Ex Libris

Frederick Wiseman’s film, Ex Libris – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. With 92 branches throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, the library is a resource for all the inhabitants of this multifaceted and cosmopolitan city, and beyond.

Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. This clip shows part of an interview with Elvis Costello, at the library.

In this clip from Frederick Wiseman’s latest documentary, Ex Libris – The New York Public Library, researchers help customers who call the library with questions. Ex Libris goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning.

Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. In this clip, Patti Smith is interviewed in front of an audience of library patrons.

Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. In this clip, staff members record the voice-over for a Nabokov novel.

In a meeting, New York Public Library President, Anthony Marx, discusses library's role. Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning.

In this clip from Frederick Wiseman’s latest documentary, Ex Libris – The New York Public Library, we see a job fair is in progress at the library. Ex Libris goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning.

Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. In this clip, A library patron talks about all the things he learned for free at the library.

Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. In this clip, library patrons at the Chinatown branch get help with technology.

In this clip from Frederick Wiseman’s latest documentary, Ex Libris – The New York Public Library, patrons make use of the library's resources. Ex Libris goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning.

In this clip from Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, Poet Yusef Komunyakaa gives a talk at the library. Ex Libris goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning.

Frederick Wiseman's latest documentary, Ex Libris - The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world, and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. In this clip, staff work to sort archival photos, and man the book return conveyer belt.