Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture - New York Public Library

I learned about the Schomburg Center from TikTok. Visiting this center during my trip was a must. I am interested in anything that has to do with our history, and the fact that this center is in the heart of Harlem makes it even better. I love walking through Harlem whenever I am in New York, and I really enjoyed the walk from the train to the center. Everything I viewed from the art, to the books, and the exhibits was truly amazing. I even bought a book and the Harlem Monopoly game. I am glad I got to witness and experience this center.

The Schomburg deserves to be spoken of far more often. This museum and library are true treasures of American history—my history. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and even gave me a personal tour, which made the experience even more meaningful. I could have easily spent multiple days exploring, but unfortunately I only had a couple of hours. I will definitely be back.

Let me begin by stating that this is supposed to be Black History Month. My high school daughter and her classmate went to the museum this afternoon to look at some of the exhibits for an assignment for their African American literature class. Upon entry they were greeted nicely. Then as they were attempting to make their way to exhibits they were frowned upon with eye rolls, spoken to rudely and denied entry to exhibits. My daughter stated she was made to feel so uncomfortable being followed around. Her classmate who is a fair skinned Hispanic felt it even worse. They outright made her feel like she didn’t belong there. Meanwhile there are exhibits of Afro-Latino artists. A security guard asked them if they were lost. My daughter replied with what she was looking for and she offered no assistance. No one was helpful but gave dirty looks. Meanwhile a diverse group of her classmates arrived a little later and they got to see exhibits. Why the change? How is the security staff allowed to display this type passive aggressive behavior is towards the public is egregious. All they did was show up. It be our own people doing the worse to us. My daughter is black and she is very upset. Thank you for the very enlightening Black History Month experience. She won’t forget it.

It really is such a shame that I don't make it here often enough. The Schomburg is absolutely amazing and I saw such dedication and passion from the staff I met. They offer youth programs and some of those youth grow up and teach in the very same programs of which they were students. Such an amazing opportunity! During my time there they talked about some of the legends in the arts & entertainment space who spent time rehearsing or teaching in the space. The space is beautiful and full of rich culture. I felt very fortunate to have access to it. You can follow them on Eventbrite to keep up with their events!

The security does the most. Do they really think we can shove a big ol painting in our bags? Then this library staff guy told my friend and me about the quiet rule when there was no one in the library. We had to tell him we were already planning to quiet down once someone else came in. Mind you we barely talked cause we were studying...

They weren't fully open, but I was still able to walk around. The staff were really nice and polite. There was a short movie being shown downstairs, and they only asked for a donation, and they offered donuts and coffee. It's definitely worth the visit.

The Corporation hosted an intimate Membership Mixer. The food and drink was good. The presentations and exhibit is a must see. It's a International Historical Landmark. You should definitely visit. An amazing learning experience.

I adore this place. Was there just 10 minutes ago. The current exhibit to Langston Hughes brings his home up close & personal to you. For National Poetry Month they have Phyllis Whitney's 1st book of poems, along with poetry by Maya Angelo, & others! FREE!!! Check it out! XOXO

Celebrating 100 years of the culture! Love the in-person and online events. A Harlem staple that's a must. The store is next level with so I hope you exhibit more control than I was able to. My Bookclub had a great time.

I am a little annoyed at myself that I have not updated my review of the Schomburg Center since my original visit in 2021. I have loved every visit to this place, and it deserves all the flowers. I've seen exhibits on Black comic books. On "Traveling While Black," discussing the GreenBook, sundown towns, and how Black people traversed the country. Black revolutions. Incarcerated people and their art and contributions to society, as well as the unjust penal system. This time around, the staff were super kind and helpful as always. I got a couple great items from the gift shop, which is stocked full of Black history. I was mainly here to see JIMMY!, an exhibit on my always #1 dead or alive party guest, James Baldwin. I loved seeing his own handwriting, his authentic thoughts to friends. Seeing his eulogy, where Amiri Baraka proclaimed, "Jimmy was God's Black revolutionary mouth!" Seeing photos of him dancing and partying with friends. Hearing his words. As far as I am concerned, this is the most powerful arm of the NYPL system.

