Watch Ex Libris - The New York Public Library

Ex Libris - The New York Public Library is an enthralling and illuminating documentary directed by legendary filmmaker, Frederick Wiseman. The nearly three-and-a-half-hour-long documentary takes viewers deep into the world of The New York Public Library (NYPL), one of the largest public libraries in the world, as it grapples with the rapidly changing technology and social dynamics of our time.

The documentary is structured as a sequence of vignettes that are loosely organized around topics such as race, education, technology, and democracy. In each scene, we see the library’s staff and patrons going about their business, whether it’s a staff meeting, a library tour, or a musical performance in the library’s auditorium.

One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the diversity of the library’s patrons, who come from all walks of life and use the library for a variety of purposes, from finding a job to learning English to researching their ancestry. The documentary paints a vivid picture of how the library serves as a vital resource and community hub for people from all corners of New York City.

Throughout the documentary, Wiseman intersperses interviews with writers, scholars, and NYPL staff, offering insights into the library’s inner workings and the broader issues facing libraries and society today. We hear from Ta-Nehisi Coates, an author and journalist known for his work on race and racism in America, who gives a talk on the history of the concept of race in America. Elvis Costello also makes an appearance, performing a private concert in the library’s Rose Main Reading Room.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the role of the library in promoting democracy and access to information. We see the library’s staff working tirelessly to make its collections available to the public, whether through digitization projects or by offering free access to high-speed internet and other technology.

Another key theme is the library’s response to the changing technological landscape. The documentary shows how the library has adapted to the rise of e-books and digital media while still maintaining its traditional role as a repository of physical books and documents. We see various staff members discussing the library’s digital initiatives, from online courses to mobile apps to virtual reality experiences.

Overall, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library is a sweeping and thought-provoking look at one of New York City’s most important institutions. Through its detailed examination of the library’s inner workings and its broader societal impact, the documentary offers a powerful affirmation of the importance of libraries in our digital age. At once a celebration of the past and a bold look forward to the future, this documentary is essential viewing for anyone who cares about the role of libraries in society.