A Great Start in September!

September 20, 2011

Drop-in tutoring has begun! Stop by on Sundays from 2:30 to 5:30 PM and Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:30 PM. Also, sign up for our workshops beginning next week from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Our field trips and in-school programs begin next month!

Best Prom Ever

September 20, 2011

Thanks to everyone who attended The Prom You Were Promised at the Williamsburg Music Hall, which proved to be a truly magical event last week. DJs CANT (Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear), BAIO (Chris Baio of Vampire Weekend), Yeasayer, Neon Indian and Principal Jason Sudeikis helped to provide one of the greatest high school dance do-overs possible.

Congratulations to our Prom Queen and Queen, and to all who missed out on the Prom You Were Promised, there's always next year!

An Evening with Mission Street Food

September 14, 2011

Mission Street Food is a restaurant. But it's also a charitable organization, a taco truck, a burger stand, and a clubhouse for inventive cooks tucked inside an unassuming Chinese take-out place. And now it's a book.

On September 26, the authors Karen Leibowitz and Anthony Myint will be at 826NYC to discuss their book and their philosophy. They'll be joined by Francis Lam from GILT Taste for what is sure to be some rousing conversation!

THE PROM YOU WERE PROMISED (9/13)

September 06, 2011

826NYC and Bowery Presents bring back THE PROM YOU WERE PROMISED, a chance to re-live prom the way you always wanted -- with updated formal wear and amazing dance music.

This year's host, Jason Sudeikis, will present DJ sets by Yeasayer, BAIO (Vampire Weekend), Neon Indian, and CANT. Better yet, this prom will feature a raffle for Prom King and Queen!

Stay tuned to 826NYC for more information.

THE PROM YOU WERE PROMISED
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Music Hall of Williamsburg
8pm (Doors open at 7pm)
$25 advance / $30 day of show
Box office: 212.260.4700

826 National + Threadless

September 01, 2011

826 National has partnered with Threadless, the international community-driven company, to challenge the public and Threadless's community of 1.5 million artists to design a t-shirt for the organization.

Threadless is asking artists to create a design inspired by 826 National's mission of exploring students' creativity and improving their writing skills. For inspiration, artists can check out the organization’s gallery featuring the best student writing from workshops, field trips and tutoring sessions from 826 centers across the country. Type-based t-shirt designs are encouraged!

The challenge is hosted on Threadless Causes, which launched in early 2011 to enable other organizations to harness the power of community-based design while bringing the Threadless community new opportunities to impact the creative design of products across industries. To view current submissions or enter your own design, visit this page.

It's 826 Week!

August 21, 2011

It's 826 Week! Leading up to National Youth Literacy Day on Friday, August 26, 826 chapters and the 826 National office are hosting a number festivities:

826 Valencia and 826 Boston are holding eight hour and twenty-six minute long Write-a-Thons; 826LA has launched a Cause; 826michigan is hosting "Eat Your Words," an evening of delicious food and drink from local purveyors; friends of 826 Seattle will be celebrating at Naked City Brewery & Taphouse, which has brewed a new pale ale called "826 Luminosity" for the occasion; and, 826 National is hosting a writing contest that invites you to try your hand at a writing an 8-2-6 haiku, 82.6 word short story, or a 826 character news article.

Join us as we celebrate the power of reading, writing, and self-expression!

Erasers for Breakfast 2011!

August 11, 2011

Summer is nearly over, which means it's almost time for our annual Erasers for Breakfast student film festival at BAM!

Join us on August 30th at 7pm to see the films our students have written, directed, and starred in this summer. We promise at least one old ninja, one workout montage, and one ukelele hero. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be glad you were there for the big premiere!

All tickets are FREE!

Admission is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. 826NYC students and volunteers may call to reserve tickets in advance.

Summer Has Arrived!

June 15, 2011

Happy summer, everyone! Today at 826NYC we hosted our last field trip of the year - yesterday was our final Drop-In Tutoring session. We can't believe another school year has gone by so fast!

