The New York Public Library’s reputation is established not only on its huge collection of books but also for its artefacts and divergent programmes aimed at expanding the sphere of knowledge, finds Ranjita Biswas on her recent visit. The richly polished desk is where Charles Dickens did most of his prolific writing. In one corner of the hall is a poster announcing a performance by the legendary dancer Sara Bernhardt; next to it is another announcing famous magician Houdini’s forthcoming […]