renewal Districtwith James M. Lindgren, Professor of History at SUNY Plattsburgh, and the author of Preserving the Old Dominion (1993) and Preserving Historic New England (1995). This illustrated lecture tells the fascinating story, from the 1960s to the present, of the South Street Seaport District of Lower Manhattan.
	MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016 Crooked Brooklyn:Taking Down Corrupt Judges, Dirty Politicians, Killers and Body Snatchers with Michael Vecchione, retired Chief of the Rackets Division of the Kings County District Attorney's Office, and Jerry Schmetterer, print and broadcast journalist This illustrated lecture is a gritty story of corruption, greed and law enforcement, and is filled with characters and stories ripped straight from the tabloids.
	TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016 In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the June 1891 writing of A Scandal in Bohemia, AC Doyle’s story for Strand Magazine that became the first story in the 1892 hardback anthology, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, a panel of Holmes experts talk about the incredibly durable popularity of that book and others in the canon, as well as the creation of the first “forensic detective.”
	WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016 Wellth: How I Learned to Build a Life, Not a Résumé with Jason Wachob, the Founder and CEO of mindbodygreen, the leading independent media company dedicated to health and happiness with 15 million monthly unique visitors. This illustrated lecture redefines successful living and offers the audience a new life currency to build on, one that is steeped in wellbeing…Wellth.
	THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016 It's Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality with Michelangelo Signorile, best-selling author of Queer in America and host of the Sirius XM radio show The Michelangelo Signorile Show. This illustrated lecture provides a myth-shattering look at the present and future of gay rights, addressing the challenges that lie ahead for LGBT Americans.
	MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016 Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island with Deborah Rivel, an award-winning wildlife film Producer/Director and owner of Wildtones and Kellye Rosenheim, Director of Development at New York City Audubon Society and avid leader of bird walks. This illustrated lecture enables birdwatchers to efficiently explore urban and wild birding hotspots. It gives seasonal information for both popular birding sites and those off the beaten path, with precise directions to the best viewing locations within the region’s diverse habitats.
	TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2016 Rise of the Rocket Girls with Nathalia Holt, Ph.D., a science writer and also author of Cured: The People who Defeated HIV. This illustrated lecture presents the true story of a group of elite young women at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These women shared a love of math and and their work influenced military rocket design, brought us the first American satellite, shaped lunar missions, and ushered in a new era of space exploration that continues today at NASA where some of the women still work—now as senior engineers directing our missions to Mars and Venus.
	WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016 Orchestra of Exiles: The Story of Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Philharmonic, and the One Thousand Jews He Saved from Nazi Horrors with Josh Aronson, Academy Award-nominated writer, producer, and director of films, in dialogue with Jonathan F. P. Rose. In conversation with Jonathan F.P. Rose, the filmmaker and author discusses his new book, co-written with Denise George. The story of how world-renowned violinist Bronislaw Huberman helped save Europe's premier Jewish musicians from the Nazis, creating an ensemble that would become The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
	THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family with Amy Ellis Nutt, a science writer at The Washington Post and Pulitzer Prize winner in feature writing This illustrated lecture tells the inspiring true story of a transgender girl, her identical twin brother, and an ordinary American family’s extraordinary journey to understand, nurture, and celebrate the uniqueness in us all.
	MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016 Dark Territory : The Secret History of Cyber War with Fred Kaplan, National Security Columnist columnist, Slate, Magazine; Former Edward R. Murrow Press Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations. This illustrated lecture tells the untold story of cyber war, exploring the inner corridors of the National Security Agency, top secret units in the Pentagon, military "information warfare" squads, and White House national security debates.
	TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016 Stand by Me: The Forgotten History of Gay Liberation with James T. Downs, a Mellon New Directions Fellow at Harvard University and an associate professor of history at Connecticut College. This illustrated lecture shines a bright light on a triumphant moment, and transforms how we think about gay life in America from the 1970s into the present day.
	Love Unites Us: Winning the Freedom to Marry in America with Leslie Gabel-Brett, Director of Education for Lambda Legal, Kevin Cathcart, former Executive Director of Lambda Legal, and Beverly Tillery, Executive Director of the NYC Anti-Violence Project. This illustrated lecture features the history of activists’ passion and persistence in the struggle for marriage rights for same-sex couples in the United States, told in the words of those who waged the battle.

Author @ the Library! is a series of monthly events where accomplished non-fiction authors discuss their work. You may meet the Author of interesting and engaging non-fiction reads, participate in a lively discussion and access books and materials on topics of interest. Come checkout a book, DVD or e-book on the topic.

Don’t miss the many interesting films, book discussions, as well as computer and technology classes on our program calendar. Sit back at Story Time for Grown-ups, Fairy Tales & Mythology From Around the World, starting on June 13, If you enjoy talking about books, join us on Friday, June 10 for Open Book Night, our theme this month is Escapism. The Contemporary Classics Book Discussion meets on Monday, June 6; the featured novel is Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem.

All of our programs and classes are free, so why not come and check one out! Hope to see you soon at the library!

Download the Mid-Manhattan Library's June 2016 Author Talks & More flyer.

FLYER - SATURDAY MOVIES - June 2016.pdf
FLYER TUESDAY EVENING MOVIES.pdf
FLYER Mac Lab Computer Classes June 2016.pdf
FLYER - BOOK DISCUSSION JUNE 2016 Motherless Brooklyn.pdf
FLYER OPEN BOOK NIGHT June 2016.pdf
FLYER - Storytime June 2016.pdf
FLYER NYCitizenship at MML.pdf
FLYER Citizenship Fair June 25 2016.pdf
FLYER ebook Help Hour June 2016.pdf

Summer will be here before you know it. You may be looking forward to outdoor movies in the parks, barbecues, and going hiking.Think that since you don’t live in in the woods that you won’t be affected by Lyme disease? Don’t think that a little bite from a tick could change your life in a bad way? Think again.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is caused by being bitten by a black-legged tick infected with bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms include a special skin rash called erythema migrans, tiredness, fever and headaches. If it is diagnosed early through laboratory testing, it can be treated with a course of a few weeks of antibiotics. If Lyme disease is left untreated, it effects could spread to the heart, joints and central nervous system.

