The New York Public Library's main branch will be getting drenched in pretty, shiny new lighting next year, for its 100th anniversary. According to the NY Post, the dramatic outdoor lights will bathe the landmark in a white glow, and NYPL president Paul LeClerc told the paper, "The goal is to make it look like the buildings in Paris that are illuminated. We want to make the building a destination stop in New York at night." The lighting scheme cost $3MM (it was paid for privately) and will include 48 large floodlights and 22-foot-high light poles surrounding the building. Expect full illumination to be in effect by next May—and let's hope the unveiling includes a cameo by the Ghostbusters. more ›

Last Friday morning we were lucky enough to spend some time in the New York Public Library's main branch, which opened up in 1911, before the doors were unlocked to the public. Librarian David Smith and some of the other NYPL staff took us around on a tour of the massive structure, from the remains of the Croton Reservoir, to the Allen Room (reserved for writers with book contracts) to the room where Charles Dickens's dead cat's paw resides (seriously), we saw it all! Well, except for the miles of books in the stacks that are housed under Bryant Park, that's top secret. Stay tuned for some interviews with more of the folks behind the books, and until then, we highly recommend you show some support (or at least get your library card)! more ›