Volume 28, Number 3, Fall 2021

                                          Books&People

                   IN THIS ISSUE          The Library is feeling livelier than ever

The Best Book I Read in 2021 (so far)     this autumn, with staff and many patrons in the building and others
                                  PAGE 4  finding new ways to appreciate our collections and services. To kick off
                                          the season, we talked with a few members about their Library stories.
                            Book Funds    Karim Barrada, member since 2011
                                  PAGE 6
                                          How did you first learn about the Library? We moved from
     Events Return                        London to New York in early 2011. At the time, our first
    to the Building                       daughter was 18 months old, and we were looking for a library
                                          that had a very good children’s section. We are keen bibliophiles
                                  PAGE 7  and therefore we were also looking to borrow books for our-
                                          selves. A couple who, like us, lives in Carnegie Hill recommend-
                                          ed the NYSL. We visited and we were hooked!
                                          How does your family use the Library? It has evolved over time.
                                          For many years we made good use of the weekly children’s
                                          activities, including storytime, thematic activities like
                                          Halloween, and special events such as Bob “Bobaloo” Basey
                                          playing the banjo. The Library really became a destination. Children’s Librarians Randi Levy
                                          and Susan Vincent Molinaro pay tremendous attention to every child who sets foot in the
                                          children’s library. Just listen to the whispers: they always offer advice and engage with the
                                          children with suggestions and ideas. It’s really nice to hear the children get in the habit of
                                          expressing their preferences to a librarian: We have one in the family so we know how
                                          passionate they are about reading!
                                          What’s your favorite thing about the Library? My favorite thing about the Library is that it
                                          is not a giant building. It feels like home sometimes. It’s actually set in a beautiful family
                                          home, albeit a very luxurious one, and it feels as though it is the only place in NY that has
                                          not been propelled into the XXIst century. So you won’t see computers, DVDs, and games.
                                          The NYSL manages to protect the integrity of the reading experience even though it uses
                                          plenty of high-tech infrastructure to deliver a wonderful experience to its members. We also
                                          have fond memories of attending the opening ceremony of the children’s library after it was
                                          renovated, and also the book signing with [Laurent de Brunhoff,] the illustrator of Babar.

                                          Michael Imperioli, member since 2021

                                          How do you use the Library? I go to the Library to write;
                                          currently at work on another novel, just completed a first draft
                                          of a TV pilot. I also love having the giant wealth of resources at
                                          hand when I need to do some research for my work.

                                          What’s your favorite thing about the Library? My favorite thing
                                          about the Library is ...everything!!!! The staff, the stacks, the
                                          rooms, the building, the vibe, the proximity to the Met and the
                                          park!!! I love it all, it’s a sanctuary and a home away from home...
                                          I love the Green Alcove, but don’t tell anyone else about it...
                                          trying to keep it a secret!!