There are some New Yorkers who have had it. A few have expressed frustration and disbelief on the part of doctors' failure to diagnose Lyme disease until it is in its later stage.There is the case of Robert Sabbatino Sr., a Staten Island retired NYPD officer. Previously fit and healthy, his long battle with the debilitating effects of the disease which, he states, "has taken over 60 percent of [his] body” inspired him to become a “Lyme Advocate.” Sabbatino says, "I don't want anyone to live the way I have to live. I want to make a change for people" You may read more of his story in his blog.

Ally Hilfiger, Tommy Hilfiger’s daughter, was also affected with Lyme disease. She has had it since she was 7 years old. This segment from the Metrofocus television program provides information on her new book, Bite Me, her account of her own battle with Lyme Disease. The page also contains tips on to avoid ticks and pictures of tick bites and also a helpful video on how to properly remove a tick.  

You may also want to check out the Lymedisease.org website. It contains comprehensive information on everything related to Lyme disease including new developments and studies. For more informative yet horrific accounts like this one, visit the “News” page on their website. If you have a story of your own about your experience with Lyme disease, you may share it at MyLymeData, a project of Lymedisease.org. Other places to get information about Lyme disease include the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control.

Here is a list of books and e-books about Lyme disease at our library which may also help.

Bite Me: How Lyme Disease Stole My Childhood, Made Me Crazy, and Almost Killed Me
By Ally Hilfiger

Read Ally’s personal journey of her devastating experience with Lyme disease, something she had since she was seven years old but didn’t know it. It masqueraded behind a plethora of other various physical and mental symptoms that previous doctors misdiagnosed until she ended up in a psychiatric ward when she was eighteen. 

 

Changing Planet, Changing Health: How the Climate Crisis Threatens our Health and What We Can Do About It
By Paul R. Epstein 

This book provides information on how climate change is affecting people’s health, near and far. Diseases which are covered include Lyme disease, malaria and cholera. 

 

Lyme Disease: Why It's Spreading, How It Makes You Sick, and What to Do about It
By Barbour, Alan G.
E-book version

Barbour provides a thorough explanation of what Lyme disease is and how it is contracted and why it is spreading. He describes ways one could avoid getting bitten by ticks and stresses disease prevention. 

 

Out of the Woods : Healing from Lyme Disease for Body, Mind, and Spirit 
By Katina I. Makris

This health-care columnist and homeopath share her personal experience with having Lyme disease. Like Ally Hilfiger, she was also misdiagnosed by doctors and suffered with massive physical symptoms for five years. Since then, she has recovered. She shares her tips. 

 

Over the Edge
By Brandilyn Collins

Here is a suspense novel about a disgruntled person who has taken issue with a prominent physician who has publicly denied the existence of chronic Lyme disease. In order to drive home his point, he decides to secretly infect Janessa, the doctor’s wife, with an aggressive strain of Lyme disease. He is giving her 48 hours to change her husband’s mind about his views.

 

Suffering the Silence : Chronic Lyme Disease in an Age of Denial
By Allie Cashel                                                                                                                                                                                          E-book version

A firsthand account from Allie Cashel, someone who struggled with Chronic Lyme disease and its ongoing effects on the body and minds. Similar stories from others around the world are included. This disparaging of patient accounts of Chronic Lyme disease continues to ensue in spite of the fact that at least 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the United States. 

Why Can't I Get Better? : Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease
By Richard Horowitz, M.D

Lyme disease is often known as “The Great Imitator” which often appears like others conditions and diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia and mental health conditions. Horowitz discusses the importance of early detection of the disease in order to stave off more crippling conditions. He describes his treatment plan. 

Our children's librarians have been busy reading and reviewing this year's picture books. Check out a few of their favorites.

Funny Stuff

A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting by Michelle Robinson

Super informed and super prepared, our hero takes to the woods in the hope of spotting a bear.

Beard in a Box by Bill Cotter

A boy spends his savings on an infomercial product that promises to help him grow a beard.

Look Out for the Fitzgerald-Trouts by Esta Spalding

Four loosely related kids living together in a small car search for a bigger home.

Culturally Diverse

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie

Little Thunder does not want to share a name with his dad.

A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu

Learn some basic t’ai chi and yoga with Mei Mei and her grandfather.

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Brown

A clever boy talks his way out of being gobbled by a snake. 

The Power of Art

The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

The trees and shrubs on Grimloch Lane are being mysteriously transformed into works of art in the night.

Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee

A father tells his son the story behind his tattoos.

Maybe Something Beautiful by Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

A community comes together around a small girl to create a beautiful work of art.

Bob the Artist by Marion Deuchars

A book about the power of art and the beauty of being confident enough to be yourself.

Early Lessons

Apples and Robins by Lucie Felix

Die-cut images of an apple tree teach young readers about shapes, colors, and seasons.

Listen to Our World by Bill Martin, Jr. & Michael Sampson

Young readers learn about animals and their habitats.

The Opposite Zoo by Sung Na

Introduces kids to the concept of opposites using zoo animals.

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

The members of our Children's Books Committee have been busy reading and reviewing this year's picture books. Here are a few of their favorites featuring animals to teach kids about, well, animals—but also some other important life lessons. 

Cockatoo, Too by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Jungle birds in tutus dancing the can-can.

Some Birds by Matt Spink

A rhyming book about birds of all kinds.

Hop by Jorey Hurley

A day in the life of a bunny family.

Chimpanzees for Tea by Jo Empson

A silly take on the game “telephone.”

