Special Briarcliff High School Book Club Visit New York Public Library Makes For A Red Letter Day

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

The New York Public Library has a collection of some 65 million items, many of which are extraordinarily valuable.

Members of the Briarcliff High School Book Club recently visited the library’s exhibit called “Library Treasures” with advisor Julia Fernandez and got a close look at some of the incredible artifacts that are part of the collection.

“The students will soon be reading the historical fiction novel “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by Fiona Davis, as part of the club, so we decided to check out the library, which is the setting for the story,” Ms. Fernandez said.

Students toured the exhibit, which showcases artifacts such as the original stuffed animals from the “Winnie the Pooh” stories that were owned by the real Christopher Robin, Charles Dickens' writing desk, mementos from the Guerrilla Girls, tributes of black writers/activists, and Audubon's “Birds of America,” – the largest book in the library and one of the largest books ever printed.

While touring the exhibit, students created zines, which are small magazine-type paper books. They drew some of the artifacts in the exhibit and wrote descriptions of them.

“I drew Charles Dickens’ chair and the Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals,” said Casey, a freshman. “The stuffed animals were my favorite artifacts in the exhibit. My dad grew up reading the stories, so they are important for my family.”

After the exhibit, students walked around the holiday market at Bryant Park and stopped at Grand Central Station on the way home for lunch.

Casey enjoyed the trip.

“It was amazing!” she said. “I am grateful to be part of the Book Club,” she added. “The first book we read this year, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower,’ is one of my favorite books of all time! I love being part of the club because being able to talk to others about books is very valuable.”

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.