Keynote Address by Werner Herzog
Free Event at Central Library on Pi Day from 7 p.m. to 3:14 a.m.
A Night of Art, Culture and Intellectual Discovery
Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Public Library presents the tenth edition of Night in the Library on Saturday, March 14, beginning at 7 p.m. at Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza. Night in the Library is one of the largest events in Brooklyn, regularly attracting thousands of people to Central Library for one epic night each year. This year’s theme, The Philosophy of Mathematics, will explore truths, proofs, and other paradoxes as they surface across art, science, and everyday life. The evening—which is free and open to the public—is presented in partnership with the Simons Foundation, an organization devoted to advancing the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences, as part of their Infinite Sums initiative.
“Brooklyn Public Library is thrilled to bring back Night in the Library with a bold focus on mathematics and science, reflecting our ongoing commitment to surprise, engage, and inspire in unexpected ways. Each year, the event draws thousands of visitors to our Central Library for an eight-hour program of lectures, performances, debates, and a midnight meditation. Collaborating with the Simons Foundation has been an exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating interplay between structure, emotions, and the logic of our imagination. We look forward to inviting Brooklynites to learn and experience how mathematics and science shape not only the world around us, but our own individual lives as well,” said Jakab Orsos, Vice President of Arts and Culture, Brooklyn Public Library.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Brooklyn Public Library for their 10th anniversary of Night in the Library, celebrating math as something beautiful, creative, and deeply human. Math isn’t just classroom formulas or budgets: it’s a way of understanding our world. It shapes the universe and lives in the music, art, and environments that surround us,” said Ivvet Modinou, Senior Vice President of Science, Society & Culture, Simons Foundation.
Math is a fundamental element in all components of our lives, underpinning everything from science and the natural world to architecture, sports, fashion, music, and technology. Artists and speakers will consider the unexpected secrets and philosophies of mathematics—alongside topics like poetry, psychology, nature, and dreams.
Renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog will deliver the keynote address. In addition, throughout the evening, authors, artists, and journalists will consider a wide range of topics. Mathematician, educator, and pianist Eugenia Cheng will talk about when things add and don’t add up. Artist Paul Chan will discuss love, being loved, and the secret spirit of calculus. Award-winning journalist Angela Saini will share what she learned from her groundbreaking exploration of patriarchy. Dr.Carrie Filion will explain how to use mathematics to unlock the sounds of silence. Dozens of speakers are scheduled throughout the evening, including scientists from the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute.
In addition, participants can enjoy a wide range of music, including performances by saxophonist and mathematician Marcus G. Miller and musician Joe Goodkin who brings The Iliad to life in a series of original songs.
Chi-Hoon Kim and Juniper Eisenberg (age 8) will demonstrate how to use an abacus based on their book Juniper and the Red Swoosh, in which a visually impaired girl uses an abacus to battle a thief. Tap dancer Irene Koloseus will lead a class on how dance helps us to feel numbers. A Pi-Ku station will allow guests to write their own poetry using the digits of pi. Writer Michael Cunningham will read tarot cards in one-on-one sessions. The evening also includes live clothing mending, therapy dogs, a midnight meditation, and much more.
Registration is strongly encouraged. All are welcome until capacity is reached. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, and entry cannot be guaranteed.
For the most up-to-date schedule, visit our website. Entry and all programs are free, with food and refreshments available for purchase.
Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Mathematics is supported by the Simons Foundation and is part of its “Infinite Sums” initiative.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
About the Simons Foundation
This work is supported by the Simons Foundation and is part of its “Infinite Sums” national math initiative. For more information, visit infinitesums.simonsfoundation.org.
The Simons Foundation’s Science, Society & Culture division seeks to provide opportunities for people to forge a connection to science — whether for the first time or a lifetime. Through our initiatives, we work to inspire a feeling of awe and wonder, foster connections between people and science, and support environments that provide a sense of belonging. The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research and public engagement. We believe in asking big questions and providing sustained support to researchers working to unravel the mysteries of the universe.