In two short weeks, we start our Summer Workshops. We're so excited to see what kinds of fun and creative ideas come out of workshops like Celebrate Good Times (Come On!) and Einstein's Playlist: Saving the World With Science. We hope everyone else has an amazing summer and we'll see you back here at 826NYC in the fall!

(Also, don't forget about Great Speeches & Other Outbursts event happening this Monday. Curated by Sarah Vowell, it will feature performances from Ira Glass, Amy Sedaris, John Hodgman, John Oliver, and more! Tickets are still available--be sure to get yours today!)

Great Speeches & Other Outbursts

June 13, 2011

Please join us for an evening of Great Speeches & Outbursts, curated by Sarah Vowell!

June 20th, 2011
8PM
Symphony Space
Tickets are $40

Performers will include Ira Glass (This American Life), Amy Sedaris (Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People), Bobby Cannavale (The Mutherf***er with the Hat), Eric Bogosian (Law and Order: Criminal Intent), John Hodgman (The Daily Show), Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show) and John Oliver (The Daily Show).

Tickets are available here!

Have You Heard? We're Hiring!

June 05, 2011

We are looking for a Director of Development and Finance!

The Director of Development and Finance will oversee fundraising and financial operations. For more information about the job and how to apply, please see our job announcement here.

There are other positions open at 826s across the country, too! Visit 826 National for more information.

American Teacher This Thursday!

May 22, 2011

We're thrilled to announce the New York preview of American Teacher -- co-produced by 826 National founders, Nínive Calegari and Dave Eggers. The screening will feature a Q&A with the filmmakers and film stars!

Thursday, May 26th
NYU Skirball Center (566 LaGuardia Place, NYC)
7pm
Tickets $20-1,000

Thank You, Cheaters!

April 13, 2011

This past Saturday saw swindlers and frauds out in droves and competing in 826NYC’s Fourth Annual Scrabble for Cheaters Tournament.

Snatching their title back from last year's winners, two-year champions The Fightin' Caziques (Morgan Clendaniel and Gideon Friedman) conned their way to the Cheaters Cup! Again! For their third win!

Thanks of course to Morgan, Gideon, and all of our players -- as well as to special guests John Hodgman and John Oliver (The Wolverine Crushers) and to Jonathan Marc Sherman and Michael Showalter (Overall Wash). We'd also like to send big thanks to Two Boots for providing pizza to fuel the double-dealing!

Forgetting How to Hold a Fork

March 15, 2011

Looking for something new to read this Spring? This just in: Forgetting How to Hold a Fork has just arrived at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company.

From the tale of the murder-inclined schoolteacher to the description of the New Yorker longing to return to her Haitian roots, the stories keep you constantly intrigued. Are we destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents? Why does Sylvia pick her nose? What happened to Jessica after running away from home? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in this extremely entertaining collection.

Congratulations to our awesome team of writers - and enormous thanks to the volunteers who helped make this book happen!

Scrabble for Cheaters is Back!

March 01, 2011

Like letters? Hate rules? Think you have what it takes to cheat your way to the top? On April 9 join 826NYC (and Jonathan Marc Sherman and Peter Dinklage!) and play all the words your mom never let you play -- all during our 4th Annual Scrabble for Cheaters Tournament.

Here's the lowdown:
- You and a partner register to compete as a team of two.
- Then, coerce your loved ones, casual acquaintances, and mortal enemies into sponsoring you! The more money you raise, the sneakier you get to be!
- On April 9th, use the money you've raised to purchase the ability to cheat! $50 will allow you to play a word from a language other than English. $150 will let you add a Q, X, or Z to any word. For $500 you can invent any word you like, so long as you can define and pronounce it!

All donations are tax-deductible and directly support 826NYC's creative writing programs for students ages 6 - 18.

The Tournament takes place at 826NYC, and registration is $50.

For registration or more information visit 826nyc.org/scrabble. See you there!

826 National's Cougar-Rama Muscle Car 'Splosion: YOU COULD WIN A ROCK STAR'S CAR

February 28, 2011

Musician Neko Case has given 826 National the keys to the ultra-cool, stunningly beautiful 1967 Mercury Cougar pictured on the cover of her Grammy-nominated album "Middle Cyclone," and YOU could be the lucky one who ends up behind the wheel!

Enter today and you could drive off with not just Neko's beloved '67 Mercury Cougar, but a slew of other awesome prizes including:

* An Epiphone PR-5E acoustic/electric guitar signed by members of the Speaking Clock Revue including Elton John, Elvis Costello, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Leon Russell, and T Bone Burnett

* Neko’s very own 1966 Gretsch "Silver Duke" Guitar signed by Michael Stipe (REM), Black Thought, Jimmy Fallon, John Wesley Harding, T Bone Burnett, Britt Daniel (Spoon), and many more

* A Carr amplifier with a Rambler extension cabinet

* A collection of pre-selected vinyl records from Sub Pop Records

Call (415) 730-7526 to enter, phone lines are open M-F, 10am - 5pm PST. Or visit www.nekocase.com/auction for mail or fax entry information. For more details and photos of the car and prizes, and the official rules, visit www.nekocase.com/auction

*And as an extra special bonus, for all raffle ticket purchases over $100 we'll send you a signed copy of Zeitoun by Dave Eggers (for reading in between your road trips).

826NYC on The Nightly News with Brian Williams!

February 27, 2011

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Do you look enough like John Hodgman to fill his shoes?

February 14, 2011

Mr. Poker-playing-Expertise-sharing-Tweeting-Blogging-Emmy-Color-Commenting-actor-and-professional-PC John Hodgman will be running late to the Poker for Jokers in Kings tournament this Thursday. Coming straight from his day job at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Mr. Hodgman will need an appropriate stand-in to play a few hands for him.

So if you look like him, or people stop you on the street and as "Hey, Aren't you on TV?" or if you just have a really great photograph where you mostly look like him, if you squint a little and hold the picture at an angle you AND you are available on February 17th at 7pm YOU can be a John Hodgman Proxy!

If you're able to fill his shoes - or more specifically, his seat -post your best look-a-like face on our Facebook or send an email to poker@826nyc.org! Hodgman himself will personally pick the winner on Thursday morning and that special someone will get to play poker with us this Thursday at 7pm!

Submit a picture of you in your best suit and charming demeanor to if you can be the next best thing to the real John Hodgman!

For more information, please contact poker@826nyc.org.

Poker for Jokers in Kings! This Thursday!

February 14, 2011

Join Michael Ian BLACK, Andy BLOCH, Ira GLASS & John HODGMANfor a fun evening of serious poker!

* GRAND PRIZE is a $10,000 seat to the World Series of Poker 2011 main event!
* Each player will receive ONE FREE RE-BUY!
* Other fabulous prizes to be awarded to the final table!
* Beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery!
* $500 to register (plus, $250 Re-Buys/Add-Ons/Double Add-Ons at the tournament!

Seats are limited, REGISTER NOW! www.826nyc.org/poker

Thanks Jansport! Thanks Kikkerland!

January 25, 2011

Last Thursday, our drop-in tutoring students had their slushy days brightened when they received a generous mid-winter gift: Stylish school supplies from Kikkerland's WRITERSBLOK series and classic black backpacks from Jansport!

There was some controversy over who would get the purple notebooks, but the overwhelming consensus from the kids is that writing with their new 3-D pens is "really cool," especially given how perfectly they fit in the front pockets of their new packs.

Thank you, Jansport and Kikkerland!

Poker for Jokers in Kings!

January 24, 2011

Join Michael Ian BLACK, Ira GLASS & John HODGMANfor a fun evening of serious poker!

* GRAND PRIZE is a $10,000 seat to the World Series of Poker 2011 main event!
*Other fabulous prizes to be awarded to the final table! * Beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery!
*$500 to register (plus, $250 Re-Buys/Add-Ons/Double Add-Ons at the tournament!
*Poker pro, Andy Bloch, will be joining us!

REGISTER NOW! www.826nyc.org/poker

826NYC would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support:
FullTilitPoker.net, Brooklyn Brewery, Russ & Daughters, Kim & JK Scheinberg

Tonight! Seth Mnookin's The Panic Virus

January 20, 2011

826NYC invites you to an evening with Seth Mnookin discussing his latest book, The Panic Virus -- with an introduction by Sarah Vowell.