I visited the Schomburg Center for The Best Man Book Event with Malcolm D. Lee and Jayne Allen. This was my first time at the center and I know that I will definitely be back. I've been a fan of the Best Man movies and series so I definitely was excited about a book continuing the stories of the characters. This event was great and organized. I was able to purchase signed copies of the book before the event. Malcolm D. Lee read an excerpt of the book. The event was moderated by Bevy Smith and Jayne Allen was there to talk about how she worked with Malcolm to write the book. After the event we were given the opportunity to sample The Sable Bourbon. The whiskey sours were tasty and the little snacks provided were delicious. I can't wait to start reading the book and I'll attend more events at the Schomburg Center. We also received free t-shirts with the Best Man book title on them.

Upon entry I greeted the wise man at the desk and told him it was my first time here. He asked me 'Where have you been?" I laughed and he was right lol ...... I was a little embarrassed that I live in NY and it was my first time to such a beautiful place rich in history. I chatted with the man about my ancestral diaspora and he was happy to learn from me lol.. I put my purse in coat check and checked out the art and and all the books. My favorite part of the Schomburg Center was the atrium that is a memorial to Langston Hughes which is called Rivers and has some of his ashes buried right under it. It's beautiful and I could feel the beautiful energy there. I will be back for different exhibitions and to bring my kids.

I have visited this place several times. Great resources. Great discussions! Security Guard Gordon is helpful and observant. Friendly staff clean facility. Comfortable venue

A wonderful archival library with various levels of programming and community engagement. I was a Harlem resident for 9 years and received so much from this place. Any visit to NYC deserves a stop at the Schomburg Center.

This public library houses a ton of African American archives and research. March 2024 was my first visit to the Schomburg and there are 2 public exhibits - Langston Hughes and Fundi which is the Schomburg's youth program exhibit. I loved them both but the Fundi exhibit absolutely moved me. It is a must see. When visiting the archive library, you have to check your coats, purses, etc. You can take in laptops, phones, etc. There was lots of Haitian art exhibited which you can take non-flash photos of. The research librarians are happy to show you around and explain what is available digitally. They have most of the Ebony magazines available digitally. Ebony is such a great archive of Black news and culture. They also have newspapers and other periodicals as well. So happy I stopped by!

Great exhibits, friendly staff, small but inters and niche. Def worth stopping in for a walk about. And it's free!

This is a centrally located public library in the heart of Harlem. In order to access most of the building, you need to check all items larger than a book including bags, purses, and coats, which is pretty inconvenient. They do allow patrons to sit on the benches in the lobby and access the public restrooms without checking any personal items. The lobby seating is decent and faces a window but it can get loud and distracting with people constantly walking in and employees chatting.

The Apollo and Sylvia's aren't the only must-stops for visitors to Harlem. Actually only the gift shop is open at the Apollo and I can't afford the calories unleashed from the chicken and waffles at Sylvia's - so this could be the most essential must-stop you can make in Harlem now. Centrally located on Malcolm X Blvd at 135th Street, it's fundamentally a comprehensive research library on the African American experience and black cultures globally. But there's more. Greeted by the kindly and informed receptionist, Jamie W and I felt there are two exhibits well worth your time. Both are scheduled to be there until next year. The first is on the main floor and focuses on the art that arose from the mission to abolish slavery. You're greeted by a striking painting, Theodore Kaufmann's "On to Liberty" on loan from the Metropolitan (photo). There are portraits of the great abolitionists along with descriptions of their varied contributions. The most intriguing artifact was a child's storybook that spelled out the Alphabet of Slavery. On the second floor was a fascinating gallery of what it's like to be black and traveling the country. Jim Crow restrictions are spelled out in historical photos, and there's a comprehensive gallery of Green Books that were used to obey the unspoken rules of the road. The gallery highlights periods after the two World Wars when there was a sense of freedom for black travelers in certain parts of the nation and the world, but as the Ahmaud Arbery trial shows, there are still deep pockets of racism that make this exhibit resonate even more today. RELATED - Exploring NYC? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ZvQA2F

