Tour and Discussion of the New York Public Library’s Library Way Plaques

Here’s one of the few cases in which you shouldn’t forget to look down: the sidewalks of 41st Street, in the two blocks between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue, anticipates your arrival at the entrance of the New York Public Library at Bryant Park. If you brave a glance underfoot amid the rush of commuters, you’ll notice a series of 96 bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalk. The award-winning plaques along Library Way, commissioned by the library and the Grand Central Partnership in the 1990s, each display a quote about reading or thinking chosen by librarians and literary experts from across the country from the works of writers as diverse as Marcus Aurelius, Gertrude Stein, W.B. Yeats, Gu Cheng, and Tom Stoppard.

On June 1st, artists Gregg LeFevre and Jennifer Andrews will be leading a tour and discussion of Library Way. LeFevre is the designer of the Library Way plaques, and with Andrews owns the New York-based Andrews/LeFevre Studios. The two will meet the tour group at the steps of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 5th Avenue at 2 PM, and explain the processes that went into creating the plaques during the walk along Library Way. Audiences will be able to learn more about the quote selection process and participate in a follow-up discussion at the tour’s conclusion at the New York Public Library. The tour is free. RSVP by e-mailing amanda.faraone@gmail.com, or learn more by visiting their Facebook page.

See more of LeFevre’s Library Way plaques here and read about the Secrets of the New York Public Library.