The 2008-2009 Season of Free Programs at The New York Public Library Offers Author Lectures, Theatre, Music and Much More for Children, Teenagers, and Adults in 87 Branches in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Children’s theatre, lectures about Chinese food in America, a fascinating discussion about the changing face of the New York accent, and a chance for teens to record their own songs are just some of the free programs presented at New York Public Library branches in the 2008-2009 season. More than 20,000 programs are scheduled annually. Some of the highlights for the 2008-2009 season follow. A complete listing of events is available at www.nypl.org/events.

Children’s Programs

Whether it is story time or stage productions about slithery creatures, children will love the imaginative programs in their local branches this fall. Among the highlights is The Caterpillar Hunter. This program, recommended for children ages 4 and older, is based on the beloved character of the late Steve Irwin, as the Caterpillar Hunter shrinks himself and sets off to explore the terrain - pursuing elusive bugs and strange herbage in the wild recesses of a common North American vegetable garden. This program is presented by the Traveling Lantern Theatre Company at the Woodstock Branch (Bronx) at 3:30 p.m. on October 2, at the Pelham Bay Branch (Bronx) on October 3 at 3:30 p.m., at the Morrisania Branch (Bronx) on October 6 at 3:30 p.m., at the Webster Branch (Manhattan) at 4 p.m. on October 9, at the Great Kills Branch (Staten Island) at 4 p.m. on October 20, on November 17 at the Eastchester Branch (Bronx) at 3:30 p.m., and on November 18 at the Tompkins Square Branch (Manhattan).

The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company will also present a stage production of Charles Dickens holiday classic A Christmas Carol, that tells the tale of the old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. This program is recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 12. It will be at the Bloomingdale Branch (Manhattan) at 4 p.m. on December 4, at the Bronx Library Center (Bronx) on December 6 at 2 p.m., at the Webster Branch (Manhattan) at 3:30 p.m. on December 11, at the Eastchester Branch (Bronx) at 3:30 p.m. on December 15, and at the Woodstock Branch (Bronx) at 3:30 p.m. on December 18.

Young Adult Programs

Teen groups, teen authors, games, podcasting, and workshops are set to engage the young adult users of The New York Public Library branches.

On September 19, 20, 21 & 22, teens at the Bronx Library Center, St. George Branch, and Richmondtown Branch can get on board the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. The bus features a fully equipped recording studio where teens, adults, musicians and sound engineers all work collaboratively to create songs and music videos. It's an excellent opportunity for teens and all members of our communities to get an inside look at the music recording industry and the processes that lie behind it.

On January 9 at 7 p.m. at the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, teens will meet author Meg Cabot, author of the Princess Diaries Series, the Mediator Series, the 1-800-Where-R-U series and more! Teens will also hear Princess-Diaries inspired punk rock by the band Switchblade Kittens! And they will can check out an all-prom fashion show.

Adult Programs

The New York Public Library offers a wide range of free programs for adults throughout the branches that feature performances, lectures, and classes in both English and Spanish. Whether it is listening to authors discuss their latest work or getting help in finding a job or learning more about New York City from top historians, the branches’ adult programs offer something for everyone.

Throughout the fall, some of the most intriguing authors and journalists writing today will visit the Mid-Manhattan Library. On September 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the program The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food, journalist Jennifer 8. Lee will tell of her travels across the world as she tries to understand Chinese food and the people who make it. On October 15 at 6:30 p.m. Tom Perrotta, the author and Academy Award nominated screenwriter of Little Children, Joe College, Election, The Wishbones, and Bad Haircut will discuss the writing process and his new book The Abstinence Teacher. In the program Rediscovering Jacob Riis: Exposure Journalism and Photography in Turn-of-the-Century New York on November 12 at 6:30 p.m., authors Bonnie Yochelson and Daniel Czitrom discuss the life of social reformer and amateur photographer Jacob Riis. And on December 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the program Fuggedaboudit! The Changing Face of the New York City Accent, author Kara Dorothy Becker will trace the history of New York City's unique accent, arguably one of the most visible and vibrant of America's regional dialects.

On October 4th at 10:00 p.m. the Bronx Library Center will host the Hispanic Genealogy Fair. Patrons can learn how to chart their family lineages and find valuable resources available to help them trace their origins in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other Latino roots. And on December 13 at 2:30 p.m. patrons can attend a Holiday Concert with Mary Pearson’s Yes/No Net Jazz Band that will be a sizzling holiday jazz celebration for all.

Patrons can swap their favorite books at The Huguenot Park Book Swap at the Huguenot Park Branch on September 16, October 21, and November 18 at 6 p.m. Each member of the group brings a favorite book "to swap" -- that is, to discuss and share with others. Group is encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversation about titles over light refreshments.

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library was created in 1895 with the consolidation of the private libraries of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox with Samuel Jones Tilden Trust. The Library provides free open access to its physical and electronic collections and information, as well as to its services. It comprises four research centers – the Humanities and Social Science Library; The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and the Science, Industry and Business Library – and 87 Branch Libraries in Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Research and circulating collections combined total more than 50 million items, including materials for the visually impaired. In addition, each year the Library presents thousands of exhibitions and public programs, which include classes in technology, literacy, and English as a second language. The Library serves some 16 million patrons who come through its doors annually and another 25 million users internationally, who access collections and services through the NYPL website

Contact:Jonathan Pace| 212.592.7700 | Jonathan_Pace@nypl.org jp: 6.17.08:nypl44