There is a Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith

A young boy meets many animals on a jungle adventure.

Clara: The Mostly True Story of the Rhinoceros who Dazzled Kings, Inspired Artists, and Won the Hearts of Everyone by Emily Arnold McCully

A true story about an 18^th century Rhino who toured Europe.

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield

A bear finds a piano in the woods and sets off on a career as a performing artist.

Alan’s Big Scary Teeth by Jarvis

Alan is very proud of his ferociousness, but at the end of the day, he has to be honest with himself.

The White Cat and the Monk by Ellen Jo Bogart

A cat leads a monk to the truth he has been seeking. A retelling of an anonymous Irish poem.

Horrible Bear! by Ame Dyckman

A young girl learns a valuable lesson about making mistakes and apologizing.

Join us from 10-11 AM EDT for live reading recommendations on Twitter @NYPLRecommends!

NYPL Recommends: New Picture Books - The Animal Edition

The members of our Children's Books Committee have been busy reading and reviewing this year's picture books. Here are a few of their favorites featuring animals to teach kids about, well, animals—but also some other important life lessons.

NYPL Recommends: New Picture Books

And some of our children's librarians' non-animal favorites from this year's new crop.

Doubling Down on Angry Birds

When the Angry Birds movie hit theaters, we asked our NYPL recommendation experts to name their favorite books, movies, or TV shows that feature… well, angry birds.

New York Times Read Alikes: June 5, 2016

If you are among the many readers who bought and read one of these five titles and want more of the same adventure or romance or thrills, here are some suggestions for you.

Lynn is reading The Assistants by Camille Perri.

Gwen is reading the new Zadie Smith story in the New Yorker andKill the Boy Bandby Goldy Moldavsky... whoa. It's crazy.

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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

Who would have imagined a trend in YA literature toward realistic, character-driven, and emotionally intense stories? If that is up your alley, we have some recommendations for you.

Where You’ll Find Me by Natasha Friend

Anna’s mom is bipolar, her dad just had a new baby with his new wife, and her best friend broke up with her. Friend delivers a layered story with dialog that rings true.

The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass

Castella Cresswell and her five siblings have never seen anything beyond their home and the deep woods surrounding it. They have never disobeyed the rules of God delivered directly through their father that keep them bound to the woods, their father, and each other.

The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter

Hidden truths and confused memories haunt this story of a struggle between a girl and her mother.

Underwater by Marisa Reichardt

A debut novel about learning to forgive yourself and finding a way to live with the past, however unfortunate, and moving on.

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

Riley Cavanaugh is a gender fluid punk rocker with an ultraconservative politician father. Perfect for readers who loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Dill is the son of a notorious Pentecostal minister and the target of bullies at school. This is the story of the final year of high school for Dill and his friends and fellow outcasts, Lydia and Travis.

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour & David Levithan

Mark and Kate sat next to each other for an entire year and never spoke. In one night, they will know each other better than anyone else knows them.

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey

Coming of age, coming out, friendship, and agoraphobia.

Thicker than Water by Kelly Fiore

CeCe loses both her brother to drugs and herself to blame and guilt.

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations! 

If you are among the many readers who read one of these five titles and want more of the same adventure or romance or thrills, here are some suggestions for you.

#1 Recommendations for readers who enjoyed Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, more British love stories:

Other People's Children by Joanna Trollope

One Day by David Nicholls

The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell

#2 Recommendations for readers who enjoyed The Emperor’s Revenge by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison, more action packed suspense:

The Alexander Cipher by Will Adams

Meg by Steve Alten

Viking Bay by M.A. Lawson

#3 Recommendations for readers who enjoyed Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas, more regency romance series:

Hellions of Havisham by Lorraine Heath

MacGregors Novels by Grace Burrowes

Brides of Redemption Trilogy by Gayle Callen
 

#4 Recommendations for readers who enjoyed Before the Fall by Noah Hawley, more intricately plotted suspense:

The Whites by Richard Price writing as Harry Brandt

And Then There Were None  by Agatha Christie

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

#5 Recommendations for readers who enjoyed All Summer Long by Dorothea Benton Frank, more stories about husbands and wives:

American Wife by Curtis Settenfeld

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Husband’s Secretby Liane Moriarty

Subscribe on iTunes.

For many, Padma Lakshmi has become nearly synonymous with the reality television show Top Chef, a program she has hosted since 2006. An executive producer, actress, and model, Lakshmi added "memoirist" to her resume this year with the publication of Love, Loss and What We Ate. For this week's episode of the New York Public Library Podcast, we're proud to present Padma Lakshmi discussing New York City and her idea of the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Born in India, Lakshmi recalls her first night in the United States as one touched by a sense of magic:

"I came to New York on Halloween night in 1974 and coincidentally, my mother happened to also arrive here on Halloween night 1972, so for us, Halloween has a very special emotional significance in our family. It's a big family with my daughter and I as well. I remember I took a very long-winded way to get here, so it was New Delhi, Cairo, Rome, London, and New York, and I remember that journey vividly. And when I got here to JFK, and I remember driving in, she has a friend with her to pick me up. She had a blanket because she didn't want me to be cold in the New York fall. I remember seeing all these little people, children dressed up in these bright, lurid costumes, and you know when we got to my mother's apartment, she showed me around her little apartment and there was this huge dish of candy, and I thought she'd put it out to welcome me, and every time the doorbell rang, which it did a lot, she kept giving my candy away! So you know, I was very flummoxed by this. She had to explain to me that this is a Halloween, kids dress up, this is what they do. I thought, 'Wow, America: this beautiful, magical land where all you have to do is dress up and people give you candy!'"

