With a storied history in the park, the Reading Room provides the free 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, Author, BookClub, Poetry, StoryTime, and much more!

Poetry
May 27 - September 16
Tuesdays, 6pm-7:30pm
Award-winning poetry by established and emerging poets.
Hosted by Jason Schneiderman, acclaimed poet
Poetry Discussion Circle
June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16
Select Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Explorations of poetry facilitated by NYPL staff.
Produced in partnership with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, NYPL

Author
May 28 - August 20
Wednesdays, 12:30pm-1:45pm
Admired and bestselling authors offer advice and discuss their latest books.
Hosted by Ilana Levine, actress and podcaster, Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine
Non-Fiction
July 9 - September 3
Wednesdays, 7pm-8pm
Lectures and conversations with historians, authors, and thinkers.
Produced in partnership with New-York Historical Society

Writers Workshop
July 10 – August 14
Thursdays, 6:30pm–8pm
Workshops geared to improve your writing skills.
Produced in partnership with Gotham Writers
September 20
Saturday, noon–1:30pm
Essay-writing tips for high schoolers and young adults
Produced in partnership with Writopia Lab

Reel Talks
June 9 – August 11
Mondays, 12:30pm–1:30pm
Talks on movies, the culture of cinema, and filmmaking.
Hosted by Scott Adlerberg, film connoisseur

Dates TBA
Select Tuesdays, 12:30pm–1:30pm
Backstage look at books starring on Broadway, featuring cast and crew who make it happen.
Hosted by Ilana Levine, actress and podcaster, Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine
June 10, 24, July 8, 22, August 5, 19
Select Tuesdays, 12:30pm–1:30pm
Romance, graphic novels, and classics—a little something for everyone.
Produced in partnership with Penguin Random House
*Sign-up at the Reading Room in advance and pick up a free book while supply lasts.

StoryTime
June 24 – August 26
Tuesdays, 10:30am–11:30am
Meowsic, stories, and fun with Cali Co Cat and friends. Ages 2 - 8.
Bryant Park Kids
July 12 – August 24
Saturdays and Sundays, 11am–12:30pm
Imaginations run wild during summer weekends in the Reading Room with music, dance, fitness, and more, followed by arts and crafts.

Beekeeping
April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18
Select Fridays, noon–1pm
Learn about urban honeybees and the vital role they play in the environment.
Produced in partnership with New York City Beekeepers Association

Puzzle Meetups
June 12 – July 5
Saturdays, noon-3pm
Work with fellow jigsaw puzzle lovers on new pieces.
Hosted by Puzzle People of NYC
