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As the year draws to a close, we'd like to thank you for being a valued member of the NYPL community.

In the midst of a very challenging economic environment, this has been an extraordinary year for the Library. Circulation increased to record-breaking levels. Attendance at our free programs and classes soared. Thousands and thousands of people turned to the Library for help in finding a job or using the Internet. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our communities, our representatives, and our friends—you among them.

Great things are in store for 2011, including a celebration of the Library’s Centennial this spring. We’ll continue to offer world-class, innovative services to the millions of people who will visit us in person or online, and we’ll work creatively to accomplish all of this with resources that are becoming more difficult to secure with each passing year.

Every day, we’re told what a great gift The New York Public Library is to New Yorkers. In truth, our ability to give that gift is only possible through the support of our friends; we can’t do it alone. Before the year ends, we hope you'll consider making a special contribution to help the Library—and our millions of users—get 2011 off to a strong start.

Thank you again. We wish you and your family happy holidays and a wonderful new year,

Your New York Public Library

Schomburg Center Names New Director

NYPL recently announced that Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, a scholar of African-American history and faculty member at Indiana University, has been appointed as the next Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, effective July 2011. Dr. Muhammad will succeed Howard Dodson, Jr., who is retiring after leading the Schomburg for more than 25 years and cementing its position as the world's leading repository on the global Black experience.

"There has never been a more exciting time in the history of the Schomburg Center," said Aysha Schomburg, great-granddaughter of Schomburg Center founder Arturo Schomburg, President of the Schomburg Corporation, and Schomburg Director Search Committee member. "Without any doubt, Khalil has the skills and the passion to build on the legacy."

Find out more about Dr. Muhammad

Video: Meet the Next Director of the Schomburg Center

Dr. Muhammad in the News

New Director for Schomburg Center Named The New York Times

The Root Interview: The Schomburg's Khalil Gibran Muhammad The Root

Children's Books 2010: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

The New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing is a popular list of children's books, which parents and children's books enthusiasts look forward to and share every year. Go behind the scenes with the librarians and learn how they create the list.

Read our interview with the librarians

Browse, download, and share the 100 Titles

Three Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, Islam Exhibition
Participate in Faith on the Street with Your Cell Phone or Camera

Do you like to take pictures? Then you might be interested in Faith on the Street. It's really easy to participate in our photography project: Use your cell phone or camera to take snapshots of scenes that document any faith practice, symbol, structure, or artifact, and send them via e-mail to ThreeFaiths@nypl.org along with any information you'd like to provide about your work.

Get more details on how you can participate

Browse the Faith on the Street gallery

Three Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, Islam is cosponsored by Stavros Niarchos Foundation and The Coexist Foundation

Like It, Keep It: eBooks Now Available for Purchase

If you enjoy an eBook or audiobook and want to add it to your collection, you can purchase select titles using LibraryBin's Buy It Now service, a new offering from NYPL and our eBook vendor, OverDrive. Just go to the LibraryBin website and choose your title. When you check out, you can select NYPL as the library you want to receive a portion of the proceeds from your purchase. With these funds, the Library will be able to add more eBooks and audiobooks to our collections.

Prices start at 89 cents and hot titles are 25% off:
Test-drive LibraryBin now

NYPL eBooks now work on the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

From our Blogs:
Learning to Read and Write: Pedro's Inspiring Story

Pedro, a native New Yorker, faced a number of life challenges before he enrolled in the Tompkins Square Center for Reading and Writing (CRW), one of the Library's adult literacy program sites. His inspiring story, Growing Into My Life, was recognized with a 2010 Storylines Award. Site advisor Terry Sheehan's interview with Pedro chronicles his journey to literacy.

Find out more about Pedro in Terry's blog post

Read Pedro's moving story, Growing Into My Life

Subscribe to the literacy blog channel

Volunteer as a tutor: Training starts in January

20% Library Shop Discount for Subscribers

Take advantage of a special holiday subscriber discount at The Library Shop. Receive a 20% discount on all online orders of $25 and up. Just enter the discount code EHOL10 to unlock your savings. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires December 15.

Find glorious gifts at The Library Shop

Like us on Facebook

We invite you to join our community of more than 25,000 Library enthusiasts on Facebook. Receive daily updates on breaking news, stories, photos, and events that you can share with your friends.

Like us on Facebook

Select Programs in December

Recruitment Fair
December 17, 2010
12 noon
New Dorp Library (Map & Directions)

Three Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, Islam Exhibition
David Glukh Klezmer Ensemble
December 18, 2010
2 p.m.
Van Nest Library (Map & Directions)

Mark Twain: A Skeptic's Progress with Isaac M. Gewirtz
December 28, 2010
6:30 p.m.
Mid-Manhattan Library (Map & Directions)

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