Ex Libris: The New York Public Library

An immersive journey into the New York Public Library with great documentarian Frederick Wiseman.

As part of an endeavour to explore the great American institutions, Frederick Wiseman turns his inquisitive filmic eye to New York’s Public Library. Wiseman goes behind the scenes of the beloved institution, recording animated board meetings, talks with guest speakers such as Patti Smith and Elvis Costello, book club events and donors’ dinners, as well as the day-to-day activity of lending books.

Wiseman’s patient, observational style, combined with his deft editing, draws you into this fascinating world. The result is a thought-provoking love letter to a model of inclusion and knowledge sharing, and a topical reminder of the preciousness of libraries everywhere.