Library Talks

Latest Episodes:

Dale Russakoff: When Facebook Tried to Save Newark Apr 19, 2016

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Journalist Dale Russakoff's new book, “The Prize: Who’s In Charge of America’s Schools,” investigates the state of public education in America’s underserved communities. In this conversation with NYPL’s Jessica Strand, Russakoff tells the story of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s $100 million quest to transform the debilitated school system of Newark, New Jersey — and spark educational change across the country.

Robert A. Caro & Frank Rich on Power & Corruption Apr 12, 2016

Show notes

We’re bringing you a special talk with Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author Robert Caro, whose book “The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York” was hailed by Time magazine as one of the hundred top nonfiction books of all time, and is considered one of the most revealing biographies of the 20th century. In this conversation with essayist and columnist Frank Rich, Caro talks about power, corruption, and the men who shaped the urban landscape of modern-day New York City.

Elizabeth Alexander & Hilton Als on Dreams & Obsession Apr 05, 2016

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We’re kicking off National Poetry Month with award-winning poet Elizabeth Alexander, who came to the Library to celebrate the release of her new memoir, “The Light of the World.” In this provocative conversation with “The New Yorker” writer Hilton Als, Alexander talks about dreams, obsession, and her dedication to social justice.

Nathaniel Kahn & Matt Mountain on Outer Space & Weird Science Mar 29, 2016

Show notes

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn and renowned astrophysicist Matt Mountain give us a look at the state-of-the-art Webb Telescope, which will succeed the Hubble Telescope in 2018. Kahn and Mountain, both of whom have been deeply involved in the project, join NYPL’s Paul Holdengraber to discuss how this new telescope will enable us to look deeper into the universe than ever before.

Dana Spiotta on Good People, Heroes, & Writing Mar 22, 2016

Show notes

Dana Spiotta is the National Book Award-nominated author of “Stone Arabia.” In this conversation with NYPL’s Jessica Strand, Spiotta talks about art, friendships, and her new novel, “Innocents and Others.”

Darryl Pinckney & Zadie Smith on Achievement & Beyoncé Mar 15, 2016

Show notes

This week, we welcome two award-winning authors: American writer Darryl Pinckney and popular English novelist Zadie Smith. In this wide-ranging conversation, Pinckney and Smith talk about race, class, and Pinckney’s new novel, “Black Deutschland.”

Jhumpa Lahiri on Language & Disorder Mar 08, 2016

Show notes

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri comes to the Library to celebrate the release of her new novel, “In Other Words.” In this conversation with NYPL’s Paul Holdengraber, Lahiri talks about nostalgia, expression, and her love of the Italian language.

Debbie Harry with Chris Stein on Beatniks, the Stillettoes, & Style Mar 01, 2016

Show notes

Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie came to NYPL’s Library for the Performing Arts in 2013 for a talk with Rolling Stone senior critic Will Hermes. In this rousing conversation, Harry and Stein discuss punk, photography, and the New York City music scene in the 1970s.

The Future of Black History Feb 23, 2016

Show notes

Ta-Nehisi Coates, Toni Morrison, Jay-Z, and Zadie Smith are just a few among the black authors and creators we'll hear from this week. In our 100th episode, we present the men and women making black history today, from music moguls to authors, chefs to television stars. Please join us for a look at of some of the most incredible guests The New York Public Library and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture have had the privilege to host.

In order of appearance:Marcus SamuelssonNtozake ShangeCharles BlowTavis SmileyGeorge Clinton (with Paul Holdengraber)Shaquille O'NealTimbaland (with William Jelani Cobb)Ta-Nehisi Coates (with Khalil Gibran Muhammad)RuPaulToni Morrison & Angela DavisZadie Smith & Chimamanda AdichieJay-Z (with Cornel West)Jesmyn Ward (with William Jelani Cobb & Khalil Gibran Muhammad)Toni MorrisonZadie Smith

Music by: Blue Dot Sessions, Chris Zabriskie, and Hot Acid Alien Lust Bomb.

Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin on Music & Meditation Feb 16, 2016

Show notes

We’re going back in the archives to bring you a conversation with the founders of record label Def Jam Recordings: music producers Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. In this talk with NYPL’s Paul Holdengraber, Simmons and Rubin discuss hip hop, collaboration, and the importance of speaking your own truth.

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