library events

Calling all craft-loving, library-loving readers! Please join me and my co-host Maura Madden (author of the amazing guide to crafty gatherings, Crafternoon) for a new FREE monthly series called Handmade: Crafternoons! Each day we'll focus on a different handmaking theme, and I'll post details about them here on the blog in advance of the date.

What's in store for you at a Handmade: Crafternoon? Each event will include an inspiring spread of books and magazines (especially vintage books like the one pictured) from the Library's collections, a hands-on DIY project, and special crafty guests. It'll be a chance to get inspired at your Library, to hang with fellow crafty New Yorkers, and to make stuff together.

Interested? Then mark your calendars! Here are the dates:
Saturday, September 12, 2:00 to 4:00pm
Saturday, October 10, 2:00 to 4:00pm
Saturday, November 14, 2:00 to 4:00pm
Saturday, December 12, 2:00 to 4:00pm

These events will all take place at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 42nd Street & Fifth Avenue. Yes, that's the big one with the lions out front. Maura and I hope to see you there!

I had a such a great time meeting those of you who came to my class on Friday--thanks for being there and for contributing so much to the discussion. I hope that you'll come back to dig into our collections in the future. In the meantime, as suggested by one attendee, I've put together the following list of magazines and books that I had in the classroom, for your reference:

Bernat's Handicrafter

Embroidery: The Journal of the Embroiderers' Guild

Minerva Style Book

Box furniture: how to make a hundred useful articles for the home by Louise Brigham

Creative hands, an introduction to craft techniques by Doris Cox and Barbara Warren

Hobbies : leisure and the culture of work in America by Steven M. Gelber

Clark's O.N.T. book of crochet and tatting by Frances A. Harris

Clark's O.N.T. "woolsaver" knitting and crochet book by Frances A. Harris

Formschone Lampen und Beleuchtungsanlagen by Gerhard Krohn and Fritz Hier

The simple art of wall decoration by Lois B. Livingston

Home dressmaking; every woman's practical guide to the art of making smart clothes, with chapters on sewing for babies and children, and renovations by Agnes M. Miall

Paper Sculpture by George Arthur Sadler

Paper silhouettes by Mildred Swannell

Another collection of one hundred textile designs compiled by S. Takahashi

Paper folding and modelling by Aart van Breda

Los milagros en metal y en cera de Puerto Rico by Teodoro Vidal

Wood Type from William H. Page and Company

Remember that these books are just the tip of the handicraft iceberg here at the Library. Don't hesitate to ask if you want help in finding particular materials. And also, please let me know if you have specific requests for future classes and programs. I'm always looking for ways to match your interests so don't be shy!

Thanks again! And if you didn't make it to Friday's class but would be interested in future classes, stay tuned because our next season's schedule will be finalized soon.

It's time for all you would-be crafters and makers to come to the library! This Friday afternoon I'll be offering a free one-hour introduction to the Library's resources--both vintage publications and online sources--that I hope will inform and inspire you in your own DIY endeavors. I'll also bring along a stack of books and magazines to share, to give you a taste of what's waiting for you in the stacks.

The classroom opens at 3:00, and class starts at 3:15. There’s no registration and the class is free; just come on in and grab a seat!

Here are the details:
When: Friday, February 6th, 3:15pm
Where: NYPL's Humanities & Social Sciences Library, South Court Classroom
Questions? southcourt@nypl.org / 212-930-9284

I look forward to meeting you!

Forget Restaurant Week, October is Restaurant Month at the New York Public Library, with three public programs that explore the past and the future of restaurant culture.

We start things off on October 10th with Spain's master molecular gastronomist Ferran Adria discussing A Day at elBulli - a new book that documents a day in the life at Adria's restaurant. From dawn until way past dusk, A Day at... gives readers a way to experience elBulli without having to make a reservation.

Farewell to Quenelles: Changing Restaurant Culture in New York, will be held on October 15th, and will bring together food writers and scholars Paul Freedman, Laura Shapiro, Krishnendu Ray, and Josh Ozersky to discuss New York City's culinary past, present and future. The panel discussion will be moderated by Mitchell Davis, the Vice President of the James Beard Foundation. A small exhibit featuring some menus from the Library's collection will be put together by Yours Truly.

Finally, on Wednesday, October 29th, Alinea chef -- and James Beard Outstanding Chef of 2008 winner -- Grant Achatz will discuss science, technology, and food with Nathan Myhrvold. According to the Library's website, this event is sold out, but you can still buy tickets for the live telecast held right near the auditorium.