Although Lakshmi eventually moved to Los Angeles with her mother, an oncology nurse, she considers living in New York a formative experience:

"I was also very much shaped by New York City. I am a child of New York, and in the seventies, it was hard in Manhattan to find some of these Indian ingredients, so my mother would take me to Chinatown for Asian vegetables or Spanish Harlem for tamarind and sugar cane and cilantro, which was very rare back then; it wasn't at every grocery store. So through my palate and through my mother's adventurousness, I saw in New York — you know, you only have to walk one block to see there are many races, colors, and ethnicities and languages spoken — so I never felt in any way as Other or as much of an outsider here in New York, which is probably why as soon as I was able, I moved back to New York."

Much of Lakshmi's audience has met her through the television show Top Chef. Yet she did not always anticipate that she would make a career in the culinary arts. Now, she often shares a piece of professional advice with young women:

"I always wanted to be in the kitchen. It was just an elevated hobby, but at twenty-five had you told me I would be a food professional or have this career that I do, I wouldn't have believed you, which is why now when I talk to younger women, I always say, 'Find out how you can make a living, spin a living somehow out of what you naturally like to while away the time doing.' Because that's the greatest gift. I have the luxury of doing that, which is very rare. I would never have imagined."

You can subscribe to the New York Public Library Podcast to hear more conversations with wonderful artists, writers, and intellectuals. Join the conversation today!

This post is by guest blogger Ionia Cisse. Mrs. Cisse is a teacher at the High School of Fashion Industries, and a co-advisor in the after-school club that designs fashions for the yearly Anti-Prom fashion show. The New York Public Library is grateful for her encouragement and leadership of her young designers, and for the insights she graciously shares with us here.

A Round of Applause, Please

Sixteen very talented, self-motivated, hardworking design students from the High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI) created the fabulous fashions presented at this year’s Anti-Prom and exhibited at the Mid Manhattan Library, from June 27–July 29, 2016. They are: Angliek Jones, O’Shira Godwin, Maggie Chen, Shaimelys Marcano, Michelle Marshall, Tianna Blackwill, Keyanna Spann, Daniela Morales, Cydnee Schoolfield, Tais Ciprian, Susana De Los Santos, Deannelys Corcino, Kadeem Lamorell, Kyla Underwood, Destiney March, and Katherine Camilo. A round of applause, please!

The students are part of an after-school club focused on the Anti-Prom fashion show. I am one of two club advisors. The other is Mrs. Carole Herbert. Both of us are teachers at HSFI, and we have proudly been involved with the Anti-Prom fashion show for several years. Previously, Judith Dayhill, HFSI Librarian and Belinda David, HSFI Fashion Design Teacher, worked together on Anti-Prom events. At that, they partnered with industry professionals who gave students encouragement and constructive criticism.

From the Start

The Anti-Prom was started in 2005 by Young Adult Librarians working with a group of teen advisors. The prom was created to culminate the end of the school year with a dance event where a diverse group of young people would not be embarrassed, regardless of their race or gender preferences. In subsequent years the event became coupled with a themed fashion show featuring the creations of talented HSFI students. Themes over the years have included:

2010 – Glam

2011 – Super

2012 – Monster

2013 – Masquerade,

2014 – Punk Rock

2015 – Fairy Tale

This year 2016 marks the seventh year with a fashion show, and the theme this year is “Secret Garden.” Inspired by research at the high school’s library and in the NYPL visual collections, students planned, sketched, designed, produced and fitted models for fashions that reference and evoke everything found in gardens, from the pleasant to the dark.

The Anti-Process

After the theme is unanimously agreed upon, the process begins.

1. First, the students conduct research at the HSFI School Library and in visits to the New York Public Library Picture Collection, Prints and Photographs Division and Library of the Performing Arts in order to understand the theme and get design inspirations. Student, Kadeem Lamorell states, “What happens for me is, I think of the design first and then pair the research with the design. Before going to the library, I had about three designs in mind. I showed them to Mrs. Herbert, and we decided on one dynamic design.”
2. Then, each student creates a detailed descriptive sketch, and sits down with Mrs. Herbert to work out the flat pattern draft. The students spend two to three weeks perfecting their sketches and carefully drafting the flat pattern.

3. The New York Public Library generously provides each designer with $100, and everyone goes on a fabric shopping spree at Mood Fabrics. “It was kind of frustrating shopping for fabric, because I couldn’t decide what I wanted. I wanted rose red, but Mrs. Herbert encouraged me to stretch myself and go for a brighter color. We settled on a marigold and I love it,” admits Michelle Marshall.
4. The cutting process takes place as each student lays out and cuts the flat paper pattern into carefully crafted fabric pieces.
5. The pieces are then joined together as the sewing fun begins. Kadeem says, “Sewing is hot and cold with me because it’s a journey to find a machine that you can partner with. I found mine and named her Betty.” Shaimelys Mareano loves the sewing and says that it is the best part because at this point, she can now see her design come alive.”

6. Model fitting takes place in between the sewing in order to get an idea of how the garment will look on the model in motion, and to work out any fit issues.
7. A mood board is created to capture the temperament and attitude of each student’s creation, and these are displayed at the Anti-Prom event.
8. On the evening of Anti-Prom, the students prep their fashions on their models, and each design is artfully accessorized to complete the total picture.
9. Finally, the Anti-Prom DJ changes the music after an announcement is made, and the models walk the fashions down the grand stairs of Astor Hall.
10. Lastly, the fashions are draped on dress forms for an exhibition at the Mid-Manhattan Library.

'The Fashion Show Has Become a Staple'

Mrs. Carole Herbert, HSFI Fashion Design Teacher and Anti-Prom Creative Director and Club Advisor states, “This is my fourth Anti-Prom year, and there is nothing more gratifying than seeing the joyful expressions on the faces of the kids when they complete their garment The fashion show has become a staple of Anti-Prom whereas before, it was a novelty. Anti-Prom is more popular now with our students. Now, the students in the lower grades look forward to joining Anti-Prom when they become Juniors.”

