Glitter, Grover and good stories: Drag Artists for Expression NYC returns to the Tompkins Square Library

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy

I'm in the "green room" at Tompkins Square Library branch, watching drag artist and educator Double put on their makeup in preparation for a storytelling event for preschoolers and young kids.

After checking in with children's librarians Nefertiti Guzman and Petra Kolokotronis (below from left), the kids file in and get settled before Double leads them through some get-to-know-you exercises, followed by reading books about self-expression and imagination.

We get a chance to chat after the event is over. 

How often does this storytelling event happen? When is the next one? 

We have story hours frequently all around the city in schools, libraries and community spaces. 

The last one at Tompkins Square Library was back in December. They're not recurring here on a consistent basis, but the librarians expressed interest in having us back soon, so keep an eye out for that. You can join the library's email list for events specific to Tompkins Square Library, and Drag Artists for Expression (DAE) NYC's email list [admin@daenyc.org] for more story hours around the city. 

Are you always the storytelling artist? 

At the Tompkins Square Library, I am usually booked as the storyteller, as they know I am a local and that this is the branch I frequented as a kid. I also started my drag career right across the street in Tompkins Square Park with Lil Park Drag Show, so storytelling here is always very special to me. 

We have a great team of drag artist storytellers who also get booked for events at other locations. At other DAE NYC events, I sometimes tell stories, teach drag or fiber arts workshops, facilitate others' story hours, build curriculum, or design coloring pages. 

How do the kids usually respond to the reading?

I tell stories for all different age groups, but the little ones are always my favorite to read to. They're so enthusiastic about the books and in awe of the glittery human in front of them. I get to be silly and show them the magic of drag. 

Many of the students I read to have never been around drag before, so I get to introduce them to this whole new way of expressing themselves, while also sharing the love of reading and teaching important lessons that the books address. 

Drag is such a powerful tool for teaching that there are many different ways to be human, and that all of them are worthy of celebration and love. I love the work that I do, and events like this always remind me of that.

What books did you read this time? Are there any favorite books that you return to time and again? 

Today I read "I Am! A Book of Reminders" by Juana Medina, "Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans" by Dr. Jessica Miller, "The Monster at the End of This Book" by Jon Stone, and "Life Doesn't Frighten Me," the picture book adaptation of a Maya Angelou poem with illustrations by Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

This book felt very right for today's story hour, Basquiat being a local artist, and the book relating to today's theme, which was bravery, [perfect for] Halloween. I always intentionally choose the books, my drag looks, and the songs we sing to be part of a cohesive theme. 

My favorite book to read is always "The Monster at the End of This Book." It was one of my favorites as a kid, and I've found that a lot of today's kids still are familiar with it, which makes me happy. When I read it, I love to play up the suspense and get really theatrical with it, and encourage lots of audience participation. The kids get really into it! 

Do you have a favorite moment from the event? Is there anything that surprised you? 

My favorite moment from today was when the kids helped me turn the page during "The Monster at the End of This Book," after Grover built a brick wall to keep us from reaching the end of the book.

I told them the page was too heavy for me to lift alone because of all the bricks, so we needed to use teamwork to turn it. Everyone grabbed the page and helped flip it, and of course, the page ripped, which I should've expected. It was OK, though; it wasn't a library book, and the taped-up page will certainly tell a story the next time I read it. 

The librarians are always super welcoming and recognize how special and personal it is for me to be storytelling at that branch. The Tompkins Square Library readings always end up being my favorites. 

Have there been any issues with the storytelling? 

Our public events used to get protested by various hate groups. Thankfully, these protests have died down quite a bit recently, and we haven't had any issues in the past year or so. As drag is increasingly under attack in this country, it's important that we continue to educate and celebrate queer self-expression wherever we can. 

Find out more about Drag Artists for Expression NYC here. You can keep up with their events on Instagram.

A 3-day festival to celebrate Tompkins Square Park and the Tompkins Square Library

EVG photo from last November

This year marks the 120th Anniversary of the Tompkins Square Library branch, " and for each year of its existence, the library's closest and most beautiful neighbor has been Tompkins Square Park, located just across the street." 

To celebrate that milestone and pay tribute to the Park, the library is hosting several events in the days ahead curated by East Village photographer Robin McMillan and Laura Sewell, executive director of the East Village Community Coalition. 

The events occur on Thursday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sept. 24. This NYPL link has more details and registration info. 

The library is at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

A new era for teen spirit at the Tompkins Square Library branch

The Tompkins Square Library branch recently (May 31!) celebrated the grand opening of a new-era Teen Center. 

A rep told us that this is part of the NYPL's larger initiative to meet the needs of this demographic.

"This library's newly expanded Teen Center is a space for teens to hone new tech skills and get creative," the rep said. "The center also comes equipped with video and photography tech, digital media tools, like a 3D printer, and other crafts."

