Behind the Scenes in NYC: Meet Librarian Gregory Stall
🎶 Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card! 🎶
Every so often, we will profile New York’s unsung heroes in a new series, “Behind the Scenes in NYC.” Like The David Prize, this series is all about the individuals who make New York City special and will spotlight New Yorkers that quite literally run our city (even when we don’t realize it).
For our first installment, we sat down with New York Public Library (NYPL) Librarian Gregory Stall to learn all about working at NYPL!
You may know of the 90’s hit song Library Card made famous by PBS’ “Arthur.” If you don’t, give it a listen… it won’t disappoint.
Besides being a classic, Library Card reinforces the role of libraries as essential community pillars - and for that, we will always love it.
Which brings us to the man of the hour: Gregory Stall. Greg is a Brooklynite who serves as the Adult Programming and Services Librarian at the New York Public Library. If you've ever attended a David Prize event at NYPL, Greg was behind the scenes. And if you've been to an event at the 53rd Street Library specifically, chances are, Greg was orchestrating it all.
Break down what you do - how would you describe your role in 3-4 sentences?
Absolutely! So I would describe my role as making sure patrons can get the best stuff to offer from the library. I curate materials, set up programs, and my goal is to inform, educate, and empower everyone in our community. Basically, I want your time at the library—from the moment you step in, whether in person or online, to when you head out—to be enriching and inspiring!
What is your favorite thing about working at NYPL?
My colleagues and collaborators have all heard me say this countless times but one of my favorite aspects of our work is recognizing the community gain from something we have done. Ideally, they continue to grow and we continue to grow with them.
Walk us through a typical day…
☀️ Mornings typically start with preparing for the day ahead—collection maintenance, managing pages, reviewing upcoming programs, setting up spaces to ensure everything is welcoming and ready for attendees and participating in team meetings to brainstorm new ideas and coordinate with other departments.
🤝 As midday approaches, I transition into program execution mode. This could involve leading various activities such as educational workshops, film screenings, author talks, discussion groups, or even technology training sessions. Alongside these activities, reference help and support is a pivotal part of my day, assisting library patrons with their inquiries, helping them navigate our resources, and providing technical support as needed.
🖊️ During the afternoon, after the buzz of programs has settled, I focus on evaluating their impact and success. This includes gathering feedback from attendees, analyzing attendance numbers, and noting any adjustments or improvements needed for future events. Simultaneously, I spend time planning upcoming programs, researching potential speakers or performers, coordinating logistics, and promoting events through various platforms like flyers, displays, and our branch social media.
🌝 Evenings often bring another wave of energy as I host programs tailored for working adults and families. This could mean leading an evening program or supporting colleagues in their initiatives.
Throughout the day, I make a point to stay informed about current trends in library branch programming and services. Continuous learning is key, whether through attending webinars, participating in conferences, or staying updated with professional literature. Flexibility is essential in this role—being ready to address urgent issues, accommodate last-minute requests, and adjust plans based on community feedback ensures that we're always meeting the diverse needs of our patrons and community.
How do you commute to work?
I take the train in from Brooklyn to Grand Central Terminal and walk the rest of the way.
What is the first thing you do when you get to the library?
Lately one of the first things I do has been making a large pitcher of iced-tea for my crew to help us get through these dog days of summer!
Libraries are about so much more than people might think—they're vibrant community hubs where everyone is welcome and can benefit in countless ways.
Share briefly an anecdote from a favorite day at work
One of my favorite days at work was the successful launch of NYPL Revelation. Our Library for the Performing Arts recently digitally cataloged their chamber score collection, making specific records more accessible than ever before. The community, for the most part, was unaware of these materials and how to access them. And I always say: if the community does not know about something we offer that’s not their fault, that’s our fault. Remedying this, I worked with staff and connected with The Juilliard School where we invited their current resident string quartet, The Ivalas Quartet, to select pieces from the chamber score collection from 1924, and earlier. Ultimately they learned and publicly performed pieces of music that have not been heard in over a century, or ever!
Click HERE to hear a rehearsal!
From your vantage point, why are libraries so important for New Yorkers?
Libraries are about so much more than people might think—they're vibrant community hubs where everyone is welcome and can benefit in countless ways.
Another thing is our commitment to equity and access. We work hard to make sure everyone in our community can benefit from what the library offers, whether it's through digital resources, educational programs, or just a welcoming space to hang out. It's not just about borrowing books; it's about leveling the playing field and empowering everyone with knowledge and opportunities.
Public libraries were designed to make life better for everyone. We're here to make our community stronger and smarter, one person at a time. Sharing knowledge and education is at the heart of what we do. We're always adapting to meet the changing needs of our community, just like we've always done and always will do.
What do most people not know about your library branch that you wish they knew?
One thing many people might not realize about public libraries is just how much they've evolved beyond books. Sure, books are still a big part of what we offer, but we're also a dynamic community center. We host all sorts of events, from discussion groups and author talks to workshops and screenings to performances to exhibits. There's always something happening, and it's all free for anyone to enjoy.
Lastly, I wish more people knew about the expertise of our staff. We're not just here to check out books; we're trained professionals who can help with research, technology questions, and more. Whatever you're curious about or need assistance with, chances are we can help or point you in the right direction.
Tell us what led you to NYPL!
That’s a long story! I have always been interested in museums and libraries and practically grew up in them as a child. My first degree was Bachelors of Fine Arts in Film Production and Popular Culture Studies. A semester before graduating from college, some of my mentors encouraged me to apply for related internships including one at The Smithsonian Institution and one at The Library of Congress. Thinking I would get neither, I ended up getting both! The unique experience of working simultaneously at both institutions provided me with invaluable on-the-ground floor training as well as my vocational calling. I realized I could still devise creative experiences, but uniquely involve the community to participate and provide a platform for them to engage and express themselves as well. So I ended up getting my Masters in Library and Information Science and began applying for openings until I finally got the call to work at The New York Public Library!
One thing you'd like to leave readers with?
There is a quote by George Bernard Shaw that I recently read that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since, which perhaps can summarize everything I just said here:
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
Who should we profile next!? Let us know in the comments
I loved reading this interview!
Such a lovely interview and a true beautiful New Yorker. Thank you for the story. Much love. Wesley