"A 'Blessing and an Honor'

“It is a blessing and honor to work along side of Mrs. Herbert in helping to assist these creative HSFI students reach their highest fashion potential,” echoes Mrs. Ionia Cisse, HSFI Fashion Design Teacher and Anti-Prom Co-Club Advisor.

Growing and Branching Out

As Anti-Prom continues, we will publicize and promote it even more by educating our HSFI community and the fashion community about what it is and what it stands for. We hope that industry professionals will become more involved with the production of our fashion show. And we are excited about the addition of NYPLarcade, a dedicated gaming space at this year’s event, with Thomas Knowlton, Young Adult Librarian.

We are also dedicated to giving our emerging fashion designers as much exposure as possible. For example, Anti-Prom fashions also appear at the Makers Faire, the Greatest Show (and Tell) event on Earth. It is a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new.

Bring the whole family and join us in the Irma and Paul Milstein Division of U.S. History, Local History, and Genealogy for Family History Day Saturday June 18, 2016 from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Budding genealogists will create their own family tree and design their own coat of arms. In accord with the event, here is a list of books for kids, teens, and adults that span generations.

KIDS

Hugging Hour by Aileen Leijten

Drew prefers to be called Drool, and she is pretty sure her parents will never come back for her when she spends her first night away with her grandmother.

The Family Book by Todd Parr

Signature Todd Parr primary colors and simple shapes celebrate all kinds of families and the love we feel for them.

Hello Goodbye Windowby Norton Juster

Told in the voice of that little girl: this is the story of the magical world of her nanna and Poppy’s house.

TEENS
 

The Fourteenth Goldfishby Jennifer Holm

A mysterious boy shows up who looks a lot like eleven-year-old Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist obsessed with immortality.

Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

The story of three generations of women, each one of them is harboring a secret.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

A  group of elderly Chinese women meet regularly to play Mahjong and tell stories that span across generations and continents. 

ADULTS

The Signature of All Thingsby Elizabeth Gilbert

Spanning from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century, Gilbert follows the Whittaker family and their rise from rags to riches.

The House of Spiritsby Isabel Allende

A character-driven epic spanning three generations of the Trueba family.

One HundredYears of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

A multi-generational family saga so sweeping a family tree is included in the book's front matter. 

 Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

Mercury Rodriguez, a custodian at NYPL’s Kingsbridge Library, loves his job. Not only does he take great pride in keeping the library sparklingly clean and well-maintained, but as a fluent speaker of both English and Spanish, he is also happy to help translate for patrons and staff. Bolstered by the appreciation of the people he serves, Mercury is inspired every day to do his job better and better.

Library Stories is a video series from The New York Public Library that shows what the Library means to our users, staff, donors, and communities through moving personal interviews.

Like, share, and watch more Library Stories on Facebook or YouTube.

2016 is the second year in the 100th anniversary of the Great War. While little acknowledged here in the States so far, 1916 saw a number of significant events which the library's collections can help readers to understand.

1916 saw the epic and horrific Battle of Verdun where the German army hoped to bleed France white by strangling what became the strategically significant city of Verdun. While this battle raged all through the year, the British under Sir Douglas Haig decided to try and relieve pressure on their French allies by launching the Somme Offensive. This began on July 1, 1916 and with over 60,000 casualties on the first day, marked the blackest day for the British army in the Great War. The battle would continue into the fall of 1916 resulting in hundreds of thousands of additional British and German casualties.

1916 would also see the Easter Rising in Dublin where an early movement of what would become the IRA attempted their first rebellion against The British Empire. The New York Public Library has significant works available to check out and read about these world-changing events. This post is intended to serve as an introduction to popular works that are available in the library's circulating collection.

World War I in 100 Objects by Peter Doyle
A fun look at some of the iconic objects of the Great War. Each item is discussed and examined in regards to its impact in the war as well as its historical significance. Many well known as well as lesser objects appear to surprise and inform the reader.

The Great War: A Combat History of the First World War by Peter Hart
This work takes a vigorous look at the conflict by incorporating many first hand accounts into the narrative. The author places emphasis on the military aspects of the war unlike many over general histories which attempt to be all encompassing with their multi-dimensional approach. The reader will get a solid look why the war was fought and conducted the way it was, and what reasons resulted in such high casualty rates.

The First World War by John Keegan
Respected military historian John Keegan provides a very readable and solid look at the Great War. His approach is informative with insightful looks into the thought process of the time and why the Generals and their Staffs were so limited in how they could control the actions at the front. Once the Trench deadlock settled in on the Western Front by early 1915, there was little that could be done to stop it, until exhaustion started to break down the various combatant nations.

The First World War: A Complete History by Martin Gilbert
This is a very good general history incorporating a lot of recent research on the topic. The book gives the reader a big picture of the conflict while also focusing in on various aspects in more detail. For a general history of the war this is probably one of the better works available.

The Somme: Heroism and Horror In the First World by Martin Gilbert
Martin Gilbert returns with a detailed look at the Battle of the Somme and why it has become so ingrained in the British psyche even to this day. The author shows that despite popular beliefs, the battle plan was actually very carefully thought out and was not intended to be the attritional bloodbath that it unfortunately became.

Verdun: The Longest Battle of the Great War by Paul Jankowski
A very detailed look at the famous battle and how it has become associated with the popular image of the true horror of the First World War. The author takes a look at the German plan which was intended to draw the French army into a gigantic battle of attrition that was intended to be a war winning strategy. On the 100th anniversary this is a fine history to mark the event.

The First World War by Hew Strachan
This is a shortened version of the author's multi-volumed history on the First War. As such it provides a very good look at the war incorporating new perspectives and research. The author tries to show that despite the popular image of the Great War as a deadlock struggle innovations were being constantly introduced by both sides all the time. The advantage one side might gain was often quickly countered by the other resulting in stalemate once again. This process is repeated itself over and over resulting in the attritional nature of the conflict.

