New York Public Library Campaign Begins Not with a Hush but a Roar

New York City Icons Join Forces to Make Noise for the Library

New York, NY, August 19, 2004 -- Shhh is a four-letter word at The New York Public Library throughout September with the launch of Make Noise for the Library, a multifaceted series of events aimed at raising both public awareness of the Library and funds to support its Emergency Campaign. A cacophony of percussionists, step dancers, and subway musicians heralded the campaign's kick-off today on the steps of The New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, and poet Bob Holman led the gathered crowd in the unprecedented opportunity to get loud between the lions. Library President Dr. Paul LeClerc announced, "We're here today to invite every New Yorker to rediscover the Library. Don't just admire us -- use us. Come inside! Take your place at any of the 30,000 performances, lectures, workshops, and other programs we present every year; visit the scores of exhibitions in our galleries; explore and enjoy the wealth of materials and technology that's here for you, and all for free."

Joining in the cause is a roster of partners from the worlds of media, fashion, retail, sports, and dining that are as emblematic of the city as is the Library itself, among them The New York Times, Tiffany & Co., the Yankees and the Mets, Bloomingdale's, WNBC-TV, American Girl Place, Vogue magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers, The New Yorker, Fresh Direct, and some of the greats of the New York restaurant world.

Why Make Noise? The Emergency Campaign for the Library
Make Noise for the Library is the theme of the current phase of the three-year Emergency Campaign for the Library begun last year to raise $18 million in private funds to partially compensate for the loss in public funding to the Library. Donations made this year are earmarked specifically to purchase the books necessary to keep the Library's shelves filled and up to date for its users. And it is the Library's users themselves who can accomplish that goal by giving whatever they can to make sure the books they want to read are here for them and their neighbors. Even a gift of $17 -- the average cost of one book -- can make a difference.

"Many New Yorkers feel very proprietary about the Library, whether their own local branch or their favorite of the four research libraries -- as well they should. It is, after all, the people's library," commented Dr. LeClerc. "This campaign invites and allows virtually anyone to be a philanthropist to their beloved Library, and gives back to each donor the satisfaction of knowing that the collections are richer specifically because of his or her gift."

Helping to "make noise" on the Library's behalf are other icons of New York City:

  • The New York Yankees have declared all play from September 1 through 9 as Make Noise games, and will hold a raffle with proceeds going to the Library.
  • At Shea Stadium, the New York Mets will host Make Noise for the Library Day on September 15, including a raffle for four tickets to the Mets vs. Cubs game on September 25.
  • Bloomingdale's will present a 12-part Make Noise for the Library Family Reading Series from August 24 through September 2 with well-known children's authors reading from their books on the 8th floor of the 59th Street store in Manhattan.
  • Tiffany & Co. will host Visions of Glamour, on September 9, featuring a cocktail reception with tableaux vivants, and introducing several authors with recently published books relevant to the evening's theme.
  • American Girl Place is donating a percentage of all in-store book sales to the Library from September 7 through September 30.
  • Vogue magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers will host a tea during Seventh on Sixth Fashion Week featuring top designers discussing the books that have most influenced them.
  • Media partners helping to spread the word include The New York Times, WNBC- TV, Google, The New York Post, The New York Review of Books, and New York Times Digital.


But It's Not Just About Books
From all 85 branch libraries and the four research libraries that comprise The New York Public Library, Make Noise for the Library is a shout-out to all New Yorkers to explore the wealth of information, entertainment, classes, lectures, programs, and services provided year-round and free of charge. "We want to hear your footsteps as you search for the perfect DVD, CD, and novel for the perfect weekend or as you walk through the latest breathtaking exhibition," said Dr. LeClerc. "We want to hear your voice registering for computer training classes or small business seminars; we want to hear your applause at the hundreds of free concerts, dance and theatrical performances for adults and children presented by the Library; we want to hear your views as you respond to the famous authors, scholars, and experts featured regularly in public programs at the Library," said Dr. LeClerc. Besides its holdings of 50 million items including books, rare manuscripts, baseball cards, comic books, recordings, films, prints, musical scores, e-content, and so much more, the Library offers more than 32,000 free programs every year for every age and every interest. It provides free public access to nearly 2,000 computers, hundreds of databases, the Library's catalogs, and a wide range of Internet resources. The Library's own recently revamped website is an extraordinary, interactive, one-stop resource for locating virtually any information about anything in the world -- as well as reserving your favorite book online -- all from the comfort of your own home.

In the month of September, the Library will "make noise" in its branches with a series of programs for children and young adults highlighting the diversity of its year-round offerings: percussion workshops, storytelling, dramatic readings, book discussions, author visits, lectures, music performances, and hands-on seminars on everything from test preparation to creating a graphic novel. See the schedule for details.

"Noise" from the research libraries includes World Music in Focus: An Exhibition Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of World Music Institute, opening September 10 at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center. The exhibition features photographs by Jack and Linda Vartoogian and Ira Landgarten documenting two decades of exotic music performances, and introduces audiences to a wide range of music from many cultures and regions through concert videos from the World Music Institute archive, traditional instruments from around the world, and interactive kiosks with music samples from more than 40 different artists and ensembles.

Now Let's Hear It from You
The New York Public Library invites everyone of every age to visit its website (www.nypl.org) during September to talk about their favorite book and what they love about the Library. Responses will be compiled into a New Yorkers' Favorite Book List. Donations can also be made online.


Schedule of Events

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Contacts: Nancy Donner, Caroline Oyama, Herb Scher, or Lindy Regan at 212.704.8600.