New York Public Library centennial celebrations

New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Photograph: Virginia Rollison

Beaux-Arts architecture, massive columns, palatial staircases, white marble: The impressive facade of the New York Public Library’s iconic main branch is shining bright, even though this month marks the 100th anniversary of the Fifth Avenue stalwart. That’s because a three-year renovation of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building wrapped up in February, just in time for the library’s birthday. But saluting lions Patience and Fortitude isn’t the only way families can commemorate May 23, 1911, the day the midtown icon opened.

The days leading up to the actual anniversary will be a nonstop party, with tons of activities planned. The Lewis Carroll childhood staple Alice in Wonderland will leap off the page in a performance from the Hampstead Stage Company (May 21 at 2pm). Little ones can listen to tales told by masters of the Storytelling Center (May 22 1:30–4pm), jam to energetic, raucous tunes from Dog on Fleas (May 21 at 3:15pm) or catch a wacky performance from Big Apple Circus magician Dikki (May 21 at 1pm). Tweens get a chance to tour the building and glimpse the elusive stacks beneath the library; the seven underground levels even tunnel under Bryant Park (May 21 10:30am–4:30pm, hourly; May 22 1:30–3:30pm, hourly). Kids can also look forward to June, when summer reading programs begin and an exhibition of children’s book illustrations goes on display.