The Guns of August by Barbar Tuckman
This has always been the classic look at the outbreak of the First World War. While somewhat dated now by more recent works Tuckman's classic still provides a great look at those decisive opening weeks of the conflict with a sense of excitement which still makes for great reading.

All Quiet on The Western Front by Erich Remarque
This remains the classic fiction work on the futility of the Great War in the Trenches. Showing the German side of the conflict the book was a revelation to the English speaking world at the time of its publication. Today it still stands as one of the great anti-work statements of all time.

No Man's Land: Fiction From a World at War 1914-1918 edited by Peter Ayrton
This is a a great collection of short stories and excepts from many of the great writers of the First World War. From Hemingway to Sassoon, you will get a comprehensive look at how the war seemed to these gifted writers. Their written pathos still reaches out to us today.

Short History of the First World War by Gary Sheffield
Those wanting a short work or a good introduction to the First World war can't go wrong here. While the book lacks the depth of the works cited above, it provides a good background to the course of events on this topic. For the reader who doesn't want a long read or for one who seeks a good intro this is the place to start.

The Great War in Modern Memory by Paul Fussell
This is a thought-provoking work. The author tries to show how the memory of the Great war is seen today in the English speaking world. His discussion of many of the famous authors of the war provides interesting and at times controversial conclusions as to how it was understood then and even today.

The Easter Rising by Michael Foy and Brian Barton
This is a good basic work chronicling the events that lead up to and included the Dublin Rising of 1916. This event is a watershed event in Anglo-Irish relations which still resonates to this day. With its 100th anniversary there has never been a better time to take a good look at what made modern Ireland today.

New York Public Library's 12th annual Anti-Prom is quickly approaching on Friday, June 17.

Anti-Prom is "an alternative, safe space for teens who may not feel welcome at official school programs or dances because of their sexuality, gender presentation, the way they dress, or any other reason," and is open to all New York City students (age 12 to 18).

This year, NYPLarcade will offer attendees the opportunity to play two video games, which reflect the event's secret garden theme: Stardew Valley and Beyond Eyes. For those unable to attend or for those who would like to join in on the festivities virtually, below are 10 garden games you can download for the PC or Mac (half of which are free).

Stardew Valley
(ConcernedApe, 2016)

Stardew Valley invokes the relaxing, cyclical gameplay of the Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing series. Yet, it also brings updates to the genre, adding same-sex romance options and a prologue set in a dystopic version of Silicon Valley.

More info at stardewvalley.net

Botanicula
(Amanita Design, 2012)

Botanicula is a point-and-click adventure game by the Czech studio  who also created the Samorost series and Machinarium. Players solve puzzles using the unique abilities of Mr. Lantern, Mr. Twig, Mr. Poppy Head, Mr. Feather and Mrs. Mushroom to save their forest home. 

More info at botanicula.net

Beyond Eyes
(Tiger and Squid, 2015)

Norweigian developer Tiger and Squid tells a touching fairytale featuring Rae (who was blinded by an accident in her youth) and her pet cat Nani as they venture beyond their idyllic garden to explore the world beyond.

More info at beyondeyes-game.net

Waking Mars
(Tiger Style, 2012)

Master the alien ecosystem and exotic plants of Mars in this science fiction adventure game by the makers of iOS classic Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor and its sequel.

More info at tigerstylegames.com

Grow Home
(Ubisoft, 2015)

In Grow Home, players assume the role of a procedurally-animated robot named BUD (Botanical Utility Droid) who climbs, jumps, and explores an ever-changing environment in a quest to save his home planet.

More info at ubisoft.com

Viridi
(Ice Water Games, 2015)

Viridi is a succulent-garden simulator released by the developers of experimental, first-person exploration game Eidolon. Plant seeds, pull weeds, sing to a snail, and watch your potted garden grow.

Free Download (PC, Mac) on Steam

Garden
(Managore, 2015)

Garden is a whimsical, isometric adventure game about an otherworldly garden with design by Daniel Lissen (@Managore), audio by Martin Kvale  (@MartinKvale), and art by @takorii.

Free Download (PC) on itch.io

Personal Valley
(Backtteria, 2016)

Personal Valley was made for Ludum Dare 34, in which designers were challenged to create games dealing with the themes of growing and two-button controls. It's an exploration of minimalist input and the imagined microworld of insects and bacteria.

Free Download (PC) on itch.io

NedraG
(Jonas Mumm, 2016)

Also made for Ludum Dare 34, NedraG is a visually-sprawling game in which the player directs a flowering vine upwards, using the arrow keys, to rescue imperiled heroes from giant wasps.

Free Download (PC) on itch.io

One Day I'll Be A Flower
(Ovidios, 2015)

One Day I'll Be A Flower is a final selection from Ludum Dare 34. It offers a clever plant growth simulation in which one must manage various resources (leaves, sugar sunlight) in an attempt to grow the tallest plant.

Free Download (PC, Mac) on itch.io

Want to learn more about NYPLarcade? Follow us on Twitter (@nyplarcade) or sign up for our mailing list to hear about upcoming events. You can also join us for Duskers (Misfits Attic, 2016) on Tuesday, June 28 at Jefferson Market Library.

Please feel free to contact Thomas Knowlton at thomasknowlton@nypl.org if you any questions.

On Friday, June 3, Jefferson Market Library hosted its first 12 Hour Fashion Show competition. Out of dozens of applicants, eight up-and-coming New York designers were chosen to create looks inspired by Greenwich Village and compete for a $1,000 grand prize. The designers, Ahra Gho, Baylie Erickson, Dasol Hong, Joseph Li, Katiuscia Gregoire, Nicole Bisono, Simone Sullivan, and Tann Parker, arrived at 9 AM to get to work.

