Gwendolyn Brooks, on Library Way
October 29, 2021
A brass sidewalk plaque with a quotation by Gwendolyn Brooks on Library Way, 41st Street between Fifth and Park Avenues, in Midtown Manhattan. The artist is Gregg LeFevre. This and the other 95 plaques honoring a variety of authors (Twain, Yeats, Emily Dickinson, and Lucille Clifton among them) were installed in 1998. Brooks died in 2000.
The Poetry Friday roundup is at the blog Teacher Dance.
What a beautiful quote by Brooks, reminding us to be interactive readers. I love her clear direction here.
Posted by: Denise Krebs | October 30, 2021 at 12:36 AM
How do I not know about a) this quote; b) Library Way? Oh wait--I last lived in NYC in 1991. Thanks, Susan--I'm taking this plaque for my screen saver!
Posted by: Heidi Mordhorst | October 30, 2021 at 07:57 AM
Excellent advice. Thank you Susan and Gwendolyn!
Posted by: Mary Lee | October 30, 2021 at 08:51 AM
Denise, yes! I just loved stumbling across this one. I had a good time the other day, pausing & reading the various plaques (though not all 96!)
Oh, the screen saver idea is so fun, Heidi! The sidewalk plaques always make me slow down & read at least a few. You would not believe the renovation of what used to be the Mid-Manhattan Library (the one across the street from the lions). It is SO nice--and even has a small rooftop terrace I go to a class in the city and try to swing by when I have the time.
Mary Lee, she is the best! I am going to read more of her work this year. I am fascinated by some of the later, more experimental writing.
Posted by: Susan Thomsen | October 30, 2021 at 09:39 AM
It sounds like an inspiration to walk that walk! I've enjoyed Gwendolyn Brooks' words for a long time. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Linda Baie | October 30, 2021 at 11:10 AM
Linda, the pathway leads to the libraries! The big one with the lions in front and a beautiful branch library across the street. Definitely inspirational.
Posted by: Susan Thomsen | October 30, 2021 at 12:18 PM
I love this! Thank you for posting. Now I know where I'm going to go in NYC on my next trip. I need a pic of my feet there. How wonderful!
Posted by: Linda Mitchell | October 31, 2021 at 07:53 AM
You've given me lovely memories today of my own walks on this street, and the delight I felt on my first ever visit to NYC when I happened upon it. A great quote to contemplate on this poetry Friday.
Posted by: Elisabeth | October 31, 2021 at 09:58 AM
Linda, yes, so worth a side trip, and it's right there in Midtown Manhattan, convenient to everything!
Elisabeth, isn't it fun! I like this Gwendolyn Brooks quote so much, too. I really admire her work.
Posted by: Susan Thomsen | October 31, 2021 at 10:33 AM
Wonderful comment from Gwendolyn Brooks, Yes to thinking more, and I especially like our own unique interpretation too, thanks Susan!
Posted by: Michelle Kogan | November 01, 2021 at 12:36 AM
You're so welcome, Michelle. This is one of my favorites of the many plaques on Library Way.
Posted by: Susan Thomsen | November 01, 2021 at 02:11 PM
What a great discovery,
Posted by: Jone | November 01, 2021 at 03:04 PM
I love the intersection of Poetry & the Library! (The walkway leads to the main NYPL and a wonderful, newly refurbished branch library.)
Posted by: Susan Thomsen | November 01, 2021 at 05:20 PM
That's a great quote--thanks, Susan!
Posted by: Laura Purdie Salas | November 02, 2021 at 10:31 AM
Thanks for stopping by, Laura. I'm a Gwendolyn Brooks fan, and want to read more of her work.
Posted by: Susan Thomsen | November 02, 2021 at 10:40 AM