Library Talks

Latest Episodes:

Jay-Z on Hustling & Forgiveness Feb 26, 2015

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Grammy Award winning artist Jay-Z came to NYPL in 2010, when his long-awaited memoir, "Decoded," had just hit shelves. He’s joined by NYPL’s Paul Holdengraber and intellectual icon Cornel West for a conversation about his journey from a rough childhood to becoming an internationally renowned rap artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.

Charles Blow on His Unexpected Childhood Hero Feb 20, 2015

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New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow joins Khalil Muhammad, Director of NYPL’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, for a conversation about Blow’s new memoir, “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” Through the lens of Blow’s powerful personal story, the two men discuss visual art, social justice, and the need for empathy in American culture.

Tom Wolfe on Handwriting & Humility Feb 12, 2015

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On the heels of the success of his bestselling 2012 novel “Back to Blood,” Wolfe came to NYPL to discuss identity, beliefs, and the weaving together of journalism and fiction.

Ntozake Shange on Inspiration & Harlem Feb 06, 2015

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The great American playwright and poet Ntozake Shange, creator of the Obie Award-winning play “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf,” celebrates the 40th anniversary of her landmark work with a panel discussion about its inspiration, creation, and enduring legacy.

Joan Didion on Writing & Revising Jan 29, 2015

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The beloved writer talks to fellow bestselling author Sloane Crosley about the challenges of putting personal tragedy and illusory pleasure into words.

Cheryl Strayed on Wild Success Jan 23, 2015

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Before her memoir Wild become an oscar nominated film, Strayed joined NYPL to discuss the blockbuster memoir, measuring success, and good advice.

Joyce Carol Oates on Inspiration and Obsession Jan 16, 2015

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The prolific and beloved writer talks about creativity, productivity, and the importance of living an inspired life.

Marlon James & Salman Rushdie on Storytelling Jan 09, 2015

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The two great authors discuss experimental narrative, political turmoil, and blending believable fiction with the absurd truth.

Thomas Struth on Collective Memory and Family Photos Dec 30, 2014

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This week, the New York Public Library Podcast welcomes Thomas Struth, the world-famous and influential photographer best known for his family portraits and large-scale cityscapes. To celebrate the opening of NYPL’s new exhibition "Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography," Struth joins us to speak about cultural memory, photographing Queen Elizabeth, and reading the stories that images tell.

Neil Gaiman Reads "A Christmas Carol" Dec 19, 2014

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Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman performs a memorable dramatic reading from the Library’s own rare copy of "A Christmas Carol," which includes edits and prompts Charles Dickens wrote in his own hand for his unique public readings 150 years ago. Dressed in full costume and joined by writer and BBC researcher Molly Oldfield, Gaiman performs the classic tale as its great author intended.

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