Ex-Libris: The New York Public Library

Documentary virtuoso Frederick Wiseman’s Ex Libris is deceptively simple: observe how a collection of daily occurrences in the New York Public Library builds a powerful portrait of a place and a community.

This behind-the-scenes documentary captures everything from fundraising galas to public events with eloquent speakers such as Ta-Nehisi Coates and Elvis Costello, through to frontline librarians discussing the essential function of their community outreach. Through these events, the film builds a rich layering of the incredible thought, passion and insight that goes into the creation of a truly intellectually engaged and community minded institution.