Library Talks

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New York Never Built Jan 24, 2017

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It's hard to imagine a New York different from the one we know, but what would the city have been like if the ideas of some of the greatest architectural dreamers had made it beyond the drawing boards and into built form? The new book Never Built New York paints the picture of an alternative New York, with renderings, sketches, models, and stories of proposals for the city that never came to be. Internationally acclaimed architects Daniel Libeskind. Steven Holl, and Elizabeth Diller come together with author Sam Lubell to envision this alternate city. If you're curious about some of the images discussed in this episode, visit nypl.org/podcast where you can find a link to a video of the discussion.

Art Spiegelman on How He Sees Himself, Becoming a Devotee to Another Artist, and the Artist After Art Jan 17, 2017

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Art Spiegelman moved readers with Maus, the renowned graphic novel recounting his father's experience of the Holocaust. Now, Spiegelman has brought to our attention the forgotten Si Lewen masterpiece, The Parade, a wordless meditation on the cycle of war. He joins NYPL's Paul Holdengraber for a discussion on his work past and present. If you're curious about some of the images discussed in this episode, visit nypl.org/podcast where you can find a link to a video of the discussion.

Our Compelling Interests: A Panel on Diversity and Democracy Jan 10, 2017

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This week we're proud to present a compelling panel discussion on diversity and democracy. The discussion features participants from education, government, journalism, and non-profit sectors, with moderator Brian Lehrer of WNYC. At a time when American society is swiftly transforming, discussion sheds light on how our differences will only become more critical to our shared success.

Rebecca Solnit, Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, Garnette Cadogan, Suketu Mehta, and Luc Sante on Phone Maps, Libraries, and Walking Jan 03, 2017

Show notes

This week we're bringing you a conversation with the minds behind Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas. Writer and activist Rebecca Solnit, geographer Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, essayist Garnette Cadogan, and authors Suketu Mehta and Luc Sante participate in a discussion about the layers of vitality and diversity, but also inequity and erasure that make up this thriving metropolis

Michael Chabon and Richard Price on Plot, Secular Judaism, and Remembering to Make Stuff Up Dec 27, 2016

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Lying on your deathbed, how does the story of your life unfold? Michael Chabon's new novel, Moonglow, unfolds surrounded by this question, in a story both imagined and researched, fictionalized and biographical. Joined by author Richard Price, the two explore the story of Chabon's own life, and the life of his stories.

Neil Gaiman Reads "A Christmas Carol" (Rebroadcast) Dec 20, 2016

Show notes

This week we're rebroadcasting one of our favorite episodes: acclaimed author Neil Gaiman delivering a memorable reading of A Christmas Carol. You'll hear Gaiman reading from the Library's own rare copy, which includes edits and prompts Charles Dickens wrote in his own hand for his unique readings 150 years ago. Joined by writer and BBC researcher Molly Oldfield, Gaiman's reading of the classic tale as the great author intended has become a New York Public Library tradition.

Paul Krugman on Fake News, Lying Candidates, and What Public Intellectuals Need to Do Dec 13, 2016

Show notes

This week we're thrilled to present a thought-provoking lecture from New York Times columnist Paul Krugman. He recently came to the library to deliver the annual Robert B. Silvers lecture, and gave a stirring talk he titled "Public Discourse In A Time Of Crazy." Krugman is introduced by Robert Silvers himself, editor of The New York Review of Books.

James McBride on James Brown and NYC Dec 06, 2016

Show notes

This week we're joined by musician and author James McBride, who returns to the Library to mark the paperback publication of his book,Kill 'Em and Leave: Searching for James Brown and the American Soul.He's joined by journalist and author Philip Gourevitch for a conversation the covers the tensions and contradictions of the American experience: between North and South, black and white, rich and poor.

Sarah Sze on Scale, Gravity, and Value Nov 29, 2016

Show notes

Sarah Sze is an internationally acclaimed artist, whose signature visual language challenges the static nature of sculpture and questions the value society places on objects. She joined NYPL's Paul Holdengraber this spring for a conversation spanning her body of work and what it says about space, architecture, art, and most importantly, how humans relate to all three.

Robbie Robertson on Six Nations Inspiration, Bob Dylan, and Goals of the Soul Nov 22, 2016

Show notes

This week we're bringing you a conversation with songwriter and guitarist Robbie Robertson. As an original member of the seminal music group the Band, Robertson has helped shape American music and culture profoundly. He's joined by Stevie Van Zandt of the E Street Band for reflective conversation on the history of rock and roll and the way it continues to shape their lives.

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