I was invited to this Afro Latino Event for First Fridays and didn't know what to expect. I walked in and they stamped my hand because I pre-purchased tickets. The place was an African American History museum of some sort with an open space for small events. It was so clean and put together. They played Latino music all evening with a DJ and a live band and people were groving. I went into the museum portion and while it wasn't so big, the history behind it spoke volumes. This was a nice, different atmosphere for me to experience.

I had not been to the Schomburg library since I minored in Black & Puerto Rican Studies at BMCC back in the early 90s. Schomburg Library is probably the only place in NYC carrying rare book collections on the African diaspora. Plus, it saved me quite a bit when I did my papers. But this time- I didn't come to do homework. I can't truthfully speak much about Schomburg's layout and tell you about their Periodicals, Reference Section, Archives and what have you. Hubs instead- bought entrance+cocktail tickets through eventbrite honoring his fave House Music DJ Larry Levan from the Paradise Garage and I invited my friend Pat. I like how Schomburg has followed suit just like the Brooklyn Museum (as the originators- I think) to offer 'First Fridays' events. Schomburg takes their Main Level space and outdoor Patio downstairs to offer one DJ on each floor with security on hand- practically in every corner, stairway and hallway. For Music events though, this venue is just tight, with only one way in and one way out- and little safety. But I'm digging these guys jumped on the bandwagon to offer free, First Friday events. And also dig the fact that Schomburg has a lot of rich history.

Decades ago I glanced at the Countee Cullen's librarian's table and saw a book titled: The Harlem Renaissance: A Historical Dictionary For The Era by Bruce Kellner. I peeked inside to see if this Harlem Renaissance book had any information about my grandfather Leonard Harper. Harper's first name was spelled wrong as Leon, and at first, I didn't think it was my grandfather. I asked the librarian what the Reference "BB" meant at the bottom of the paragraph. The librarian instructed me to walk around the corner to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and ask them for the book Blacks In Blackface by Henry T. Sampson. I rushed to the Schomburg Center and was able to find so much material about my grandfather that it took me decades to complete my research.

So much history and so much knowledge to gain here at the Schomburg Center for Research. While arriving at the center, we were greeted by friendly staff who informed us on what the center had to offer. Inside Schomburg is a library that offers, manuscripts, rare books, photographs and prints of the black culture. They also have feature exhibits and I was able to explore the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. The exhibit was so powerful and the pictures amazingly captured his journey on this earth. The Schomburg center also has a memorial for Langston Hughes in a beautiful atrium where is ashes are buried. Overall the Schomburg center is a great place to explore and learn about the history of black culture!

Enjoyed a program of classical musicians music was very good every 1 very talented. It was after program I had the problem wit security staff. I believe she was the supervisor I was in ladies room had a upset stomach guess staff was ready 2 leave. I was never asked was I ok just very nasty attitude that I had 2 leave so bathroom can get cleaned people want 2 go home. Plus I was waiting for access for trans she didn't care I wasn't even allowed 2 put on my coat inside building. I understand staff wants 2 go home but wasn't necessary 2 act so nasty about it. Incident happened on 2/15/2024

This Girl can't say enough about NYPL! Free Library Exhibits are high quality! The Schomburg Center is beautiful. I was greeted at the door. My questions were answered without hesitation. Every Branch of NY Public Library has fast connection to free WiFi. The Black Power Exhibit is extensive. If you lived through that time or are interested in the era you will learn so much. In my case I recalled so much. I've taken too many photos to post them all here. You need to see it for yourself. I'm a fan!

