Presented by University of Iowa Libraries and the Iowa City Public Library.
Discounts available to Friends of both libraries.

"#2 - Top Ten Films of the Year. In his wonderful, expansive and wholly absorbing documentary, Wiseman goes deep into the New York Public Library — down grand and humble halls, and past open and seeking faces — for a portrait of a cultural and social institution that is democracy incarnate." — Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

"The Best Documentary of 2017. [In] the long-awaited magnum opus, We watch Wiseman construct a cogent argument for the vitality of an institution that’s constantly in danger of losing public funding. The result is almost hypnotic and, perhaps surprisingly, deeply moving." — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox

"If I had to sum up a 197-minute documentary about public libraries in one word, that word would be 'excitement.' Really." — Rob Thomas, Capitol Times

WINNER – Best Documentary, Critics Choice Documentary Awards
WINNER – FIPRESCI Prize, Venice Film Festival
SHORTLIST – 2018 Academy Awards

EX LIBRIS

In this, the 42nd documentary by Frederick Wiseman (recipient of an Honorary Oscar in 2016), the legendary filmmaker brings his incisive vision behind the scenes of one of the world’s greatest institutions of learning, capturing the vast programmatic scope of NYC’s library system. The NYPL is blessed with uniformly passionate staff and deeply devoted, appreciative bibliophiles and beneficiaries across its 92 branches. The film reveals a venerable place of welcome, cultural exchange, and intellectual creativity.