Contact Information (press inquiries only) The New York Public Library Public Relations Office 188 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 phone: 212.592.7700 fax: 212.592.7729 
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The New York Public Library Celebrates the Reopening of the Donnell Media Center Following Redesign and RenovationNew Media Center Provides Expanded Public Service Space, Newly-Equipped Film/Video Study Center, Climate-Controlled Film/Video Storage, Extensive Film, Video, and Audio Collections
"The renovation of the Donnell Media Center positions the Donnell Library Center as a premiere site for film, video, and spoken word study and enjoyment," said Dr. LeClerc. "In the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy, the celebration of this renovated space, and the services provided by all of our libraries, reaffirms some of America’s most cherished values -- the free exchange of ideas and information and the opportunity for people to connect with each other and discover the tools to improve their lives." Photo: Joining in the ribbon cutting ceremony were Elizabeth McMahon, Audio Librarian, and Joan Byrd, Assistant Librarian, Donnell Media Center; State Senator Roy M. Goodman; Dr. Marie Nesthus, Donnell Media Center Librarian; State Senator Thomas K. Duane; Mary K. Conwell, Senior Vice President and Director of The Branch Libraries; and New York Public Library President Dr. Paul LeClerc. Photo: T. Hoerenz Donnell
Media Center's Collections The Media Center’s audio collection contains nearly 35,000 music and non-music CDs and audiocassettes. The collection includes western and non-western classical music, jazz, world music and popular music; literature recordings featuring critical discussion, poetry, and readings from the classics; radio programs; and language instruction. The Media Center also maintains a fine collection of film reference books and periodicals. "The New York Public Library first established a film collection at the Donnell Library Center in 1958," said Ms. Conwell. "NYPL consolidated film, video, and audio materials into the Media Center in 1976. We are proud to continue our strong tradition of providing these distinctive kinds of services to all of our patrons in a beautifully renovated and technologically advanced space." Highlights
of the renovation of the Donnell Media Center: • A new Film/Video Study Center with eight individual viewing stations for on-site study. The individual carrels enable patrons to view 16mm films as well as DVDs, and several formats of video cassette. The Study Center also has limited listening facilities for CDs and audiocassettes. • ADA accessibility via elevator to the Media Center for the first time • New 20-seat conference room outfitted with digital and analog video projection • Five public computers providing access to NYPL’s catalogs and databases, as well as to the Internet • Compact film/video shelving in an archive-quality climate-controlled storage space • Completely redesigned floorplans • New furniture, air conditioning, lighting, shelving, flooring, painting, and electrical work The Donnell Media Center’s $1 million renovation was made possible through funding provided by the City of New York, with the support of New York City Council Member Christine Quinn (member from 1999 to present) and New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane (New York City Council Member from 1992 to 1999); by the State of New York with the support of State Senator Roy M. Goodman through grants from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Education Department; and with Federal funds through Title II of the Library Services and Construction Act. "I am so pleased that the City Council was able to deliver such a wonderful new space devoted to the study of film, video, and audio," said City Council Member Christine Quinn. "The renovated Donnell Media Center provides a unique opportunity for language students, film scholars, and movie aficionados, as well as those who just want the latest releases to browse or to study. The Donnell Media Center is one of the true gems of the NYPL system." "The renovated Media Center is a key upgrade to the many specialized services at the Donnell Library," said State Senator Thomas Duane. "I am thrilled to see the terrific end result of a project that I initiated while serving on the City Council." "Whether you are looking for a film classic, a tape of an old radio program, or language instruction in Russian, it’s all located at the Donnell Media Center," said State Senator Roy Goodman. "I am proud to have secured State funding for this important renovation." The renovation of the 14,500-square-foot Donnell Media Center was designed by Sen Architects and managed by the New York City Department of Design and Construction. The Donnell Media Center’s popular weekly "Featuring . . ." and "Viewpoint" series are among the hundreds of film/video programs it presents in the adjacent Donnell Library Center Auditorium each year. In addition to those regularly-scheduled Wednesday and Thursday afternoon offerings, the Media Center presents special programs on selected Thursday evenings. The Center’s renowned Meet the Makers series, now in its 27th year, provides a popular forum in which film and video makers present and discuss their works. The adjacent wheelchair-accessible auditorium, which seats 264 people, is equipped for 16mm film projection, as well as analog and digital video and data projection. The auditorium, distinguished by its fine acoustics, features a highly luminous, reticulated, 12 ft. by 15 ft. screen. The hours at the Donnell Media Center are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 to 6; Tuesday and Thursday 10 to 8; Saturday 10 to 5; and Sunday 1 to 5. ### The New York Public Library offers a wide variety of free programs for adults, young adults, and children at all 85 of its branches, located throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Visit the Library’s web site at www.nypl.org for further information. Contact: Jennifer Bertrand, 212-221-7676, jbertrand@nypl.org ### jbertrand: pro |
New
York, November 27, 2001
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