January 20, 2011 at 7pm
826NYC (372 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn 11215)
Admission is FREE.

Seth Mnookin is a contributing editor Vanity Fair and the author of Feeding the Monster.

826NYC Alumni News!

January 03, 2011

If you've been following 826NYC for some time, you may remember our Young Adult Writers' Colony from way back in 2005, when we had teenagers write and workshop entire novels (Nine Novels By Younger Americans!) in eight short weeks.

Now, fast forward six years to last Sunday, when we reunited with some YAWC alums --as well as the colony's founders, authors Daniel Ehrenhaft and Leslie Margolis! We were thrilled to hear about all the great things everyone has been up to: School! Community organizing! World travels! Internships with nonprofits (including right here at 826NYC)! Working in film and publishing! And of course, lots and lots of writing.

(In fact, stay tuned for news about Eyes in the Mirror, the novel that Julia Mayer wrote during the colony! It's due out in August 2011 with Sourcebooks' Teen Fire.)

There is still time to make your 2010 charitable donations!

December 20, 2010

You have until the stroke of twelve on New Year's Eve to make online donations through our secure server on this page and have them count towards your 2010 tax return.

You'll receive an auto-reply email that will confirm your donation was made in 2010 and in 2011, when you can toast yourself for being so great, you'll receive a letter of acknowledgment in the mail thanking you for your gift.

We can't do any of the incredible things we do without your support - in this year or the next! Thank you for thinking of 826NYC this December.

Roger Clark! Holiday Benefit! This Thursday!

December 14, 2010

Thursday, December 16 (7pm)
A Holiday Benefit!
Rockwood Music Hall Stage II (196 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002)
$8 in advance, or $10 at the door

We are so grateful to A Holiday Benefit for creating a fourth album and performance to benefit 826NYC! This year's album features Kelli Rae Powell, Rachel Platten, Alex Wong, Wes Hutchinson, Zach & Sarah, Charlotte Sometimes, Casey Shea, Dave Pittinger, Clyde, Chris Abad, and Benjamin Wagner!

The event will be hosted by NY1's Roger Clark.

'Tis the Season!

December 02, 2010

Please save the dates for these two events, generously produced by our friends at Jack Spade and A Holiday Benefit!

Thursday, December 9th (6-9pm)
Eugene Mirman & Sarah Vowell Will Write Your Holiday Cards
Jack Spade (56 Greene St., New York, NY 10012)
RSVP

Comedian Eugene Mirman and author Sarah Vowell will write personalized holiday cards to your loved ones. A portion of the evening's sales will benefit 826NYC!

This event is sponsored by Heineken and Bombay Sapphire.

Thursday, December 16 (7pm)
A Holiday Benefit!
Rockwood Music Hall Stage II (196 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002)
$8 in advance, or $10 at the door

We are so grateful to A Holiday Benefit for creating a fourth album and performance to benefit 826NYC! This year's album features Kelli Rae Powell, Rachel Platten, Alex Wong, Wes Hutchinson, Zach & Sarah, Charlotte Sometimes, Casey Shea, Dave Pittinger, Clyde, Chris Abad, and Benjamin Wagner!

The event will be hosted by NY1's Roger Clark.

Everything You Know Is Pong!

October 27, 2010

To celebrate the launch of Everything You Know is Pong, authors Roger Bennett and Eli Horowitz are hosting a Battle to the Death, in aid of two good causes: (1) Table Tennis, and (2) 826NYC.

On November 10th, at the Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 16 prominent pongeurs, including Jonathan Safran Foer, Judah Friedlander, Will Shortz, John Oliver, Sloane Crosley, Nancy Franklin, AJ Jacobs, and Jeff Staple will exert themselves in honor of the glory of the game.

Tickets are $10-20. For more information visit www.everythingispong.com

Heroes & Villains: Halloween TRUCE!

October 19, 2010

Please join us in celebrating this historic event when Heroes and Villains from all over Gotham City will unite to drink and dance the night away!

