Notes from the Reading Life is a discussion series featuring some of New York City’s most well-known and well-read residents discussing the books that excite and inspire them—the books they grew up with and the ones that guided them through their careers, helping to make them into who they are today. Presented in partnership with the New York Public Library, Notes from the Reading Life takes place branches throughout the city, with each event featuring a special guest from fields such as culture, art, entertainment, or public service in conversation with an acclaimed author—celebrating the formative role of books in both of their lives. Audience members receive free copies of a book selected in partnership with the speakers and local librarians, and each branch produces special future programming around that book.

In June of 2019, three well-known, well-read New Yorkers will visit NYPL branches in Staten Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx to speak with audiences about their reading lives and the books that have impacted them across the years. Info on the season’s programs can be found below, and additional details and registration links can be found at the NYPL website.

JUNE 11, 7:00pm
Brian Lehrer, Host of WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show
In conversation with Karan Mahajan, author of The Association of Small Bombs
Stapleton Library, 132 Canal Street, Staten Island

JUNE 13, 6:30pm
Sarah Jessica Parker, Actor and Editorial Director of SJP for Hogarth
In conversation with Fatima Farheen Mirza, author of A Place for Us
Tompkins Square Library, 331 E 10th Street, East Village

JUNE 17, 6:30pm
Sonia Manzano, Sesame Street Actor, Writer, and Speaker
In conversation with Angela Yee, NYPL Ambassador and host of The Breakfast Club
Bronx Library Center, 310 E Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx