EX LIBRIS: The New York Public Library

Name: EX LIBRIS: The New York Public Library
Genre: Documentary
Released: September 13, 2017
Duration: 197 min
Rating: 91

2017

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 23 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	Your Score
7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Ratings

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Ex Libris: New York Public Library

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Movie Details & Credits

Zipporah Films | Release Date: September 13, 2017 | Not Rated

Summary: Frederick Wiseman’s film, EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions of the world. The film reveals the library as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning to 18 million patrons and 32 million online visitors annually. There are 92 library branches throughoutFrederick Wiseman’s film, EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library, goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions of the world. The film reveals the library as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning to 18 million patrons and 32 million online visitors annually. There are 92 library branches throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. The NYPL is committed to being a resource for all the inhabitants of this multifaceted and cosmopolitan city. It is accessible, open to everyone and exemplifies the deeply rooted American belief in the individual’s right to know and be informed. The library is one of the most democratic institutions in America—all races, social classes and ethnicities are welcome and are active participants in the life and work of the library. The library strives to inspire learning, advance knowledge and strengthen communities.… Expand

Director: Frederick Wiseman

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 197 min

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Critic Reviews

100

The Playlist Jessica Kiang

Sep 15, 2017

It’s a lovely, gracious, soul-satisfying thing. Read full review

100

Ty Burr

Sep 27, 2017

Ex Libris has no narration and it lasts three hours and 17 minutes, which sounds like torture (or, alternately, 3½ episodes of “Game of Thrones”). Somewhat surprisingly, the movie rushes by at the speed of life. Read full review

100

Lillian Crawford

Dec 29, 2021

It is undeniably a magnum opus, but one that has been refined to the briskness of a novella. Read full review

The Film Stage Jose Solís

Sep 13, 2017

Who knew a documentary about the library could turn out to be the most thrilling political film of the year? Read full review

Moira Macdonald

Oct 5, 2017

It’s a lovely, inspiring picture of a crucial institution; one which, as an employee describes, serves as “a warm, welcoming place that’s committed to education and committed to nurturing everyone’s passions and curiosities.” Read full review

John Anderson

Sep 14, 2017

It is the library as an urgent idea, and the obligations that the institution’s leaders have embraced, that win Mr. Wiseman’s admiration and attention. Read full review

Carla Wintersgill

Oct 19, 2017

It pains that this documentary was so tedious, since the New York Public Library is the crown jewel of public institutions, deserving of every accolade. If you want to spend three hours finding out what the library has to offer, save yourself the price of a movie ticket and head down to your local branch. Read full review

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User Reviews

bkengland

Apr 15, 2018

Unbelievably pretentious and boring. Telling that critics review scores are high, and viewers review scores (I've seen elsewhere) notably lower. Perhaps the critics are not willing to take the risk to say "The Emperor is not wearing any clothes!" I look forward to the sequel, "New YorkersUnbelievably pretentious and boring. Telling that critics review scores are high, and viewers review scores (I've seen elsewhere) notably lower. Perhaps the critics are not willing to take the risk to say "The Emperor is not wearing any clothes!" I look forward to the sequel, "New Yorkers Using Public Toilets".… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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