Library Talks

Ann Patchett, the award-winning author of numerous books including “Bel Canto” and “State of Wonder,” joins her good friend Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the hit bestseller “Eat, Pray, Love,” to talk about the challenges and joys of their craft. In this thrilling conversation, Patchett and Gilbert ask each other how and why they write, covering everything from grief, to frustration, to divine inspiration.

Grammy Award winning artist Jay-Z came to NYPL in 2010, when his long-awaited memoir, "Decoded," had just hit shelves. He’s joined by NYPL’s Paul Holdengraber and intellectual icon Cornel West for a conversation about his journey from a rough childhood to becoming an internationally renowned rap artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.

New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow joins Khalil Muhammad, Director of NYPL’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, for a conversation about Blow’s new memoir, “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” Through the lens of Blow’s powerful personal story, the two men discuss visual art, social justice, and the need for empathy in American culture.

On the heels of the success of his bestselling 2012 novel “Back to Blood,” Wolfe came to NYPL to discuss identity, beliefs, and the weaving together of journalism and fiction.

The great American playwright and poet Ntozake Shange, creator of the Obie Award-winning play “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf,” celebrates the 40th anniversary of her landmark work with a panel discussion about its inspiration, creation, and enduring legacy.

The beloved writer talks to fellow bestselling author Sloane Crosley about the challenges of putting personal tragedy and illusory pleasure into words.

Before her memoir Wild become an oscar nominated film, Strayed joined NYPL to discuss the blockbuster memoir, measuring success, and good advice.

The prolific and beloved writer talks about creativity, productivity, and the importance of living an inspired life.

The two great authors discuss experimental narrative, political turmoil, and blending believable fiction with the absurd truth.

This week, the New York Public Library Podcast welcomes Thomas Struth, the world-famous and influential photographer best known for his family portraits and large-scale cityscapes. To celebrate the opening of NYPL’s new exhibition "Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography," Struth joins us to speak about cultural memory, photographing Queen Elizabeth, and reading the stories that images tell.