The Schomburg Center for Research is in the heart of Harlem. The Schomburg is a historical place with a great location. I always enjoy visiting the Schomburg for the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable about exhibits and information at hand. The exhibits were powerful and telling. I was especially intrigued by the Black Panther exhibit that was there when I was present. The exhibit showed displays of art from every day people and children that participated in the struggle for freedom and equality. The Schomburg serves as a reminder to the contributions that African Americans have made in this country. There was also an exhibit of paintings done by local children that showed their interpretation of contributions made by local every day heros. I feel that this institution should be included in the curriculum for local children to learn of the history and contributions to this country. This institution if a godsend and deserves to be honored for its contributions.

I cannot speak too highly of the staff here, as they doubled the energy I was bringing to my research and helped immeasurably with finding relevant materials. Their reading room has the air of academia, even if you're doing personal research on a project for yourself. I regret there's nothing like it anywhere else.

What's not to like about Harlem, History and Books? NOTHING! This a a beautiful space for a library and cultural research center. I truly hope the residents of Harlem and New York State appreciates all the Schomburg Center has to offer as it's a gem. During my visit I was able to explore the wonderful Black Power exhibit. As a child of the 70's this exhibit brought back fond memories and the pride I felt during my childhood. It also reminded me of the painful memories as well. THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES! There are many events and programs held here that hold great cultural and artistic significance for the community and the country. I highly suggest checking out the events calendar. The staff was friendly, professional and informative. We visited Thursday April 19, 2018 at 2:00 the young lady greeter/security was so nice and very helpful. The space is laid out on several floors and various spaces for exhibits, programs, performances with a theater/media room. It's crisp, clean and bright, well maintained. I will make a point of taking the trek to Harlem from the Philadelphia area soon and often.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the best institutions that I have visited. This venue is in the heart of Harlem where many events occurred that were centered around Afrocentic/ African-American historical content, music, film etc. Coming here for many years and seeing so many great things has been rewarding. For example, I was able to attend the 5th Annual Black Comic Book Festival which included various comic book vendors on multiple floors. The "Comic Books and Hip Hop" Panel consisted of lively, educated and informative individuals who provided intellectually stimulating conversation on the connection between hip hop culture, how it relates to comic books and vice versa. I have also had the pleasure of seeing some cool African-American films such as the one that I saw today as part of the "Rewind Film" Series. The movie "TANNA" focused upon an + woman that were in love with each other but could not be together because their tribes/culture was centered around the customary practice of having arranged marriages. The female main character and the male main character took matters into their own hands and decided that if they were not allowed to be together on Earth, then they would die together. This was based on a true story and it left me speechless. A Question + Answer Session took place after the movie. Audience participants made inquiries and shared their experiences, including a woman that said that she was in an arranged marriage and that saved her life!....wow! The Schomburg also has great archives filled with rich historical data. The books are endless and they have a nice gift shop. I look forward numerous spectacular events at the Schomburg!

My husband and I were visiting NYC for the first time just like any other tourists. We were looking for a museum to fill our day and we came across Schomburg Center. We took the Hop on Hop off bus and got off on the edge of Harlem and walked about 15 minute to Schomburg. We did not do much research about this place before we head over so didn't know what to expect other than a library focuses on black culture. The library is open for everyone and it is free. The research center is not big but they have a lot of books and materials around black culture. We spent around an hour there and did some reading. Educational and I definitely learned something new. It is so true that you will never know what you don't know until you know what you didn't know. We spent the second half of the visit on the second floor Black Power exhibition. It showed a lot of pictures of the black power movement in history. Politics, educations, entertainment and media, etc. They displayed pictures, audio recordings and videos that bring you back to the moment. We also spent the last 15 mins at the gift shop. Good variety of books for purchase. Schomburg is very conveniently located. It is by the subway station. Overall, highly highly recommend. We were glad that we came across this place and wish we could have spent more time there.

This is right off a subway line, so very accessible. We stopped in on a Monday, so the store was closed, but we had a great time in the one exhibit. We learned a lot-I loved how there was supplemental audios that could be scanned and listened to on a phone. This was a powerful exhibit!!! Thank you!

