Legendary documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman turns his inquisitive eye behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world: the New York Public Library.

With 92 branches throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, the library is committed to being a resource of knowledge as well as community support for the inhabitants of this multifaceted and cosmopolitan city, and beyond. Wiseman goes behind the scenes to record animated board meetings, talks with guest speakers such as Elvis Costello and Patti Smith, book club events and donors’ dinners, as well as the day-to-day activity of lending books.

The end result of Wiseman’s patient, thoughtful style is a thought-provoking love letter to a model of inclusion and knowledge sharing, and a topical reminder of the preciousness of libraries everywhere.

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