You know all those things you keep because you think ‘some day’ they might be worth something? There’s just something special about them…
Well, the New York Public Library has one of the best collections of special items just like this — and what better time to show it off than in honour of its 100th birthday?
From May to December, 2011, the New York Public Library is opening its doors for Celebrating 100 Years, a free exhibition featuring over 250 artifacts with literary significance collected throughout its 100 years.
Visitors will find everything from extra-large Audubon Society drawings to one of the original copies of the Star Spangled Banner (look closely, “patriot” is spelled wrong!) to the copy of David Copperfield that Charles Dickens himself carried around the city for his readings.
You’ll find a Gutenberg Bible, items that belonged to William Shakespeare, Virginia Woolf and Charlotte Bronte, plus a book in which Ernest Hemingway scribbled (in pencil) an acceptance speech – because he was sitting outside by a pool and didn’t want loose papers to blow away.
The exhibition is divided into four sections: Observation, Contemplation, Society and Creativity.
Browse through each one to find your own meaningful treasures – perhaps still frames from a Disney film or Malcolm X’s journals will be what draws you in.
See it: Visit the collection until December 31, 2011, at the New York Public Library’s landmark Stephen A. Schwartzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, Manhattan. Catch a free public tour of the exhibition at 12:30 or 2:30 Monday-Saturday or on Sunday at 3:30.
If you go: Don’t leave the Stephen A. Schwartzman building without taking a free tour of the library itself, too. Check in with the main information desk for times and to reserve a spot.