Skip to main content
We use cookies, pixels, and other trackers to improve website experience, analyze site traffic, and deliver more relevant advertising. Some trackers are offered by third parties, which collect your personal data so they can provide services to us and information about your online activity to others. You can manage these trackers under “Cookie Preferences”. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy.

Reel Talks

April 28, 2026
2026 schedule
June 15 – August 24
(no event June 29)
Mondays, 12:30pm–1:30pm 

Dive deep into the world of cinema with expert talks on movies, visual culture, and filmmaking. Catch a glimpse of some outtakes or take a peek behind the scenes to see your favorite films, filmmakers, and critics from a whole new angle.  

Books will be available for purchase during each event. 

Hosted by Scott Adlerberg, film connoisseur 

June 15, 2026 - August 24, 2026
Mondays, 12:30pm-1:30pm

June 15: Conversation on Dracula Films with Olivia Rutigliano

June 22: The Making of Sunset Boulevard with David M. Lubin

July 6: Godzilla: The First 70 Years with Steve Ryfle

July 13: Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann with Steven C. Smith

July 20: The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki with Nicolas Rapold

July 27: Conversation on Film Director Eric Rohmer with André Aciman

August 3: The Making of Rear Window with Jennifer O'Callaghan

August 10: The World of Black Film with Ashley Clark

August 17: How Kung Fu Movies Changed the World with Grady Hendrix

August 24: Conversation on Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut with Megan Abbott

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!