The Library officially opened our 270th anniversary year with a reception celebrating our new exhibition, A Belief in Books, on January 17. Despite the bitter cold, more than sixty members and friends were on hand to enjoy specialty drinks and a first look at the display of 18th-century books and correspondence, plus historical research and images.

Muffy and Xavier Flouret generously donate wine for Library events. Goslings Rum provided rum and ginger beer for this event. A Belief in Books: The 270th Anniversary Exhibition is dedicated to Harriet Shapiro.

A Belief in Books is open to the public during the Library's open hours in the Peluso Family Exhibition Gallery through December 31, 2024. The exhibition catalog, featuring essays by Director & Head Librarian Carolyn Waters, Special Collections Librarian Barbara Bieck, and Dr. Leslie M. Harris, is available at the circulation desk. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Except where noted, photos are by Karen Smul.

George L.K. Frelinghuysen, Chair of the Library's Board, looks at some of our earliest acquisitions.

Workers of many backgrounds are shown in this early 19th-century color view of New York harbor, one of a number of little-seen historical images in the exhibition.

Members enjoyed a Dark and Stormy with period-appropriate rum.

Longtime trustee Ellen M. Iseman with Assemblymember Alex Bores.

Guests heard a brief welcome to our anniversary year and introduction to the exhibition by Director & Head Librarian Carolyn Waters and Special Collections Librarian Barbara Bieck. (photo by staff)

A Belief in Books is open to the public in the Peluso Family Exhibition Gallery during the Library's open hours for the rest of this year. Drop by!