Showing posts with label Tompkins Square Library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tompkins Square Library. Show all posts

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Details on Day 2 of the East Village Arts Festival at the Tompkins Square Library branch



Today (Saturday, Dec. 7!) marks day 2 of the annual East Village Arts Festival at the Tompkins Square Library branch.

Highlights today include:

• Drag Queen Story Hour with Harmonica Sunbeam
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

DQSH captures the imagination and play of gender fluidity in childhood, and gives kids glamorous and unapologetically LGBTQ role models. A drag queen will read inclusive books as well as storytime favorites, and lead participants in a simple craft. Sponsored by the Office of City Council Member Carlina Rivera. This program will be held in the basement community room.

• Walking Tour: Artists, Writers, Musicians of Tompkins Square
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Tompkins Square Park has long been a center of the arts. Please join us for a fun, free one-hour walking tour, hosted by library manager Corinne Neary and local street photographer Michael Paul.

• 16mm Short Film Screenings: Artists in New York
1-1:45 p.m.

We will screen three short 16mm films, from the reserve collection of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts:

"Jackson Pollock" (1951; 10 mins.) Dir: Hans Namuth, Paul Falkenberg
From the straightforward documentation of the artist at work, and his personal explanation of what he is doing, to the original music score, everything in this film is marked with the intense quality of the late Pollock's personality.

"Artist in Manhattan" (1968; 9 mins.) Dir: Barry H. Downes, Linda Marmelstein
A portrait of Jerome Myers, a key figure in the famous Ashcan school of American art and one of the founders of the historic Armory Show of 1913. His paintings and drawings depict New York City at the beginning of the 20th century.

"Andy Warhol" (1965; 22 mins.) Dir: Marie Menken
Warhol is seen in his studio and at gallery showings surrounded by his signature pieces: Brillo and Campbell soup cartons, and his silkscreens of flowers and well-known personalities.

Mike Edison: I Have Fun Everywhere I Go
3 p.m.

Author, raconteur and musician Mike Edison will bring a program of storytelling and music, featuring performances from across his career as a literary wild man, focusing on selections from his books "Dirty! Dirty! Dirty!" and "I Have Fun Everywhere I Go."

Find the full rundown at this link.

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

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Details on the 3rd annual East Village Arts Festival at the Tompkins Square Library branch



The Tompkins Square Library branch is hosting its third annual East Village Arts Festival.

The two-day event starts on Friday. Here are just a few of the events via the EVG inbox (find the full rundown at this link):

Friday, Dec. 6

• Music Performance: NYPL Sings!
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Join us for a fun sing-along with some fantastic librarians! Musicians from libraries across NYC will perform songs from the New York Public Library children's album, NYPL Sings! The performance will be held in the second floor children's room. All ages welcome.

• Art Opening for the Sixth Street Youth Program
3:30-5 p.m.
Young artists will display their work highlighting the Lower East Side.

• Photographers Karla and James Murray
5-6:30 p.m.
Exhibition Opening: "Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York." The opening reception includes live music and refreshments.

• Logo for Jazz Foundation of America
5-6:30 p.m.
Musical Performance: George Braith Quartet
A true original, saxophonist George Braith has brightened jazz with his innovations — from his classic 1960s recordings for Blue Note and Prestige; to his 1970s presentations at the lower Manhattan club, Musart, which he ran; to his own original instrument, the Braithophone, which fuses soprano and alto saxophones into one horn.

Saturday, Dec. 7

• Drag Queen Story Hour with Harmonica Sunbeam
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
DQSH captures the imagination and play of gender fluidity in childhood, and gives kids glamorous and unapologetically LGBTQ role models. A drag queen will read inclusive books as well as storytime favorites, and lead participants in a simple craft. Sponsored by the Office of City Council Member Carlina Rivera. This program will be held in the basement community room.

• Walking Tour: Artists, Writers, Musicians of Tompkins Square
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tompkins Square Park has long been a center of the arts. Please join us for a fun, free one-hour walking tour, hosted by library manager Corinne Neary and local street photographer Michael Paul.

• Children's Arts and Craft Activities
12-4 p.m.
All materials will be provided, just bring yourself! These activities will be in the second floor children's room.

• 16mm Short Film Screenings: Artists in New York
1-1:45 p.m.

We will screen three short 16mm films, from the reserve collection of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts:

"Jackson Pollock" (1951; 10 mins.) Dir: Hans Namuth, Paul Falkenberg
From the straightforward documentation of the artist at work, and his personal explanation of what he is doing, to the original music score, everything in this film is marked with the intense quality of the late Pollock's personality.

