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Free use of books, newspapers, and magazines at the Bryant Park Reading Room, plus author appearances, writing workshops, book clubs, and much more!
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Select weekdays at 12:30pm
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Tuesdays at 6pm
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Wednesdays at 12:30pm
Bryant Park's Reading Room is an outdoor space for the public to enjoy newspapers, books and magazines in the park. No digital readers, we have actual printed matter! Bonus: the Reading Room hosts programs with author signings, writing workshops, and much more.
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!
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May 7, 12, 21, 26 (more dates TBA)
Select Weekdays, 12:30pm–1:30pm
Backstage looks at Broadway, featuring the cast and crew who make it happen. Hosted by Ilana Levine, actress and podcaster, Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine.
Summer 2026
Thursday, May 7: Hadestown
with Joshua Colley and Jordan Tyson
Tuesday, May 12: Death Becomes Her with Betsy Wolfe
May 12, June 9, July 7, August 11, and September 15
Select Tuesdays, 3pm-5pm
Silent reading hour followed by lively book discussions with fellow book lovers.
Poetry
May 26 – September 15
Tuesdays, 6pm-7:15pm
Award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets. Hosted by Jason Schneiderman, poet and professor.
2026 Poetry lineup coming soon!
May 27 – August 26
Wednesdays, 12:30pm–1:45pm
Best-selling authors offer advice and discuss their latest books. Hosted by Ilana Levine, actress and podcaster, Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine.
2026 lineup coming soon!
June 1
Monday, 6pm-8pm
Bryant Park’s first reading party! Grab a book, a picnic blanket, and a friend. Join silent reading sessions with ambient music, followed by lively book discussions with fellow book lovers.
Pre-registration recommended. Registration to be announced. Produced in partnership with Reading Rhythms.
Reel Talks
June 15 – August 17
Mondays, 12:30pm–1:30pm
Talks on movies, cinema culture, and filmmaking. Hosted by Scott Adlerberg, film connoisseur.
2026 Reel Talks lineup coming soon!
July 1 – September 2
Wednesdays, 7pm–8pm
Lectures and conversations with historians, authors, and thinkers. Produced in partnership with The New York Historical.
2026 Non-Fiction lineup coming soon!
July 7 – August 25
Tuesdays, 10:30am–11:30am
Meowsic, stories, and fun with Cali Co Cat and friends. Ages 2 – 8.
July 9 – August 13
Thursdays, 6:30pm–8pm
Workshops geared to improve your writing skills. Produced in partnership with Gotham Writers.
July 9 –August 13
Thursdays, 6:30pm-8pm
July 9: Poetry Writing with Mary Donnelly
July 16: Creative Writing 101 with Arlaina Tibensky
July 23: Screenwriting with C.C. Webster
July 30: Fiction Writing with Susan Breen
August 6: Humor Writing with Alexander Steele
August 13: Essay & Opinion Writing with Kelly Caldwell
July 14 + 28
August 11 + 25
Select Tuesdays, 12:30pm–1:30pm
Conversations on the classics.
2026 BookClub lineup coming soon!
September 19
Saturday, 10:30am-2pm
Crossword enthusiasts compete to finish original puzzles.
September 20
Sunday, noon–1:30pm
Essay-writing tips for high schoolers and young adults. Produced in partnership with Writopia Lab.
June 14 – July 5
Saturdays, noon-3pm
Work with fellow jigsaw puzzle lovers on new pieces, hosted by Puzzle People of NYC.