Before they arrived, they didn't know what materials we would have for them to work with, or who their models would be. The models, by the way, were all NYPL librarians and staff! Once the designers got their models' measurements, they went into our workroom, picked their fabrics, and got down to business, using sewing machines we provided for the challenge. Lesley Ware, a fashion educator and author was on site all day, acting as a mentor, and giving technical help when needed. 

By the time the models arrived at 4 PM, things were swinging!

[image-gallery]

We had a runway, lighting, and a sound system installed in our second floor reading room for the show, which started at 8 PM.

 

The designers joining their models on the runway at last night's 12 Hour Fashion Show! It was a long, wonderful, and exciting day. Congratulations to Ahra Gho for taking home the $1,000 grand prize! Truly, all of the designers were wonderful, and the models worked it on the runway! #12hourfashionshow #design #fashion #greenwichvillage

A video posted by Jefferson Market Library (@jefferson_market_library) on Jun 4, 2016 at 6:17am PDT

Three judges generously volunteered their time for the show: Jonathan Kyle Farmer from FIT, Nicole LaMoreaux from LIM College, and Asta Skocir from FIT.

Together, they chose the winner of the night, Ahra Gho, whose look was inspired by the basketball courts by West 4th Street.

Congratulations Ahra, and to all the designers! 

Thanks to Materials for the Arts, Benefit Brows-A-Go-Go at 434 Avenue of the Americas, and photographer Darleen Rubin. 

This program is funded through The New York Public Library's Innovation Project, which is made possible by a generous grant from the Charles H. Revson Foundation.

The killing of 49 people attending Latin Night at Pulse, an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando, was an indescribable tragedy. My colleagues and I send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Orlando attack, and we hold the LGBTQ community of New York City and others affected by the tragedy in our thoughts. As librarians, it is our job to serve the common good and it is our responsibility to support our communities in healing in any way we can.

The American Library Association (ALA) responded to the tragedy with a statement. "The library community is deeply saddened by the tragedy at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando," said ALA President Sari Feldman. "Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends, and the GLBTQ community." The ALA's Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in Orlando later this month, and the conference will provide numerous opportunities for attendees to support the local community.

The Association of Research Libraries also expressed support. "The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is saddened and horrified by the tragic murder of 49 people and the wounding of dozens of others in a shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Most of the victims were Latinx members of the LGBTQ community, for whom gay nightclubs like Pulse served as vital sanctuaries—safe havens from a society still subject to homophobia and racism."

The Orange County Library System (OCLS), the library system serving the Orlando area, has created a resources page to support the local community. Mary Anne Hodel, Library Director/CEO of OCLS, expressed her sadness and support for the community: "Over the weekend, Orlando suffered a horrific tragedy. It was a senseless, despicable act of violence that has had a significant impact on our community, and the OCLS family is keeping those who lost loved ones in our hearts and minds."

Librarians and educators across the country, connected through social media, are collaborating to create the Orlando Syllabus, a list of books and articles for teaching tolerance and understanding as well as hotlines and other support resources. The syllabus includes an extensive set of categories including LGBTQ picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, comics, YA books featuring people of color, and Latinx Children's and YA literature. If you are familiar with books or resources not yet listed on the Orlando Syllabus, we encourage you to add them here.

How can adults help children understand the worst things about living in the world, when we struggle (and often fail) to understand them ourselves?

Here are some books for kids that address scary events—big and small—and how to cope with the anxiety, fear, anger, and other feelings they bring up.

Picture Books

A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret Holmes
A young raccoon sees something bad happen, and he worries about it for a long time until he sees a counselor and talks about his feelings. Readers never learn what exactly the terrible thing is, which makes this book useful in a variety of situations.

Deals with tragedy and post-traumatic stress.

Ida, Always by Caron Levis
Gus is a polar bear in the Central Park Zoo. When his longtime companion Ida begins to get very ill, Gus has to accept her death and learn ways to handle his grief.

Deals with death.
 

Sometimes by Rebecca Elliott
Toby’s sister is very sick and has to go to the hospital, so he helps figure out what he can do to help her feel better.

Deals with hospitalization and sibling illness.

Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng
Suhaila gets to spend time with her grandmother, Annie, who helps people facing tragedy—even though Annie died before Suhalia was born.

Deals with death and the afterlife.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
The first day of school can be scary, and Wemberly—a mouse who worries about everything—is particularly nervous about it.

Deals with school-related anxiety.

Tess’s Tree by Jess Brallier
When a maple tree in Tess’s yard has to be cut down, she gathers her neighbors and family together to celebrate its life.

Deals with death and mourning.

Jack’s Worry by Sam Zuppardi
Stage fright can seem like a minor matter for adults, but it can also be a big deal to children. Jack’s worries about playing the trumpet in his first concert grow until they threaten to overwhelm him.

Deals with anxiety.

When I Feel Sad, When I Feel Angry, and When I Feel Worried by Cornelia Maude Spelman
Guinea pigs star in this series of straightforward books about handling emotions.

Deals with handling negative emotions.

Books for Slightly Older Kids

Bird by Zetta Elliott
When a boy’s older brother becomes addicted to drugs, he turns to his art and an understanding uncle to help understand.

Deals with drug use and death of a sibling.

Con Cariño, Amalia / Love, Amalia (Spanish version and English version) by Alma Flor Ada
Amalia spends every Friday afternoon with her grandmother. After she dies, Amalia struggles to stay connected to her and the rest of her family.

Deals with death of a grandparent.

New Year’s Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
When Hubie’s invited to his first-ever sleepover, he needs to overcome some serious concerns about what might happen when he’s there.

Deals with separation anxiety and fears of the future.

Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick
Twelve-year-old Zane and his dog are stuck in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Deals with natural disasters.

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy
The true story of how the Massai people reacted to hearing about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Deals with terrorism.

Missing! A Cat Called Buster by Wendy Orr
Josh’s neighbor, Mr. Larsen, has a cat who gets lost and can’t be found after Mr. Larsen has to go into the hospital.

