Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New York Philosophy
These monthly symposia are as much about conversations and cocktails as they
are about the intricacies of metaphysical analysis. Convening in an Irish bar certainly doesn't detract from the
sociability. Meet-ups are held monthly, usually 6 to 10pm on Tuesday, and are free with an online RSVP.
The Irish Rogue, 356 W. 44th St., btw. Eighth and Ninth aves.
212/445-0131.
www.nyphilosophy.com
. Subway: A/C/E/7 to 42nd St./Port Author-
ity.
New York Public Library
It would be easier to list the classes
not
available for free at New York's public
libraries than to mention all of the possibilities. Practical courses predominate, covering topics like writing, crafts,
résumé updating, job searches, using the Internet, and the ins and outs of genealogical research. For a meta ex-
perience, you can also attend a self-directed class on how to take maximum advantage of library resources. The
best way to get started is to go online and check out the options at your local branch.
For the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island branches, log on to
www.nypl.org/branch
, or call
212/
930-0800.
For the Queens Library, check
www.queenslibrary.org
, or call
718/990-0700.
In Brooklyn, log on to
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
,
or you can call
718/230-2100.
Every branch of the New York Public Library offers computers with free Internet, access to electronic data-
bases, and Microsoft Office applications. Many branches also have computers loaded with multimedia CD-
ROMs. You can focus on SimCity or ResumeMaker, depending on your level of job market optimism.
New York Society for Ethical Culture
For over 125 years now, this organization has been providing New
Yorkers with humanist alternatives to organized religion. A liberal outlook is usually presented in the free lec-
tures that are held here, as well as at the regular talks on Sunday mornings. Log on to the website for exact sched-
ules.
2 W. 64th St., at Central Park West.
212/874-5210.
www.nysec.org
.
Subway: A/B/C/D/1 to 59th St./Columbus Circle.
New York University
The streets around Washington Square Park are dominated by NYU architecture
and NYU students, and the community is invited to take advantage of this private university's resources. Lecture
programs (the history of the Village, say), talks, and symposia can be found for free. Other events carry nominal
admission charges, in the $2 to $5 range. The new Kimmel Center is a good place to start for tracking down free
culture.
Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Sq. S., btw. LaGuardia Place and Thompson St.
212/998-4900.
www.nyu.edu
or
www.nyufreeandpublic.blogspot.com
.
Subway: A/B/C/D/E/F/M to W. 4th St./Washington Sq.
Open City Dialogue
It's difficult to scan the offerings of this bimonthly lecture series and not get imme-
diately sucked in. If there's an overriding theme it's personal obsession, with recent forays into Civil War imper-
sonators, the Amahuaca people, and visualizations of vibrations. Talks go every other Monday (or so) at 7:30pm
in the backroom of Pete's Candy Store.
709 Lorimer St., btw. Frost and Richardson sts., Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
718/302-3770.
www.petescandystore.com
. Subway: L to Lorimer St.;
G to Metropolitan Ave.
Park Slope Food Coop
This Brooklyn cooperative keeps its community informed with lectures, demon-
strations, and “Plow-to-Plate” film screenings. Topics here are left-leaning, concerning food, the environment,
and timely advice about how not to be killed by eating beef. Everything is free, even to non-Coop members, al-
though sometimes a small materials fee is added to food classes. Check online for the latest schedule. Classes
and lectures are held on the second floor meeting room (which also hosts a periodic free clothes swap) unless
otherwise noted. See p. 209 for info on shopping here.
782 Union St., btw. Sixth and Seventh aves., Park Slope, Brooklyn.
718/622-0560.
www.foodcoop.com
.
Subway: R to Union St.; 2/3 to Grand
Army Plaza; B/Q to Seventh Ave.
Trade School
That's trade as in barter, not line of work. The idealists at
OurGoods
(
www.ourgoods.org
)
have taken their expertise in the sharing economy and applied it to education. Recent classes have covered em-
broidery, kite-making, and drafting a great OkCupid profile. For payment, keep your wallet in your purse. All