The preservation of Black Culture and History. This institution presents and host so many special events catered to African American Culture. It's an important institution nestled in the heart of Harlem. A beautiful structure both inside and out.

I was here for the 15th Annual Black Pre- Law Conference and Law Fair. The experience here was phenomenal. Being at the Langston Hughes theatre was amazing. The idea that so much African American history is taking place and being built upon was a indescribable feeling. The environment is serene and professional. The lighting in the evening is amazing and all of the culture and knowledge there is beautiful. I want to come back to this location without attending an event to truly understand and experience the culture at this place ! My sister worked here and she loved it !

I went here on November 9,2019 for the Open House event they had. Location: Right near the 2/3 train station stop at 135 Street. Interior: This is beautifully designed and spacious. I only went to a few of the events they had since they had a lot of things going on simultaneously for the Open House. Exhibits: My favorite was the Exhibit that highlighted Harlem. It was very educational and the presenter Novella was super relatable. The Quilt event was interesting as well and has sorta inspired me to be a bit more crafty! The exhibition hall of paintings that overlook the research area is interesting and doesn't take much time to peruse. I quickly looked at the Femmetography which was cool and I loved that what I saw celebrated Natural black hair. I didn't have a chance to go to the research area because I was just there for the Open House. There are also lots of other unexplored parts of this venue. The events in the auditorium were okay they didn't grab me but I'm sure it varies based on the subject matter. Gift Shop: Typical of any venue things are pricey. I didn't see anything that I was willing to pay those prices for. Overall, I will come back again when it is a regular day and nothing big is going on so I can get the real feel of the venue.

At this time, I would like to say, I am truly disgusted with what I witnessed tonight at this landmarked culture monument... The event tonight held a private reception for VIP's prior to the event, right outside of the auditorium. Everyone else patiently waited in the lobby. The reception was supposed to be over at 6:30, around 6, people from the lobby trickled into the open space. During this time, there was a full buffet leftover with more than plenty to go around and as people are coming into the program, you are snatching food out of people's hands. How in the world could you be a community cultural establishment in a at-risk neighborhood and host free "open to the public" affairs, yet you have plenty of food to share and decide to take food out of people's mouths, including my child. I am just in such disgust. Tacky has a new home and it's at the Schomburg. I am very ashamed to even be from this neighborhood right now, seeing what I just saw. So you're okay with taking away a human necessity, especially after everything we've been through these last few years??! WE HAVE LEARNED NOTHING. Was it really that imperative for you to aggressively seize food out of "your community's/neighbor's" mouth??? Appalled, baffled, disheartened as well as in such disbelief... Yet this is the same institution that depends on grants and donations to continue running programs within the non-profit organization. I just donated money the other day towards continuing to build a legacy RIGHT HERE in Harlem. NEVER AGAIN. And have the nerve to share this sentiment on your webpage, "Between family responsibilities and his dedicated commitments to giving back to his people, to The Race, there were a great many pulls on his time and he was trying his best to respond to each of them," Valdés said. Great job New York PUBLIC Library, thanks for looking out for YOUR community!! *STANDING OVATION APPLAUSE*

Great building, very clean, awesome equipment. Problem: Insufficient functions, events for the avg community resident. Right now lots of events for the richer blacks, themes that attack them, etc. This location needs to give a lot more PR and events to get avg teens off the street, reach people from the projects, get programs for the homeless. Don't be a facility for well-educated, sophisticated talented tenth. They don't need a facility they already have their brownstones and multiple degrees. The people that need your library most are those that have low incomes, etc. Thanks for accepting this feedback given out of love. Wishing everyone the best.