Find more info here. 

The branch is at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Photo courtesy of the NYPL

A moment on 8th Street in 1983

The 1980s East Village photography of Peter Bennett is currently on display at the Tompkins Square Library branch.

Bennett, a native New Yorker now residing in Los Angeles, grew up in Greenwich Village and lived in the East Village from 1979 to 1988. 

The above photo (not one featured at the library) shows the south side of Eighth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C from 1983. (You can see St. Brigid's on the corner.)

Bennett told us this about the photo:

I used to hang out on that block in the 1970s. [He finished high school at Seward Park in 1972.] I had two friends who lived there, and I would visit them. It was a rough, rough block back then. I was mugged on at least one occasion. Tompkins Square Park was completely off-limits after dark; I remember walking around it coming back from my friends and hearing gut-wrenching screams coming from the park somewhere. It's come a long way. 

Tomorrow (Thursday) evening, as part of Lower East Side History Month, Bennett will be one of the guest speakers in a session titled "The East Village in Music, Art, and Words." He'll be joined by Linus Coraggio, MaryAnn Fahey and Andrea Wilson. Unfortunately, the session is full, and the registration is closed.

However, Bennett's photos will be up for the next few months at the library, 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Follow Bennett on Instagram here.

Previously on EV Grieve:

• The 1980s East Village as seen through the lens of photographer Peter Bennett 

An artist talk and celebration of iconic storefronts at the Tompkins Square Library branch

Early Thursday evening, local illustrator Lily Annabelle will discuss her current exhibit — "Goodbye to the Brick and Mortar" —  at the Tompkins Square Library branch.

Here's more about the artist talk, co-moderated by reps from Village Preservation and the East Village Community Coalition:

Lily's work is a celebration of the life and memories of neighborhood establishments and pays homage to the humans who have made a mark on the community. Enjoy a moderated discussion with Lily, as well as panelists from storefronts depicted in the exhibit: Ess a Bagel, Kim’s Video and Music and 2nd Ave Deli.

Time: 5-6:45 p.m. this Thursday at the branch, 331 E. 10th St., between Avenue A and Avenue B. You can RSVP for a spot here.

Annabelle's work, featuring an array of dearly departed storefronts, will be featured here through March 29.

'Goodbye to the Brick and Mortar' at the Tompkins Square Library

The Tompkins Square Library branch currently features local illustrator Lily Annabelle's work in an exhibit titled "Goodbye to the Brick and Mortar," featuring an array of dearly departed storefronts. 

Here's more: 

When storefronts have become an integral part of a community’s identity, it is a curious journey exploring the dynamics between the way they were built to look and the way the community saw them, the way the owners wanted them to look, and the way they stay in our memories after their departure. 

Lily's "Goodbye to the Brick and Mortar" series is a celebration of the life and memories these neighborhood establishments generously gifted us. In illustrating memorabilia from different eras and piecing them back together, Lily skillfully tells a story that defies time, lets the old meet the new, and pays homage to the humans who have made a mark on the community. 

Featured storefronts include Odessa, CBGB, Mars Bar, and DeRobertis Pasticceria and Caffe. 

Annabelle's work will be featured through March 29. (She had a similar exhibit at the Hudson Park Library last year.) 

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. 

The library is at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Another conversation on music and music writing at the Tompkins Square Library branch

Photos and text by Daniel Efram

Photo: Jesse Rifkin (left) and Jack Rabid 

The Tompkins Square Library continued its monthly, year-long celebration of East Village/Lower East Side music, performance, and writing with a conversation between author Jesse Rifkin ("This Must Be the Place: Music, Community, and Vanished Spaces in New York City") and music impresario Jack Rabid on Thursday night. 

Rifkin's new book is a revelation. It discusses music venues that had a significant impact and delves into those that genuinely fostered a community. The book explores some of the economic conditions that made these scenes possible. 

"This Must Be The Place" is a must-read for any NYC music aficionado looking to delve deeper into the circumstances behind the mythology. Rifkin, a music historian, established his credentials by operating Walk on the Wild Side Tours NYC, which he described as "walking tours for music nerds" in 2017. During the pandemic, Rifkin unexpectedly received a call from a book publisher who suggested that he author a book based on his popular tours. 

In 1980, Jack Rabid started publishing The Big Takeover, a music magazine filling a void in the scene for independent music coverage. Along with his music journalism, he has DJ'd hundreds of punk and indie rock gigs in Manhattan since 1979. 

Rabid's punk-rock teendom led to memorable interactions at The Mudd Club, CBGB and Max's Kansas City, among others. Some of his most notable stories include having Iggy Pop ride on his back at a show, witnessing the Bad Brains record their first album at the legendary 171A studio on Avenue A, and gaining various insights into the formation of The Beastie Boys. 