"Artist in Manhattan" (1968; 9 mins.) Dir: Barry H. Downes, Linda Marmelstein
A portrait of Jerome Myers, a key figure in the famous Ashcan school of American art and one of the founders of the historic Armory Show of 1913. His paintings and drawings depict New York City at the beginning of the 20th century.

"Andy Warhol" (1965; 22 mins.) Dir: Marie Menken
Warhol is seen in his studio and at gallery showings surrounded by his signature pieces: Brillo and Campbell soup cartons, and his silkscreens of flowers and well-known personalities.

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

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street

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On Dec. 1, the branch celebrated its 115th birthday... here's how the building looked upon the grand opening...

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Re-covering Cover Magazine at the Tompkins Square Library

Starting today, the Tompkins Square Library branch will have an exhibit featuring Cover Magazine, the East Village-based national publication that covered the arts from 1987 to 2000.

Per the Library's website:

The magazine’s slogan was "We Cover All the Arts" and the monthly featured art, music, literature, dance, fashion, performance, and theater in every issue. Later issues also contained stories about the community garden struggles.

Most of the staff and production team was recruited by publisher and editor Jeffrey Cyphers Wright, from his literary and artistic contacts in the East Village. The 64-page monthly journal circulated nationally until 2000, and the complete set of Cover issues are archived at NYU Fales Library and at MoMA.

Local heroes were touted, often before receiving mainstream attention. Penny Arcade, Colette, Eileen Myles, and Afrika Bambaataa were all part of featured cover stories. The magazine often broke new talent: for instance, the iconoclastic fine artist Andres Serrano received his first cover story in Cover.

The opening reception is tonight (Oct. 1) from 6-8 p.m. There are several other related programs in the weeks ahead.

The exhibit will be up at the Library, 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B, until Nov. 30.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The Tompkins Square Library will pop up tomorrow at Ninth Street Espresso (on 10th Street)


[Image via Instagram]

The folks from the Tompkins Square Library on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B will be bringing their pop-up cafe branch to Ninth Street Espresso — the location a few doors away at 341 E. 10th St. — tomorrow.

Here are details via the Library's website:

We will offer books about the neighborhood, its history, culture and artists. We will check them out for you at the café!

Pop Up Library café Corner upcoming dates:

Thursdays, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursdays, Sept. 12 and 26, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursdays, Oct. 10 and 24, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street

Monday, August 5, 2019

Free films at the Tompkins Square Park Library branch this month



As always, there are about 400000000 programs and events to take part in this month at the Tompkins Square Park Library branch on 10th Street. You can find their full listing at this link.

Here's just a look at the free film screenings... which includes the continuation of the Summer of JUDY! series marking the 50th anniversary of Judy Garland's death:

Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. — "In the Good Old Summertime"
Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. — "Summer Stock"
Saturday, Aug. 17 — DOUBLE FEATURE at noon: "A Star is Born," 3 p.m.: "I Could Go on Singing"

And two all-ages film screenings:
Friday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. — "The Wizard of Oz"
Friday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. — "Labyrinth" Starring David Bowie.

And two films on music:
Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. — "Standing in the Shadows of Motown"
Wednesday, August 28 at 5 p.m. — "The Devil and Daniel Johnston"

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

Thursday, July 25, 2019

A photographic memoir at the Tompkins Square Library branch

The photography of longtime LES resident Paul Adrian Davies is currently on display at the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street.

Saturday (July 27) afternoon at 3, Davies is giving a talk followed by slide presentation about previously unseen work from his extensive archive of photographs of the neighborhood, which stretches back to 1985.

His work will be up at the branch, 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B, until Aug. 24.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Tompkins Square Library branch hosts the NYPL's Summer Reading kickoff event



The Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B has the honor of kicking off the NYPL's Summer Reading event on Thursday.

"[This] is a huge deal for us, and it's the first time we've ever had it here," branch manager Corinne Neary told me.

The festivities (mostly) take place in Tompkins Square Park from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (In case of rain, the activities will happen inside the Tompkins Square Library branch.)

Here's more via the EVG inbox... (and find all the activities at this link):

We will have giveaways (including tickets from the New York Yankees,) face painting, tie dye, henna tattoos, photo booths, crafts, games, tech gadgets and more! There will also be visits from Sesame Street, the North Shore Animal League, and a slew of neighborhood organizations.

Sesame Street's Grover will make appearances at 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m: DJ Dance Party! Get the day started with DJ Carol C, music, bubbles and beach balls!

