There’s still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors!
This September, Bryant Park’s Reading Room is hosting a fantastic lineup of free literary programming. From thought-provoking historical conversations to the annual Crossword Tournament, there’s a little something for every kind of word nerd.
Here is everything you need to check out this month!
A celebration of poetry and healing
Tuesday, September 1 – Kick off the month with a deep dive into empathy and medicine. Poet and physician Danielle Ofri (founder of the Bellevue Literary Review) joins Thomas Dooley, a poet who has spent more than a decade working in hospitals. Catch their conversation from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
An oral history of 9/11
Wednesday, September 2 – Just days before the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett M. Graff revisits his immersive book, The Only Plane in the Sky. Listen as he explores how that tragic morning reshaped America from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Poetry reading with Sibling Rivalry Press
Tuesday, September 8 – Explore themes of identity, gender, and community during a dynamic evening of poetry. Hosted by Bryan Borland and Kay Ulanday Barrett, the event features readings by Cai Sherley, Charlie Lou Evans, JC Andrews, Kaitlin Hsu, and Toni Garcia-Butler. Runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
The Triangle Shirtwaist tragedy
Wednesday, September 9 – Historian David Conrad-Pérez unpacks the infamous 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This session offers a fascinating look at the origins of modern American charity and the clash between New York’s wealthy elite and labor activists from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Quiet reading and contemporary poetry
Tuesday, September 15 – Take a midday break from the concrete jungle with a silent reading hour from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by an open chat with fellow bookworms. Later, stick around from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. for a contemporary poetry reading featuring Chelsea Whitton, Dilruba Ahmed, Matthew Yeager, and Sahar Muradi.
8th annual crossword tournament
Saturday, September 19 – Calling all crossword lovers! The annual outdoor competition returns with three original puzzles by crossword guru Mike Shenk. Compete solo or as a pair from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (just remember to register individually). Top solvers advance to the final round for prizes!
Writers workshop for teens
Sunday, September 20 – High schoolers looking to sharpen their skills can join this free workshop produced in partnership with Writopia Lab. From 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., young adults will learn everything from structuring an argument to crafting the perfect college application essay.
The details
- 📍 Bryant Park Reading Room
- 📅 Various dates throughout September
- 💸 Free