Scandal and Satire Never Go Out of Style, as a New Exhibition Attests

Voltaire’s “Candide,” the rollicking, ironic, effervescent commentary on 18th-century Europe, turns 250 this year, and the New York Public Library is celebrating with not one, but two exhibitions.
The book’s sharp-eyed mix of satire and social commentary made it both widely popular as well as a target for its scandalous nature from the Vatican. It has been made into a superb and well-loved operatic musical, and the story has been illustrated more than 100 times; other authors have even tried their hands at adding to our hero’s adventures.
Now, the Stephen A. Schwartzsmann Building of the New York Public Library (Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street; 917-275-6975) hosts the exhibition "Candide at 250: Scandal and Success” in its Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Gallery, though April 25.
The exhibition includes all 17 of the (known) 1759 editions of the book, as well the original manuscript of "Candide,” on loan from the Bibliotheque Nationale de France.
But wait...there’s more! In conjunction with the physical library exhibition, an online exhibition is also being presented. (candide.nypl.org). “On the Road with Candide” offers an “online journey” that takes viewers/readers though commentary, illustrations, videos and even a lesson plan concerning the novel. It’s a lively and in-depth look at the novel that even includes a project done by Brooklyn 10th graders, as well blog posts by NYPL curators and guest artists. (How modern of the Library!)
Scandal and satire? It was as modern then as it is now.

Going Green's in Fashion, Even at the Library

It’s a big week for going green--and we don’t just mean because of Saint Patrick’s Day.
A new Public Library opened yesterday in Battery Park City, and it will be one of the city’s “greenest” libraries. An all-day series of events celebrated the library’s official opening.
The branch, the city’s 88th, incorporates such green technology as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and lighting; it was built with recycled and renewable materials. The floor? Made from wood scraps from window-frame manufacturing. The upstairs carpet? Car tires. If you were wondering, the sanitary fixtures are low-flow, which reduce water consumption. It will receive LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.
We’re not sure what that means, but doesn’t it sound impressive?
The $6.7 million enterprise includes a two-story, 10,000 square-foot library with 24,000 items. It offers three dozen public computers, a large space for various programs, and separate reading areas for kids, teens and adults. Another groovy feature: two self-checkout machines—plus plenty of windows. It’s a heartening development in an economically troubled time; especially when so many public services are being shuttered. (More good news: This branch is actually open until 8pm Tuesdays and Thursdays.)
The library will offer a wide range of classes, workshops, and community programs.
It’s located at 175 North End Avenue at Murray Street. Call (212) 790-3499 for more information.
Another welcoming fact about the library? It plays host, rising many stories above it, to the city’s newest--and greenest--residential high-rise.