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Illuminating collections and services at The New York Public Library
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Are you underpaid?

It's 4 o'clock and you could swear that the clock must be stuck since it feels like it has been 4 o'clock for hours.  Everything aches after that two hour workout you did yesterday because you got stuck in yet another meeting that went nowhere.  On top of it all, you just got an email from your boss saying you need to complete another report that you know he isn't going to read and it's due in a day.  When you finally get home after fighting the crowds on the hot, filthy subway cars, you might catch yourself saying, "They don't pay me enough to put up with this!"

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The Reader's Den: Passing - Wrap Up

If you would like to read more of Nella Larsen’s writing check out her first novel, Quicksand, which also has a multiracial heroine whose story helps define the era of Larsen’s life through lyrical and highly visual written detail.

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Designing the City of New York: The Commissioners’ Plan of 1811

New York City’s wealth of good design is well known. Its streets are home to a plethora of artisans, graphic designers, fashion designers, architects, etc. who spend their days focused on creating objects, spaces, or experiences that are new, innovative and unique. These designers are often given a blank canvas of raw material—“what is”—onto which they must describe a vision—“what can be.”

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Teen Pictionary!

Muhlenberg's Teen Advisory Group met last Friday to play team Pictionary for both prizes and, of course, the glory on winning. It was boys against girls that day and the boys won by a very narrow margin of 12 to 9. Pictionary is one of our favorite games to play together and I love it because its so easy to put together!

Here's what you need:

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My Library: Gabriel

Gabriel is a man with a plan: to build his resume by volunteering at the library, and at the same time parlay all of those visits into foursquare mayorship.

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LiveStories: A Personal Journey Through Memoir and Performance

Have you always wanted to write?  Do you have a personal story you've been yearning to share?

This fall, the Grand Central Library will be offering a unique opportunity for  seniors to participate in an ongoing writing and performance workshop.  Professional teaching artists will guide members in how to share their stories through the written word, and even incorporate aspects of the performing into their work. 

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How to get students to believe in themselves

How many times do you hear students in your classroom or library say, “I can’t”? Doesn’t that phrase make you cringe? I would always tell students don’t say that because “you can” and help them figure out ways to get the objective done.

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Finnikin of the Rock: A Review

A long time ago, before the five days of the unspeakable, Finnikin of the Rock dreamed he was to sacrifice a pound of flesh to save the royal house of Lumatere. Though only nine, Finnikin knew the dream was not to be ignored.

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The Reader's Den: Passing - Discussion Questions

I hope you have been enjoying Passing by Nella Larsen.

Please share your thoughts about the novel or the author and take a moment to discuss any of the questions posted below.

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Summer is for Lovers

As the temperature and humidity outside reaches ridiculous levels, my reading taste gravitates towards romance. Stories full of love that burns brightest during hot summer days and moonlit filled nights. Where there is a feeling of rediscovery and endless possiblities. As if summer would never end and autumn would never creep in. Close your eyes. Listen to the roar of ocean waves as they crash onto the sandy beach, feel the hot sun on your skin and get the knotty sick feeling in your stomach when you glimpse them out of the corner of your eye or the heart stopping, breathless moment when they smile at you and say, "Hi". 

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