Drawing Home: Exploring Migration & Belonging with NYPL’s Collections

How do migration, identity, and storytelling shape the way we see ourselves and our communities? Join NYPL’s curators and the Center for Educators and Schools for a full-day professional learning experience inspired by two of the Library’s exhibitions—on view at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building starting Oct 4, 2025.

• ¡Wepa! Puerto Ricans in the World of Comics | Puertorriqueños en el mundo de los cómics celebrates the artistry and influence of Puerto Rican creators and explores aspects of Puerto Rican life and culture
• Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City traces over a century of Middle Eastern and North African contributions to New York’s cultural, intellectual, and creative landscape.

Educators will hear directly from the exhibitions’ curators in a conversation that bridges themes of migration, cultural identity, and representation.

Participants will also take part in hands-on workshops that explore how to bring storytelling into the classroom, helping students connect, illustrate, and tell stories based on their own experiences.

Eligible NY State educators can receive 7 CTLE credit hours for participating.

Space is limited! Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided for those attending.

Breakout Sessions

Participants will choose two of the following three breakout sessions designed to connect storytelling, creativity, and classroom practice.

• Digital Storytelling Tools for the Classroom
  Led by NYPL’s TechConnect team, this session introduces creative digital tools like Procreate and offers practical tips for using them in lessons that spark student expression. Educators interested in continuing their digital learning can join future TechConnect sessions at their local NYPL branches.
• Building Classroom Connection through Theater Practice
  Facilitated by Theater of the Oppressed NYC, this interactive workshop uses theater-based approaches to help educators build trust, empathy, and collaboration in the classroom. A catalyst for deeper reflection and connection, it invites teachers to learn through embodied practice.
• Vibrant Voices Book Tasting
  Discover new titles from NYPL’s annual Vibrant Voices booklist and explore how inclusive stories can enrich your classroom library. Participants will sample, read, and discuss books that celebrate diverse voices and invite fresh classroom conversations.

Explore the Exhibitions

As a special part of this program, the exhibition galleries will remain open exclusively for attendees after the workshops for an opportunity to explore the collections firsthand and reflect on the day’s themes.

Schedule

8 AM Breakfast

9 AM Keynote Conversation

10:30 AM Breakout Sessions

Noon Lunch

1 PM Breakout Sessions

2:30 PM Performance

3 PM Self-Guided Gallery Visit

For more information about NYPL’s Center for Educators and Schools, visit us online and subscribe to our monthly newsletter—plus, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X! For any questions, reach out to educators@nypl.org

PUBLIC NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING | Programs are photographed and recorded by the New York Public Library. Attending this event indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any all purposes of the New York Public Library.

PRESS | Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to press@nypl.org. Please note that professional video recordings are prohibited without expressed consent.

ACCESSIBILITY | You may request ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing educators@nypl.org at least two weeks in advance of the event.

This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.