11 a.m.: Opening Ceremony

11:30 a.m.: Drag Queen Story Hour and author Jessica Love — Join "Julián is a Mermaid" author Jessica Love and Drag Queen Story Hour's Rev. Yolanda for a fabulous literary experience that celebrates diversity, builds empathy and teaches tolerance. For children of all ages.

12pm: MAPS (Music Art Puppet Sound) artists Rachel Sherk and Aaron Rourk will be leading a fun-filled, art-making project for children of any age.

12-1 p.m.: The North Shore Animal League will have some adorable and adoptable animals inside the branch. Stop by the second floor children's room to meet them.

12:30 p.m: Musical Performance: Third Street Music School — Featuring music and dance performances by students from the school.

1:15 p.m.: Dance Performance: LEGACY, a professional Hip-Hop based dance company founded by head director/choreographer Lacey Thomas.

2 p.m.: NYPL Sings — Join us for a fun sing-along with some fantastic librarians!

3 p.m.: Music Performance: RPM, an acoustic improvisational group.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street

Monday, March 4, 2019

Monday's parting mystery postcard post



Our friends at the Tompkins Square Library on 10th Street posted these photos on Instagram today, noting: "To the mystery person who sent us a postcard with no message, from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, (in North Dakota!) we adore you."



Meanwhile, check out all the free events — classes, screenings, workshops, discussion groups — happening at the branch this month via this link.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Love and resistance: Stonewall 50 programs at the Tompkins Square Library


[Photo via the NYPL]

In the coming months, the New York Public Library is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

Here's more about the Stonewall 50: "Through a major exhibition, a series of programs, book recommendations, and more, we invite you to learn more about the emergence of the modern LGBTQ movement, as well as culture, issues, and activism today."

The Tompkins Square Library branch, 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B, is hosting five of the programs. (Each program has a link for registration at the top of its page.)

• March 14 at 6 p.m.: The Drag March & Other Tales of Glamour and Resistance: A Storytelling Workshop Join Heather Acs and the NYC Drag March for a storytelling workshop, and share your own experiences of LGBTQ life in the Village and LES.

• April 10 at 6 p.m.: SECOND WORKSHOP — The Drag March & Other Tales of Glamour and Resistance: A Storytelling Workshop. There is a separate registration for the second workshop.

• April 20 at 3 p.m.: Queer Black Films: "Looking for Langston" and Two Films by Hayat Hyatt. An intergenerational pairing of film and video works explores black queer inheritance and desire through Isaac Julien’s "Looking for Langston" and two films by Hayat Hyatt.

• May 8 at 6 p.m.: A Drag March Storyslam: Tales of Glamour and Resistance. Join a storytelling performance about the incredible history of the Drag March!

• June 8 at 3 p.m.: Reviving Assotto Saint's "New Love Song" (1989). A celebration of the life and work of Assotto Saint (1957-1994): poet, playwright, performer, editor, publisher, performer, caretaker and trouble-maker.

In 1989, Assato Saint’s multimedia theater piece "New Love Song" put black gay men on center stage in New York City, providing a space for storytelling, ritual, and healing. Join original cast members, collaborators, and friends as we reflect on the 30th anniversary of this undersung production and its "Forever Gay" creator.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Checking in on the under-renovation Ottendorfer Library



The Ottendorfer Library, 135 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, closed for upgrades this past Aug. 6.

According to a message to patrons from branch manager Kristin Kuehl, workers are installing a new fire alarm and life-safety system. "Due to the building's age and landmark status, the project is expected to take six months," Kuehl wrote this past August.

Some patrons were hopeful for a February return. A new-ish sign on the library's front door (thanks Choresh Wald!) now notes that they will be closed through "late winter." The first day of Spring is March 20. So there's time left for late winter.

Anyway! Here's some history of the branch, cut-n-pasted from the previous Ottendorfer post...

The Ottendorfer Branch of the New York Public Library opened in 1884 as New York City's first free public library. Designed by German-born architect William Schickel, this landmark building combines Queen Anne and neo-Italian Renaissance styles with an exterior ornamented by innovative terracotta putti. The branch was a gift of Oswald Ottendorfer, owner of the New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung newspaper.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Ottendorfer Library closing for 6 months to install new fire-suppression system

A visit to the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street

Friday, November 30, 2018

A visit to the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street



As we mentioned on Tuesday, the Tompkins Square Library branch is hosting its second annual East Village Arts Festival starting tomorrow and running through Dec. 15.



