A cathedral of books where the homeless and scholars share the same sacred silence.
With a mission of collecting, preserving and making accessible the materials of human culture, the New York Public Library plays a vital role in the cultural life of the Big Apple. This film provides a multifaceted portrait of the institution. Viewers will learn about the library's history, collections and research centers as well as the individuals charged with upholding its mission while always keeping an eye to the future.
Cinematography
Those lion statues have never looked more majestic.
Writing
Narration that treats librarians like the heroes they are.
Direction
Judd finds drama in the circulation desk.
Director
Graham Judd
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made during the early '90s culture wars, this documentary quietly argues that public libraries are America's most democratic institutions—while Congress was slashing their funding.
The NYPL's famous lions were originally named Leo Astor and Leo Lenox after founders; 'Patience' and 'Fortitude' were Mayor LaGuardia's nicknames for them during the Depression to inspire struggling New Yorkers.
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