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Books on Broadway

April 23, 2026
2026 schedule
May 7, 12, 26, June 2 (more dates TBA) 
12:30pm–1:30pm 

Bryant Park has reopened the Reading Room for the 2026 season, which means the return of Books on Broadway! Take a backstage look at Broadway in the Bryant Park Reading Room, and hear from the cast and crew who make the magic happen. More affordable than an orchestra seat, and easier to score than a rush ticket, spots in our audience are always free and open to the public.  

Books on Broadway is hosted by Ilana Levine, actress and podcaster, Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine 

2026 lineup

Select dates in May + June
12:30pm-1:30pm

Thursday, May 7: Hadestown
with Joshua Colley (Orpheus) and Jordan Tyson (Eurydice)

Tuesday, May 12: Death Becomes Her
with Betsy Wolfe (Madeline Ashton)

Tuesday, May 26: Death of a Salesman with Christopher Abbot (Biff Loman) and Ben Ahlers (Happy Loman)

Tuesday, June 2: Titaníque with Constantine Rousouli (Jack Dawson)

Upcoming events
What's special about the Reading Room in Bryant Park?
  • It's one of Bryant Park’s most historic amenities. It originally began in 1935 during the Great Depression as a public service, and was revived by Bryant Park Corporation in 2003.
  • It's a casual, family-friendly, open-air space for readers of all ages!
  • It hosts literary events and writers workshops all summer long.
  • It provides free-to-read periodicals and books for visitors every day from 11am-7pm.
  • It's award-winning! The Reading Room has received numerous awards for demonstrating excellence, partnership, and creativity in enhancing New York City's quality of life. 

Look for the yellow umbrellas on the north side of the park near the 42nd Street plaza.

 Open daily, April to September, 11am-7pm to lend books, magazines, and newspapers for reading in the park.

Reading Room is open to all ages, and kids are welcome!

Find reading material for kids in their own colorful rack or join us for StoryTime.

Follow @bryantparknyc for day-of event updates

Visit our calendar or scroll to the bottom of this page for all upcoming events, including author talks, history panels, writers workshops, and much more!