Public transit has always been a good place to catch up on some pleasure reading, but now the New York MTA and the New York Public Library have taken their synergy to new levels.
Audrey Wachs reports: "Instead of staring vacantly into a phone on the train, the MTA and New York City’s three public library systems would like straphangers to bury their noses in e-books, gratis."
"Starting today, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library and the Queens Library will be offering hundreds of free short stories, books, and books excerpts for download through each station’s wireless network," adds Wachs.
To promote the so-called "Subway Library," the MTA even redecorated the interior of one train on the E and F lines to resemble he Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library’s main branch on 42nd Street. Wachs has more on the program in the source article, as does the video below.
FULL STORY: The MTA is circulating free e-books on the subway this summer
MTA Misses Deadline for State-Mandated Cost Comparison to World Cities
With some of the highest per-mile costs in the world, the state wants more accountability for New York City's transit spending.
MTA Testing its Broken Signals
The Save Safe Seconds program is testing the beleaguered subway system's signal timers.
New York Subway Reaches One Billion Ride Milestone
The system’s 2024 performance is on track for its fastest growth since the pandemic.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)