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Non-Fiction

April 28, 2026
2026 schedule
July 1 – September 9
Wednesdays, 7pm–8pm 

Explore history through lectures and conversations with leading historians, authors, and thinkers. Gain fresh perspectives on the great figures and decisive moments that have shaped our world as we know it today. 
Books will be available for purchase during each event. 

Produced in partnership with The New York Historical 
 

Non-fiction lineup

July 1, 2026 – September 9, 2026
Wednesdays, 7pm-8pm

July 1: How the Declaration of Independence Made America

July 8: How American Presidents Governed Their Money

July 15: The Shocking Crimes That Shaped Abraham Lincoln

July 22: Angelica Schuyler in a Time of Revolution

July 29: The Moment That Changed the Women’s Movement

August 5: Lady Bird Johnson’s Trailblazing 1964 Campaign Train

August 19: Samuel Alito and the Triumph of the Conservative Legal Movement

August 26: The Partisan Life of Abraham Lincoln

September 2: An Oral History of 9/11

September 9: The Triangle Shirtwaist Tragedy and the Origins of Modern Charity

Upcoming events

What's special about the Bryant Park Reading Room?

  • 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 for all upcoming events, including author talks, history panels, writers workshops, and much more!