September 4, 2018 |
"Ex Libris" on PBS
Director Frederick Wiseman's 2017 documentary on the New York Public Library, Ex Libris, premieres tonight at 10:00 p.m. on PBS.
Featuring Patti Smith, Richard Dawkins, and Elvis Costello, as well as librarians, library staffers, and patrons young and old, the documentary covers (or makes a valiant effort at covering) the breadth and depth of the NYPL's ninety-two branches in just over two hours. One reviewer called it "The Best Thing to Happen to Libraries Since the Dewey Decimal System." Watch a two-minute preview here.
Best teaser: "Andy Warhol stole lots of stuff from us."






![Origen of Alexandria (c. 185–253) Homilia in Genesim, Homiliae in Exodum, in Latin, translation by Rufinus, decorated manuscript on parchment [Austria, Lambach Abbey? c. 1150–1175]. Estimate: $150,000-$200,000.](/sites/default/files/styles/category_card/public/media-images/2026-06/origen.jpeg?itok=0V_4_Lt2)



