In this, the 42nd documentary by Frederick Wiseman, the legendary filmmaker brings his incisive vision behind the scenes of one of the world’s greatest institutions of learning, capturing the vast programmatic scope of New York City’s library system. The New York Public Library is blessed with uniformly passionate staff and deeply devoted, appreciative bibliophiles and beneficiaries across its 92 branches. The film reveals a venerable place of welcome, cultural exchange and intellectual creativity.
"In EX LIBRIS, democracy is alive and in the hands of a forceful advocate and brilliant filmmaker, which helps make this one of the greatest movies of Mr. Wiseman’s extraordinary career and one of his most thrilling.” —Manohla Dargis, New York Times
“…If this world has you in need of a little healing time, go, go, go and see it: it’s a lovely, gracious, soul-satisfying thing.” —Jessica Kiang, The Playlist
“The hypnotic and thoroughly essential EX LIBRIS: THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRAY stands out as an especially definitive example of—and testament to—Wiseman’s style and mission statement. Never before have his goals as a documentarian so perfectly dovetailed with those of his subject.” —David Ehrlich, IndieWire
"Wiseman has carved out a unique niche in American documentary filmmaking and after 50 years on the job, he is a beloved, reliable observer of American society and democracy. Never talking down to his audience, he rather pulls them up to an intellectual level where other filmmakers fear to go.” —Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter
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