Finally made it to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The Black Power at 50 exhibition made my visit well worth the trip. The exhibit was concise and very informative. Great artifacts (buttons, newspapers and posters) tell the story in the best manner possible. After leaving this exhibit it was easy to spend money on books that cover the many aspects and intersections of the Black experience. In addition to the exhibit and the wonderful gift shop/bookstore, Langston Hughes' final resting place is here at the same site where researchers from across the globe come here to utilize the extensive collection. This is definitely a space that must be visited more than once.

Regardless of whether its topography research or history and culture This is the spot to visit in NY for all intrigued by Black History and Culture . Situated in Harlem. Before we had hereditary parentage we had the Schomburgh. Notwithstanding material there are incredible displays and works by a portion of the extraordinary scholars and dissident in Blackhistory in America. If you're looking into the African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences and want to learn, this is the place.

It's a library, with phenomenal art exhibits, and a famous pedigree and it does not charge admission. That's awesome. I went here on a Saturday to check out the Motown Exhibit. The Schomburg is on Malcolm X Blvd -- or what most would refer to as Lenox. It's right across from Harlem Hospital and there's 2 hour metered parking there. (Alternatively, the 2 or 3 are right outside.) The Exhibit is better than I expected, with some handwritten stuff by Berry Gordy about the new musical. But what was breathtaking were the memorials to Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, Ruby Dee and Nelson Mandela. Dr. Angelou's memorial has handwritten notes on a manuscript of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and a typed personal letter from James Baldwin. Amiri Baraka's also contains handwritten notes. There are host of events there and a rare books from that folks go to. But for me, just being in the presence of the work of scholars was enough. Go with a friend for a quick exhibit.

Amazing jewel nestled in Harlem. We had such a great opportunity to learn more about the Black experience and culture in the United States. Loved the two exhibits

Awesome exhibits here. I revently went to the Caribbean party just before labor day sponsored by Jack Daniels. It was dope. The crowd was diverse in age but it was definitely a great experience and I can not wait to come back here.

What a treat! I was staying at 128th & Lenox and decided to walk to the Schomburg Center to view the A Ballad for Harlem exhibit. WHAT A TREAT! Especially because I grew up in New Jersey then moved to the Bay Area in 1989 so wasn't exposed to the history of Harlem much, if at all. This exhibit really did a great job of showing where Harlem has been, the struggles, triumphs & the amazing art, talent, & skill of the people in Harlems past and current. It's worth the time to go and let's be real - it's free!

I went there information and to become a possible member to wonderful establishment of history

After 92 years they are finally are being recognized as a historical site. I love visiting the Schomburg and seeing the great exhibitions. First Fridays are a fun way to interact with other individuals who share a love of knowledge and culture. I'm going to try to go more often. Their offer great programs and events for teens and adults. I usually go twice a year. I'd like to go at least once every three months.

