New york public library for the performing arts

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (LPA) is a research library located in the Lincoln Center area of Manhattan, New York City. It is one of the three research libraries of the New York Public Library (NYPL) system, along with the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (the main branch) and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

The library was established in 1955 and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the performing arts, including music, dance, theater, and opera. Its collections include:

  1. Music: The library has an extensive collection of printed music, including scores, librettos, and music theory texts. It also has a large collection of recorded music, including CDs, LPs, and digital files.
  2. Dance: The library has a significant collection of materials related to dance, including scores, choreographic notes, and photographs.
  3. Theater: The library has a large collection of materials related to theater, including scripts, playbills, and photographs.
  4. Opera: The library has a comprehensive collection of materials related to opera, including scores, librettos, and recordings.
  5. Film and Video: The library has a growing collection of films and videos related to the performing arts, including documentaries, concert performances, and interviews with performers.

The library also offers a range of services and programs, including:

  1. Research assistance: Librarians are available to help researchers find materials and answer questions.
  2. Exhibitions: The library hosts exhibitions on various topics related to the performing arts, including concerts, lectures, and workshops.
  3. Concerts and performances: The library hosts concerts and performances by musicians, dancers, and other performers.
  4. Education and outreach: The library offers educational programs and outreach services to schools, community groups, and other organizations.

Some of the notable collections and resources at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts include:

  1. The Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound: This collection includes over 700,000 recordings of music, theater, and dance performances.
  2. The Jerome Robbins Dance Division: This collection includes over 3 million items related to dance, including scores, choreographic notes, and photographs.
  3. The Billy Rose Theatre Division: This collection includes over 100,000 items related to theater, including scripts, playbills, and photographs.
  4. The Music Division: This collection includes over 300,000 items related to music, including scores, librettos, and music theory texts.

Overall, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is a valuable resource for researchers, performers, and enthusiasts of the performing arts, offering a wide range of materials and services to support the study and appreciation of music, dance, theater, and opera.