Sonia Manzano with Angela Yee: Notes from the Reading Life

Named one of the "25 Greatest Latino Role Models Ever," this beloved actress, author, and South Bronx native takes to the stage again to remember the books that shaped her and remind us of the magic of reading.

For over 40 years Sonia Manzano inspired, educated, and delighted children and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street, breaking ground as one of the first Hispanic characters on national television. Also an award-winning television writer and children's book author, she has devoted her career to promoting literacy, diversity, and education. Her recently published memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, has garnered praise for its "lyrical and unflinching account of her tough Nuyorican upbringing in the South Bronx."

Manzano will speak with top radio personality and lifelong New Yorker, Angela Yee, who hosts the nationally syndicated hip hop radio show The Breakfast Club and the podcast "Angela Yee's Lip Service." Yee also serves as an ambassador for The New York Public Library. Yee has said, "Some of my best memories growing up in New York are the times I spent in the public library where I developed my love for reading."

Notes from the Reading Life is a discussion series that features some of our most well-known and well-read neighbors discussing the books that excite and inspire them—the books that guided them through their careers (in art, entertainment, comedy, and more), helping to make them into who they are today. Presented in partnership by the National Book Foundation and The New York Public Library, Notes from the Reading Life will take place throughout June at three library branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. At each event, the featured speaker will be in conversation with an acclaimed author or lover of literature, celebrating the formative role of books in both of their lives. To see more Notes from the Reading Life programs, click here.

Notes from the Reading Life is a program co-presented by the National Book Foundation and The New York Public Library, supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED
For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form one hour before the program.

PRESS 
Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc.) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Sara Beth Joren at sarabethjoren@nypl.org. For all other inquiries, please contact publicprograms@nypl.org.

ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing accessibility@nypl.org.