When the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture reopened after some extensive renovations, they launched their new programs with an exhibition entitled, "Stereotypes and Humantypes," exploring in part of how the 19th century stereotypes of African Americans led to a history of African Americans trying to refute these racist remarks by reclaiming their own identity and defining for themselves how African Americans should be portrayed. It wasn't just an incredibly relevant exhibition, but an ironic one at that, as the Schomburg Center is the legacy of one early Arturo Schomburg, who was once told by his teacher, "Black people have no history, no heroes, no great moments." Not only is the Schomburg Center is one of the largest research centers for black culture in the world, it is also a great piece of living history, for it has been the intellectual epicenter for all the evolving movements in Harlem. The library was rebuilt during the 1980s by the J. Max Bond Jr., one of the most, if not the most, esteemed African American architects (his other big design has been the King Center in Atlanta, and his firm had been asked to design the ground zero memorial in 2004). Bond's works emphasize the role of architecture in integrating the community, and this achieved in the design of the Schomburg library by the rather unassuming brick front. Though undeniably modern and sleek, Schomburg's brick front, as designed by Bond Jr., blends in with the architecture of the area as if a continuation (and not standstill) of the Harlem's rich history. I had come to the Schomburg because I've been meaning to see the Aaron Douglas "Aspects of Negro Life" murals for a long time now. While I was at first impressed by the extensive collection, I also soon got tired of being lost in the library. I'm not sure exactly how much of the interior was remodeled since Bond's original design, but Schomburg had renovated the inside of the museum, altering the architect's original plans, and with the current plan of the museum, things are not only hard to find, but the flow of some of the exhibitions is disrupted as exhibitions are split up into different rooms flung across various floors of the library. Worst, when I asked people for what I needed to find, I got largely blank stares. I finally found the murals in the octagonal reading room, and was about to go home, when I read in passing that Saturday was the only day the Photography collection was open to the public. Intrigued, I went upstairs to the third floor. As soon as I got off a woman barked at me, "WHERE are you going?!" Not a good start. But I'm glad I did. The Photography collection was housed in an unassuming quiet room; a part of me had expected some sort of gallery style presentation of a their collection, and was a bit surprised to find a research facility. The nice man at the counter asked me if what I needed to study. "Crap," I thought. "I got nothing." But somehow after two seconds of staring at him blankly, my brain kicked in and blurted out "James Van Der Zee's photos." I sat and waited for a few minutes as the librarian went off to go find the pictures. I don't know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't what I got-- an experience that pretty much made my entire weekend. They came up with two large boxes of Van Der Zee's photos. It was an amazing experience to touch and go through so many of Van Der Zee's absolutely breathtaking photos, much of them that I've never seen before, and probably can't see elsewhere. The first box contained mostly portraits, for which Van Der Zee gained his fame, while the second has mostly the gorgeous cityscape prints that document the evolution of Harlem. Sitting there, shifting through photos that Van Der Zee himself may have touched and signed, I quickly forgot about the rainy walk here to the Schomburg, getting lost in the library, and everything else on my mind. The Schomburg is definitely worth a visit. I can't imagine a better resource for research in the field; and even if someone, like I, had no academic pursuits, but only curiosity, the Schomburg is still a great place to spend an afternoon. Really, go check out the beautiful exhibitions, collection of paintings, the Douglas murals, and of course, the photography collection. The Schomburg is a great monument to the efforts of people who went against the prejudice of black culture lacking history or depth; in fact, when Arturo Schomburg was later asked what exactly was black history, he replied, "What you're calling African history, Negro history, are the missing pages of World history" -- a brilliant rebuttal to the remarks of those like his 5th grade teacher.

As far as libraries go, it doesn't get any better than this... Period. Always great exhibitions, films, music, programs and great guest speakers... Dick Gregory, Doc West, Andrew D. Weiner, William Harding and Maya Angelou just to name a few, most of the time (95%) for free. My home away from home, I always come away from the Schomburg with something priceless. Under the direction of Dr. Khalil G. Muhammad the center strives to make each event better than the one before. Please when you're in Harlem, USA stop by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, you will never, ever be disappointed... Period.

I adore The New York Public Library-if I had to pin down a single facet of this city that I love I would probably choose its library system-and The Schomburg is one of its crown jewels. If you want to find rare, out of print books from the post-colonial period, or fugitive slave narratives, or priceless works from the Harlem Renaissance this is where you should begin your search. It's one of many great research libraries located in the City, and has a plethora of resources to draw upon if you're a student, scholar, or just a lover of American history and literature. For instance, I was able to find "Black No More," a brilliant satirical novel written by George S. Schuyler. If you're in Harlem, check it out.

This is an amazing place to learn about Black culture. Be it in the panel discussions of taking a walk throughout the center. There is lots to learn

i went here during my birthday weekend to see the Fat Albert exhibit and the Motown Review. Both were awesome! I really enjoyed my time. Especially just being there surrounded by so much history and great of our african american icons!

Words cannot describe how lovely this establishment is. I was initially sent here on a mission for my speech class but now I go here all the time to do some research on my culture. It is a goldmine I tell ya! The giftshop is also a gem filled with many books by people of the African diaspora, posters, decor and other beautiful items. I purchased a Malcolm X postcard for just 59 cents. Words can't describe how much I love this place. Do yourself a favor and go!!!