The East Village in Music & Words continues on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. with a conversation between Rifkin and East Village singer-songwriter Roger Manning. RSVP here.

The library is at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Surf's up for Snoopy at the Tompkins Square Library

In recent weeks, East Village-based artist Nina Bovasso has had a wall-length work titled "snoopies in the surf" on display on the second floor of the Tompkins Square Library. 

So why does she draw Snoopy? 

Perhaps reading in the news about Snuppy the Puppy, the first cloned dog, was an idea that offered numerous visual possibilities. Or that my first-ever opportunity to use my purchasing power was when Grandma Bovasso gave me $20 for my birthday, and I brought a large stuffed Snoopy plush doll. 

Today (Saturday!) is the last day for the exhibit ... and you can hear more from Bovasso this afternoon at 2 by the painting. The branch is at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Image via the NYPL

'The East Village in Music and Words' series continues at the Tompkins Square Library

Last month, the Tompkins Square Library debuted a new monthly author series titled "The East Village in Music and Words" with Lenny Kaye. 

Early tomorrow evening (Oct. 26), the series continues with author Jesse Rifkin ("This Must Be the Place") interviewing avant-jazz pianist and composer Matthew Shipp. 

The event is from 5:30-7 p.m. You can register for the free talk here. 

The branch is at 331 E. 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B

Lenny Kaye at the Tompkins Square Library branch

Photos and text by Robin McMillan 

On Thursday evening, Lenny Kaye, longtime guitarist with Patti Smith, sang his own song — "World Book Night" — to reopen the refurbished Tompkins Square Library branch, express his love for books, and promote his own new work—"Lightning Striking: Ten Transformative Moments in Rock and Roll."

In each chapter, the 76-year-old musician covers the "moments" as a witness and an ardent researcher. For the record, those "transformative moments" are: Memphis '54, New Orleans '57, Philadelphia '59, Liverpool '62, San Francisco '67, Detroit '69, New York '75, London '77, Los Angeles '84/Norway '93 (yes, Norway — think black metal), and Seattle 1991. 

Kaye covered everything from his first performances with Smith — at St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery in 1971 — to listening to his friends play his favorite East Village clubs to his love for artistic change and progress.

This was the first in a series of East Village arts-scene evenings at the Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. Next up: Writer (and tour guide) Jesse Rifkin and jazz maestro Matthew Shipp will discuss "The East Village in Music and Words" on Oct. 26, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Previously on EV Grieve:

• The Tompkins Square Library branch reopens TODAY; a conversation with Lenny Kaye on deck

The Tompkins Square Library branch reopens TODAY; a conversation with Lenny Kaye on deck

The Tompkins Square Library branch returns to service today (Monday, Aug. 28) at 331 E 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B...

The branch has been closed since April 24 to — per NYPL officials — "facilitate improvements to the building, including preliminary work on a new Teen Center at the library, as well as replacing the branch's flooring and a fresh coat of paint." 

There was originally an early July reopening that got pushed back. 

Check out the branch's website for a list of upcoming activities for kids and adults. Of note on the evening of Sept. 28: "The East Village in Music and Words: A Conversation with Lenny Kaye." 

Details:

The Tompkins Square Library celebrates its grand reopening with this very special program, the first in a year-long series of programs focusing on the history of East Village music and music writing. We are thrilled and honored to kick off this series with the fabulous Lenny Kaye ... an American guitarist, composer, journalist, record producer, author, and music historian/archivist. 

He was a founding member of the legendary NYC-based Patti Smith Group and also gained widespread notoriety for producing the 60s garage rock compilation,Nuggets. Lenny will discuss his book, "Lightning Striking," as well as his extensive and influential career in music. He may even perform a song or two!

There is limited seating for this. RSVP now. 

The library first opened its doors in 1904 at this location ...

The Tompkins Square Library branch now has a late August reopening date

Photos by Steven 

Renovations at the Tompkins Square Library are taking longer than expected, and the branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B will now be closed until the end of the month...

The library has been closed since April 24. They were initially expected to return in early July. 

As previously reported, the closure will "facilitate improvements to the building, including preliminary work on a new Teen Center at the library, as well as replacing the branch's flooring and a fresh coat of paint."

 Patrons can still visit these nearby branches: 

• Ottendorfer Library, 135 Second Ave. 

• Hamilton Fish Park Library, 415 E. Houston St. 

• Jefferson Market Library, 425 Sixth Ave. 

Reminders: Tompkins Square Library branch now closed for renovations

Photos by Steven

The Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B is now closed (as of yesterday) for renovations. (First mentioned here.)

According to an email to patrons, the closure, expected to last three months, will "facilitate improvements to the building, including preliminary work on a new Teen Center at the library, as well as replacing the branch's flooring and a fresh coat of paint." 

