Community Conversations: Community Conversations: Literary Life in New York | New York (City) State of Mind

Date and Time

January 31, 2018

Location

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)

Event Details

Housing, local and federal politics, the environment—New Yorkers have a lot on their minds.

Mid-Manhattan Library is organizing a series of lectures and conversations around the life of the mind for the average New Yorker.

Following each public lecture, librarians will facilitate a dialogue with the goal of connecting neighbors and building new relationships through meaningful dialogue about local issues.

Session 2: Literary Life in New York: Then and Now | Lecture & Conversation with Kevin Fitzpatrick

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 | 6:30 PM - Program Room

Special guest partner: National Writers Union

Please join us for the second talk in our series, Literary Life in New York: Then and Now, with Kevin Fitzpatrick, author of The Algonquin Round Table New York: A Historical Guide.

In 1919—a century ago next year—The Algonquin Round Table first started having their famous luncheons at the Hotel Algonquin. Since that time a direct line can be drawn through New York from those 30 members of the Vicious Circle. Their impact on books, magazines, theater, film, and music is still around us today. In this talk, Kevin Fitzpatrick will give an overview of the history of the Algonquin Round Table, and lead us from the New York era of the Jazz Age and speakeasies to the modern era of streaming music and Twitter.

Following the talk, join us for a community conversation on creative life in New York. How has literary life changed in the digital age? Share your insights and join the dialogue!

About the Presenter

Kevin C. Fitzpatrick is the author and editor of seven books all tied to New York City history. Among them are The Algonquin Round Table New York: A Historical Guide, World War I New York: A Guide to the City’s Enduring Ties to the Great War, and A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York. For nearly 20 years he’s led guided walking tours of the city to explore literary and historical landmarks. Kevin lives on the Upper West Side.

Community Conversations

The brand new Community Conversations initiative at The New York Public Library introduces a space for discussion on local topics that matter most to you. Local librarians at select branches will co-facilitate these dialogues with community organizations, inviting anyone and everyone to the table to share and listen. Let’s create a truly democratic space where we can connect together through meaningful dialogue! Learn more and browse all of our conversations online here.