Two public library systems in New York City are celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with limited-edition library cards, available Friday. While supplies last, patrons can walk into any New York Public Library branch to get their hands on a library card featuring the multicolored graffiti mural from the hip-hop film ‘Wild Style.” And in Queens Library branches, visitors can grab a royal purple card designed by streetwear pioneers the Shirt Kings.
Both institutions celebrated the impending release of their cards with separate gatherings in Manhattan and Queens on Tuesday. In an appearance at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library President Anthony Marx said he hopes people will use the cards at the Schomburg to learn about hip-hop through the collection of graffiti artist and cultural figure Fab 5 Freddy, which is held there.
“The Library is hip,” Marx said. “We want the kids who are looking for hip-hop to come in and use us. And those who are like me and remember 50 years ago, who are celebrating the anniversary, we want you in as well.”
“Wild Style” director Charlie Ahearn, mural artist Sharp, Fab 5 Freddy and fashion icon Dapper Dan were among the first people to receive their cards. Sharp says the cards show how far an artform that once was shunned has come.
“Us being young people who essentially started out painting trains illegally, not a lot of people thought that what we did had a lot of value,” Sharp said. “Over the course of years, we eked out an existence in the art world and sort of became revered and respected. The fact that this is on a card, which will circulate throughout New York City, is a symbolic testament to our contributions.”
In a departure from traditional library etiquette that demands quiet in the space, the Queens Public Library held a special event at its central location in Jamaica, offering guests the opportunity to get their cards a day early. Ralph McDaniels, who is an…
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