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Reading Room

Outdoor reading, writing, & literary events

Reading Room is closed for the 2022 season and will return April 2023. 

With a storied history in the park, the Reading Room provides the use of books, newspapers, and magazines in the park during warm weather months. You'll also find a robust schedule of literary events, including Books on Broadway, Authors, BookClub, Poetry, StoryTime, and much more!

Special thanks to

Theatre/film

Writopia Lab Worldwide Plays Festival 

Sunday, May 22, 9:30am – 5pm 

Festival of one-act plays written by 6–18-year-olds – all produced, directed, and acted by NYC professionals.
 

Books on Broadway

May 17, 19, 24, 26, June 7, 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Backstage look at books starring on Broadway.
Hosted by Ilana Levine, Actress and Podcaster, Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine 
 

Reel Talks

June 20 – August 22 (no program July 4)
Mondays, 12:30pm – 1:30pm 
Bonus Reel Talks: Aug. 15, 2pm-3:30pm

Talks on movies, the culture of cinema, and filmmaking.
Hosted by Film Connoisseur Scott Adlerberg

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Kids

 

StoryTime

June 29 – August 31
Wednesdays, 10:30am – 11:30am

Meowsic and stories with Cali Co Cat, for ages 2 - 8. 
 

Camp Kids 

Saturdays & Sundays, June 25 – August 28 (no program July 2&3) 
12pm – 1:30pm 

Music, magic, puppet shows, and science projects too. Weekends on the Upper Terrace. Arts & Crafts with Kelsey to follow. 

Poetry

June 7 – September 6 
Tuesdays, 6pm–7:30pm

Award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets throughout the summer.

BookClub

 

Classics BookClub

June 14, July 12, August 9: 3pm-4pm

Graphic Novel BookClub

June 28, July 26, August 23: 3pm-4pm

All BookClub events produced in partnership with Penguin Random House Library Marketing. Free books while supply lasts.

Authors

June 15 – August 24 (no program July 6) 
Wednesdays, 12:30pm–1:30pm

Authors offer advice and discuss their latest books.
 

Non-Fiction Authors

July 6 – August 31
Wednesdays, 7pm – 8pm

History as seen through the eyes of preeminent authors.
Produced in partnership with New-York Historical Society
 

Writers Workshops

July 7, 14, August 4, 11, 18, 25
Thursdays, 6:30pm – 8pm

Workshops geared to improve your writing skills.
Produced in partnership with Gotham Writers

Writers Workshop Teens

September 17
Saturday, 12:30-1:45pm

Essay-writing tips for high-schoolers and the college bound.
Produced in partnership with Writopia Lab
 

Poetry

Award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets throughout the summer.
Hosted by Poet Jason Schneiderman

Writers Workshop Teens

Essay-writing tips for high-schoolers and the college bound. Produced in partnership with Writopia Lab

Special thanks to