During this temporary closure, patrons are encouraged to use the following nearby branches: 

• Ottendorfer Library, 135 Second Ave. 

• Hamilton Fish Park Library, 415 E. Houston St. 

• Jefferson Market Library, 425 Sixth Ave. 

The branch opened here in 1904 and is expected to be back in service in early July.

Renovations will close the Tompkins Square Library branch for 3 months

Photo by Stacie Joy 

Beginning on April 24, the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B will close for renovations. 

According to an email to patrons, the closure, expected to last three months, will "facilitate improvements to the building, including preliminary work on a new Teen Center at the library, as well as replacing the branch's flooring and a fresh coat of paint." 

During this temporary closure, patrons are encouraged to use the following nearby branches: 

• Ottendorfer Library, 135 Second Ave. 

• Hamilton Fish Park Library, 415 E. Houston St. 

• Jefferson Market Library, 425 Sixth Ave. 

Also!: "All items on hold after April 24 may be picked up at Ottendorfer Library. Future holds can be sent to an alternative location selected by patrons using their account at The New York Public Library website."

... and thanks to all the readers who shared this news!

Details on the 6th annual East Village Arts Festival at the Tompkins Square Library branch

The sixth annual East Village Arts Festival is taking place this Saturday (Dec. 10) at the Tompkins Square Library branch. 

This year's theme is "All About the Neighborhood," and features an array of local artists, musicians and writers. You can head to the library's website here for a full list of participants. 

The free in-person events, including readings and musical performances, take place from 3-7 p.m. 

The library is at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Commemorating World AIDS Day at the Tompkins Square Library branch

On World AIDS Day this Thursday (Dec. 1), the Tompkins Square Library branch is presenting an online viewing of  "Silence = Death," a video performance by Blow Up Percussion (Rome).

Per the library's website:

The 24-minute-long video, which will be available from noon to midnight on the Library’s website, includes a list of the names of many New Yorkers who died of AIDS; the list of names continues long after the music climaxes and ends in a silent memorial to the friends and family members lost to a pandemic that continues to this day. AIDS has killed more than 40 million people.

A plant exchange at the Tompkins Square Library branch this Tuesday

On Tuesday evening, the Tompkins Square Library branch is hosting a plant exchange.

Per the invite: 

Meet your neighbors while exchanging cuttings, seedlings and plant care tips! Bringing plants to the exchange is encouraged, but not required.

The exchange starts at 5:30 p.m. at the branch, 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Longtime East Village artists bring 'Double Trouble' to the Tompkins Square Library branch

Starting tomorrow, you can check out the unique work of longtime East Village artists Ruth and Valery Oisteanu at the Tompkins Square Library branch. 

The exhibit is titled "Double Trouble: Ruth and Valery Oisteanu Illuminated Landscapes Lighter Than Air." Read more about the show, on display through May 31, right here. The opening reception is tomorrow (March 16) at 5 p.m. 

The couple has been married for nearly 50 years, living in the same East East Village apartment for almost that long. (Read more about them in this amNY feature from 2019.)

The Tompkins Square Library branch is at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and B.

Images via the NYPL

Tompkins Square Library to screen doc on East Village artist Jeffrey Cyphers Wright on Saturday

On Saturday afternoon, the Tompkins Square Library branch is hosting an in-person screening of "Cuckoo O'Clock," a 30-minute documentary about EV artist Jeffrey Cyphers Wright "and the creative community he is part of." 

Per the NYPL description:

From Allen Ginsberg to John Sex. From Cover Mag to Live Mag! From the gardens to the poetry bars. From La Mama to Howl! Romance, lyricism, grafitti, tall tales… please join us for this intimate, informative, and amusing portrait of a quintessential East Village resident. 

Filmmaker Luigi Cazzaniga rejoins Wright (Cazzaniga was Cover Mag's art director and fashion editor and photographer) to create a humorous and historic portrayal. Fast paced and cram-packed with EV lore, this is haute entertainment dressed up in rowdy downtown style.

A panel discussion will follow the film, which starts at 3 p.m. at the branch, 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

The screening is free, though the NYPL suggests that you register online ahead of time here.

In an email about the documentary, the library says this is "the first in a series of films highlighting East Village artists and writers." 

 

Image via the NYPL

If you are heading to the Tompkins Square Library branch

Several readers have noted that the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B has been closed since Friday...

The NYPL previously noted that staffing shortages have impacted some locations. (They also paused in-person programming until Jan. 31.) The Tompkins branch will be open today (Monday, Jan. 24) with the reduced hours of 1-5 p.m. 

You may want to check online before visiting this or any NYPL outpost. The Ottendorfer branch on Second Avenue between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street is open during its usual hours. 

Thanks to Stacie Joy for the photos!