Deals with illness and missing pets.

Amy Is a Little Bit Chicken by Callie Barkley
In this installment of the Critter Club series, Amy worries about her role on the Santa Vista Quiz Bowl team—and the homeless chickens her club is trying to care for.

Deals with school-related anxiety.

Healing the Bruises by Lori Morgan
Julia and her mother go to live in a shelter, to get away from her abusive father and begin life in a few place.

Deals with domestic violence and post-traumatic stress.

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown
A nonfiction question-and-answer book about the extinction of the dinosaurs and, by extension, death in general.

Deals with death.

Can you think of other books that have helped you or children you know deal with trauma? Let us know in the comments.

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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

There are many foreign language speakers learning English; what about those English speakers who want to learn foreign languages? I teach TechConnect Technology classes at the 67th Street Branch of the New York Public Library. Seeing what people want to learn and then providing it is how I go about listing classes. It is a satisfying experience to know you are teaching something that people want to learn. This is a short story of my endeavors to teach a foreign language for the first time after recognizing a demand.

Last year I taught a MANGO Languages class using the Library's TechConnect curriculum.  Mango Languages is a free database for NYPL cardholders!English speakers can learn foreign languages, and foreign speakers can learn English! It only brought in a handful of students. However, a year later, I decided to try the class again. I was so surprised that the class was wait-listed! We have twelve PCs available and we had eighteen people sign up for the class. We managed to get everyone into the class by utilizing laptops. Some people also brought their own devices.

After teaching the class, I decided to go out on a limb and ask if anyone would be interested if an Italian course was offered that used MANGO Languages (I have a dual major Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Italian Language and Culture and I've always wanted to put it to use). I had eight people give me their contact information that night. With the list in hand, I spoke to our Library Manager, who agreed that an Italian course would be a great addition to the programs we offer. After collaborating with some other departments in order to get the program off the desk and into the classroom, I developed a curriculum outline.

The fourteen-week course that started in February ended on June 7 and I must say that it was a great ride!

At the start of the course, all students had little to no knowledge of the Italian Language. One student wrote: "At first I thought that taking this class was too frivolous—I had no reason to study Italian. Then I had the opportunity to go to Rome—the class brought me luck! Alex is a wonderful, supportive teacher and the NYPL’s Mango Language program is a great supplement. The more students use it—the more they learn."

The students learned eagerly and love the language. In addition, they learned how to use Mango with both PC and mobile devices, as you can download an app for iOS, Amazon or Android, letting you learn a language wherever you are! I learned as well—always improving my technique and adjusting to the students' needs. Several people keep inquiring whether NYPL will offer any other foreign language classes for English speakers; I can only say "perhaps!" or "we shall see." Hopefully we can offer more of these courses in the future! 

If you want to travel to Italy, or simply order food in Italian at a swanky restaurant, another, shorter Beginner Italian Course from July to September is being offered at 67th Street Library. Ciao!

Make Music New York is one of the largest music events in New York City. The New York Public Library is delighted to be a part of the festivities. On Tuesday, June 21 (the Summer Solstice), the library will be hosting 30+ free music performances from African percussion, to classical music, to hip-hop, to jazz, to rock, and many more throughout the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island libraries.  Find the complete listing of events here!

Imagine on a nice summer day venturing off to City Island and dancing to samba music while basking in the sun. Perhaps the beach is more to your liking? Join the South Beach Library at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and listen to Ken Simon Orchestra pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Or venture over to Muhlenberg Library where they'll be hosting a listening party featuring Blackstar by David Bowie. Let's not forget Prince! Harlem Library will be screening Purple Rain for all to see. 

Join us as we celebrate the first day of summer with music!

Предлагаем нашим читателям новые поступления в библиотеку  Mid-Manhattan. 

Последний сантехник / Слава Сэ
Один из самых популярных блогеров ЖЖ, Слава Се с некоторых пор еще и писатель. Автор покоряет читателя удивительными житейскими историями. 

Погребенный великан / Кадзуо Исигуро
В своем новой книге Погребенный Великан , великан  японской современной литературы  Кадзуо Исигуро переносит нас в средневековую Англию. После войны бриттов с саксами, пожилая пара Аксель и Беатриса покидает свою деревушку в поисках сына. Исигуро рассказывает о памяти и забвении, о мести , войне , любви и прощении. 

Чужестранка. Книга 1 : восхождение к любви / Диана Гэблдон
Книги Дианы Габалдон популярны во всем мире и даже экранизированы. Историческо-приключенческий сюжет книги идеален для чтение во время  летнего сезона. 

Восход / Виктория Хислоп
Кипр – жемчужина Средиземного моря. Фамагуста – прекраснейший город на острове, в который стекаются туристы со всего света… Афродити и ее муж Саввас открывают самый роскошный в Фамагусте отель «Восход», где мирно работают и греки, и турки. Спасаясь от межнациональной вражды, в Фамагусту переезжают две семьи – греческая Георгиу и турецкая Ёзкан. Трагедия последующих исторических событий вряд ли оставит читателей равнодушными к судьбе жителей Фамагусте. 

Почем килограмм славы : рассказы и киноповесть / Виктория Токарева
«Наша жизнь — это не только то, что мы сделали. Но и то, что не сделали: не пошли на зов любви, не вспахали грядку под огурцы, не родили ребенка. Жизнь — как банка с клубникой. Между ягодами — пустоты. Но пустоты — это тоже наполнение. Кого мы помним? Тех, кто нас собирал. И тех, кто разорял. Разорял наши души, как гнезда. Они тоже нужны». В. Токарева

Чудны дела твои, Господи! : роман / Татьяна Устинова
Андрей Ильич Боголюбов , новый директор музея изобразительных искусств города Переславля, желает тихой жизни в русской провинции. У Бога другие планы для администратора.