In total, the library, located at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B, is hosting 36 public programs for all ages, including performances, lectures, workshops, author readings, and films, as well as tables from local organizations, and art installations by 15 local artists and groups. There are also several walking tours.

This link has all the different programs each day through Dec. 15. This link has more info about the Gallery Walk.

Ahead of the start of the festivities tomorrow, EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by the library on Tuesday morning as the staff was setting up for the day as well as continuing planning for the East Village Arts Festival....


[Branch manager Corinne Neary]

Here's the staff on duty (from the left) Olga Estevez, Gerritt Reeves, Neary, Nefertiti Guzman, Romulo Paez and Roxmin Lopez...













Stacie also took the time to walk around parts of the four-level library — which has been serving the neighborhood from this location since 1904 — before it officially opened for the day...

















Tuesday, November 27, 2018

The Tompkins Square Library hosts the 2nd annual East Village Arts Festival starting Saturday



The Tompkins Square Library branch is hosting its second annual East Village Arts Festival starting on Saturday.

Here are a few details via the EVG inbox...

We will have 36 public programs for all ages, including performances, lectures, workshops, author readings, and films, as well as tables from local organizations, and art installations by 15 local artists and groups.

In addition, we are also working with local galleries and organizations on our first ever Gallery Walk. Stop by the library to pick up a Gallery Walk flyer, which you can have stamped at each gallery you visit. Visit at least four of the participating galleries between Dec. 1 and 15, and you can enter a library raffle for some fabulous prizes!



This link has more info about the Gallery Walk. This link has all the different programs each day through Dec. 15.

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

Friday, November 2, 2018

November at the Tompkins Square Library



Here's an ad for English classes at the Tompkins Square Library from 1920 ... found it in the NYPL Digital Collections here.

Anyway, 98 years later, the branch at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B continues to offer an array of free activities — classes, screenings, workshops and discussion groups. Find the full list of November activities for kids and adults here.

And starting on Dec. 1: it's their second annual East Village Arts Festival, featuring artwork from more than a dozen local artists on display, 30 public programs spanning two weeks, and a gallery walk highlighting neighborhood galleries. Details TK.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

The Tompkins Square Library hosts 'A Look Back on the East Village of the 1980s' starting Friday


[Via the Tompkins Square Library branch]

On Friday, the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B is opening an exhibit titled “A Look Back on the East Village of the 1980s.”

Some details via the EVG inbox:

This vigorous and enthusiastically researched show will focus on the creative counter-culture of the surrounding neighborhood in the 1980's. It will present important, vital highlights from the night club scene, along with the music, theater, and art activity of that period — a period in which the East Village was recognized nationally and internationally for its sometimes famous and sometimes infamous personalities and places.

In conjunction with the show, the Tompkins Square library has been working with material from the New York Public Library special collections, and with the Fales NYU Downtown archive. Of significant interest are the many photographs and fascinating ephemera and reproductions from the East Village in the 1980s.

In conjunction with the show on Friday night (at 6), the library is hosting a discussion, The East Village in the 1980s, featuring Penny Arcade, Clayton Patterson and Chris Rael. Andy McCarthy, a reference librarian at the Milstein Division of U.S. History, Local History, and Genealogy at NYPL, is the moderator.

"A Look Back on the East Village of the 1980s" will be at the library until Nov. 1. This link has more details on branch hours, etc.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

East Village history at the Tompkins Square Library branch this month

There are several local history programs of interest on the schedule this month at the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B

Here's an overview via the EVG inbox...

• Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.: 16mm Film Screening: La Dolce Festa (1977; 28 mins.) Dir: Kathleen Dowdey. A documentary on the traditions, preparation and rituals of the San Gennaro Festival. 16mm film from the special collections of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

• Wednesday, Oct. 10, 5 p.m.: Author Talk: Alice Sparberg Alexiou and Kerri Culhane. Culhane, an architectural historian who wrote the report that led to the designation of the Bowery as a historic district in 2011, will engage Alice Sparberg Alexiou (author of "Devil’s Mile: The Rich, Gritty History of the Bowery") in conversation about the Bowery’s past, present, and future, followed by time for questions and answers. The program is presented in partnership with the Bowery Alliance of Neighbors.

• Friday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.: The East Village in the 1980s: a conversation with: Penny Arcade, Clayton Patterson, Chris Rael. Moderator: Andy McCarthy, a reference librarian at the Milstein Division of U.S. History, Local History, and Genealogy at NYPL, and a former NYC doubledecker bus tour guide.

