For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library has collected, preserved, and made accessible the world’s knowledge. Now, for the first time, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the 56 million in our collections, inspiring and empowering visitors to discover, learn, and create new knowledge—today and in the years ahead.
The treasures in this exhibition tell the stories of people, places, and moments spanning 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day. Visitors will encounter manuscripts, artworks, letters, still and moving images, recordings, and more that bring vividly to life voices of the past. While the Library’s collections have always been available for public use, the Polonsky Exhibition builds on our 125-year legacy by offering a unique opportunity to make new connections and expand our understanding of the world and each other—so that together we can shape a better future.
The exhibit was phenomenal and FREE – especially viewing photographs from the civil rights movements and artifacts that fill my heart with gratitude for Black activists who demanded their civil liberties for themselves and generations to come. Additionally, take a moment to check out Mary Shelley’s penmanship as she prepared to write Frankenstein and other works.
After perusing the exhibit, I walked through the library shop. This shop is a treasure trove of New York Public Library souvenirs and gifts for yourself, friends, and family. I love picking up stickers, postcards, and keychains as unique gifts.
As you leave the library, wave a good bye to the library lions named Patience and Fortitude. During the 1930s, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named the lions Patience and Fortitude, for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression. These names have stood the test of time: Patience still guards the south side of the Library’s steps and Fortitude sits unwaveringly to the north.
https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/treasures
Thirty Four Flavours 