I definitely love that this world-reknowned Library has made its collections user-friendly and easily accessible to the community it most serves. The Schomburg creates events, activities, lectures and films screenings dedicated to Black Culture in the US - and if you're already familiar with what they do - great. If not, make your way over there. Because when i say 'user-friendly,' what i mean is, welcoming. Even the folks that come there for the lectures--standing in line waiting to be admitted into the auditorium will chat you up. The exhibits are beautifully displayed. My favorite right now, is a painting by John Greene, The Reception[?]. I cannot take my eyes off of it--but that's just me. There is [or will be] something there for everyone i suppose at sometime in the future...just not all at once. So making periodic visits would be your best bet to make sure that you will find something to your liking. Whether its the regular offerings provided monthly - most of them free; the research library for which the Center was built; the multi-media art exhibits, etc. During First Friday [there's a DJ spinnin'[what i've heard so far is HOUSE & REGGAE, OL' SCHOOL RAP] as well as some other events held in the evening, the exhibits may remain open longer than usual. Its a great seduction and one that will enrich you. Another plus, is that, you can LIVESTREAM.COM all/most of the FREE lectures/discussions. So on those evenings when the mercury dips below 0, you can cozy up to the warming light emanating from your laptop and listen, watch the exchange online :) Lastly, for some of their events there is also food served to attendees for free plus a cash bar! I suspect this [food] amenity is part of a budget the Library has for specific events. So, i'm guessing if its NOT in the budget - no food. On the 2 occasions when attended either a lecture or 1st Fridays, there was food. I got just enough of the chicken and rice to satisfy me...think: hors d'oeuvres. It just keeps getting better and better!

Fantastic and comprehensive library/research center in Harlem that chronicles African/African-American experience. Part of the nypl.org.

Great place to learn about things you otherwise would not know. Not even in the big museums, which caters to mostly general / tourist tastes. I came here specifically to see the "Africans in India" exhibit (open until May 18) and was blown away! Did you know there were Ethiopian kings in Bengal? I look forward to paying more attention to our public library events. Highly recommended.

Tonight, I went to a First Friday event at the Schomburg Center. It happened to take place the day after Nelson Mandela passed away. Before we partied, we paid tribute to the civil rights icon. The event was free, though you had to pay for the snacks and alcoholic beverages. There's also a food truck next to the library. Since the Schomburg Center is in the non-gentrified part of Harlem, 85% of the people who attended First Friday were black. Much to my chagrin, most of them were well over 40. I'm not that familiar with the Schomburg Center, though I'm aware that it has many artifacts of black culture. Come to a First Friday if you already have a date- during the summer, they have events in the courtyard and it's nice. However, don't expect to meet women here.

I attended First Fridays on 6/6/14. It was a laid back atmosphere with a good DJ and nice staff. The theme was AfroPuertoricans. There was beer tasting in the garden as well. The event was ok but I took off a star because nobody was networking. You could tell that some people were regulars and they just congregated and socialized. It was a mixed age crowd but more than half was 50+, and somebody brought their 11 year old kid. Is this a family event or an adult networking party?

Beautiful! We went there for the Black Comic Book Festival - a lovely event with lovely Brown people that I wanted my beautiful Brown children to be inspired by. Just keep away from the grumpy, grouchy woman manning the membership table. I was interested in becoming a member and she snatched all of the brochures out of my hand that I thought I could take from the table instead of telling me that I didn't take the right read ups. I left without becoming a member, which I was going to do on the spot.

My first visit here was for the 1st Annual Black Comic Book Festival which was incredible in and of itself. *I got to be a part of history, so woohoo to that! However, I was equally impressed and intrigued by the center. I cannot wait to go back and attend more lectures and discover their many offerings.

Very nice space, I was impressed with how much they were able to squeeze in with the comic book festival. Great location by the subway and the hospital too.