• Exhibition: From Oct. 19 through Nov. 1 the Tompkins Square Library will present “A Look Back on the East Village of the 1980s.”

This vigorous and enthusiastically researched show will focus on the creative counter-culture of the surrounding neighborhood in the 1980's. It will present important, vital highlights from the night club scene, along with the music, theater, and art activity of that period — a period in which the East Village was recognized nationally and internationally for its sometimes famous and sometimes infamous personalities and places.

In conjunction with the show, the Tompkins Square library has been working with material from the New York Public Library special collections, and with the Fales NYU Downtown archive. Of significant interest are the many photographs and fascinating ephemera and reproductions from the East Village in the 1980s.

Find the branch's full rundown of October activities here.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Register to vote today at the Tompkins Square Library branch



Today is National Voter Registration Day (happy National Voter Registration Day!).

On this occasion, all 216 of the city’s library branches will have voter registration drives.

Locally, the Tompkins Square Library branch at 331 E. 10th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B will have a voter registration table available from 3:30-5 p.m. to get you ready to vote on Nov. 6.

Meanwhile, enjoy this vintage photo of Bette Davis...

Monday, September 3, 2018

Free things to do at the Tompkins Square Library branch in September



As always, there are like 500000000 free activities — classes, screenings, workshops and discussion groups — at the Tompkins Square Library branch on 10th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Here is a partial list for September, in case you're planning your month out today... via the EVG inbox...

• Wednesday, Sept. 5, 4 pm-7 pm: Meet your Assembly Member: Harvey Epstein. 74th District Assembly Member Harvey Epstein will be visiting Tompkins Square to meet constituents. Epstein represents the East Side of Manhattan, including the East Village.

• Thursday, Sept. 6 at 5:30 pm: Meditation in Tompkins Square Park. In partnership with Science of Spirituality Center. The group meets outside the library. Please bring a mat, a blanket, or a chair. In case of rain, the classes will be moved inside the library. Use the link to register.

• Fridays, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 at 3pm: Knitting Circle. Not a class, but a knitting group. Participants must bring their own supplies.

• Saturday, Sept. 8 at 2 pm: Russian Culture Club. A Russian language discussion of poet Yuriy Mandelshtam.

• Monday, Sept. 10 at 1 pm: Matinee Movie: "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone" (1961; 103 mins.) Dir: José Quintero. A faded actress moves to Rome, where a countess introduces her to a virile young gigolo and much to their surprise, the affair between them becomes deeply felt, much to the anger of his madame. Starring Vivien Leigh and Warren Beatty.

• Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10:30 am: Walking Tour: Immigrants of Tompkins Square Park. With Tompkins Square Library manager Corinne Neary and street photographer Michael Paul. Register using the link.

• Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 6 pm: Speaking Techniques and Vocal Exercises. The quality and use of the voice is a fundamental factor in life. This program can be helpful to anyone interested in making the most of their speech delivery.

• Thursday, Sept. 20 at 5:30 pm: Writing / Performance Lab. The intention is to provide artists in the community the opportunity to develop works-in-progress of writing pieces, theater texts, performance pieces and related projects. In addition to writers and performers, musicians, singers, dancers, etc., are welcome to participate.

• Monday, Sept. 24 at 1 pm: Matinee Movie: "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951; 125 mins.) Dir: Elia Kazan. A faded Southern belle moves in with her sister and brutish brother-in-law in New Orleans, where he torments her delicate sensibilities, and she becomes disconnected from reality. A Best Picture nominee. Starring Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh.

• Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 3:30-5 pm: Voter Registration Table. Are you registered to vote? September 25 is National Voter Registration Day, and we'll be helping people register from 3:30pm-5pm. Just stop by to fill out the form, and you'll be ready to vote on Nov. 6!

Wednesday, September 26 at 5pm: Film Screening: "Purple Noon" (Plein soleil) (1960; 119 mins.) Dir: René Clément. A ripe, colorful adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's vicious novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Tom Ripley, a duplicitous American charmer, is in Rome on a mission to bring his privileged, devil-may-care acquaintance back to the United States. What initially seems a carefree tale of friendship soon morphs into a thrilling saga of seduction, identity theft, and murder. Starring Alain Delon.

Ongoing Tuesdays at 4 pm: Dominoes!

Ongoing Thursdays at 4 pm: Bingo!

Find the full list of activities for kids and adults here.

As a reminder, the Ottendorfer Library, 135 Second Ave. between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street, is currently closed for upgrades that will keep the branch out of commission until early 2019.