Thursday, October 28th @ The Professor's Lounge (219 2nd Ave, 2nd Fl, NYC)
8pm to 11pm - With Free Beer until 9pm!
Tickets are $25

Music courtesy of DJ Heist
Free Beer courtesy of Sixpoint Craft Ales

Prizes for Best Hero & Villain Costume courtesy of the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company.

Be there!

Introducing Your Spelling BEAST Champion!

October 04, 2010

Congratulations to last night's Spelling Beast champion, Rosalie Knecht, of the Brooklyn Ballet, who ousted 37 other participants -- including special guests Kristen Schaal, Spike Jonze, Dave Eggers, Catherine Keener, Ira Glass, and Spelling Beast Runner Up, Michael Chabon!

Big, big thanks to our spectators, participants, sponsors, and amazing organizers -- in particular, Kristin Gore, Sarah Vowell, and the creators of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee -- for another amazing evening.

Can You Handle the Spelling BEAST?!

September 12, 2010

On September 30th at 8pm at the Canal Room in Manhattan, 826NYC presents the SPELLING BEAST, a most exigent, obstreperous Spelling Bee, where you and your team mates will have the opportunity to win portentous and beguiling prizes while also supporting the free student writing programs of 826NYC.

A panel of recalcitrant judges, made up of the creators of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee musical, will challenge you and your fellow competitors,, including Catherine Keener (Please Give), Dave Eggers (Zeitoun), Kristen Schaal (Flight of the Conchords), and Ira Glass (This American Life), to spell the most vexatious words ever to make it into the English language. Your only chance of winning? Bribe, or, should we say, "Bee-ribe," the judges.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Sign up to compete! Do you have the grit required to take on the spelling beast? (Or would you, with the help of three other friends, plus the ability to bribe the judges?) Create a team!

2. Purchase a $25 ticket to watch! Too pusillanimous to compete? More interested in being a fly on the wall than a beast on the stage? Come and watch safely from the sidelines!

3. Support a team! Can't make it? Are your beast allergies acting up? Donate money to your favorite team and give them leverage against the beast.

All the proceeds raised from the tournament will benefit the programming at 826NYC and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please email Sarah Pollock if you have any questions.

Brooklyn Book Festival - This weekend!

September 08, 2010

The 2010 Brooklyn Book Festival will be Sunday, September 12th from 10am to 6pm. The Brooklyn Book Festival will be at Borough Hall and all events are free!

826NYC is proud to have several Board and Advisory Board Members (and other friends!) scheduled to appear at the Borough of Kings’ greatest lit fest!

Check out Board Vice President Jon Scieszka (who has a panel on Saturday as well!), Advisory Board Member John Hodgman (with funny ladies Kristen Schaal and Sloane Crosley), and Advisory Board Member Dan Ehrenhaft, who will be performing with his band, Tiger Beat. On Friday, powerHouse books will have Daphne Beal.

Please contact Brooklyn Book Festival for any questions regarding this event.

Erasers for Breakfast 2010!

August 31, 2010

Congratulations to this year's Summer Filmmakers! Last week's Erasers for Breakfast was 100% pure cinematic gold - in the form of robots, detectives, Cyclops, whales, butlers, lookalikes, news reporters, and even the sun herself!

We're so thrilled to add 2010's films - including Robot Theft! (Parts I through III), Artex to the Rescue: In Space No One Can Hear You Sing..., The Old Sailor Goes to the Movies, There's Only One "I" in President: The Bob Hopewell Story, Sunburn in School, Max A. Million and The Four Keys, and Missing! - to our expanding collection of movies.

None of this would have been possible without our dynamite students, parents, volunteers, and donors - so thank you! And as ever, special thanks to Ann Yershov and the folks at BAM for making the evening possible.

826 National presents Youth Literacy Day!

August 25, 2010

Celebrate the power of reading, writing, and self-expression with 826, on 8/26!

Text a donation of $8.26 on 8/26!
Yep, it's that simple! August 26th, 2010 is Youth Literacy Day, and you can help 826 writing centers continue to make a difference in the lives of over 22,000 students each year. Make a donation of $8.26 on August 26th by texting "WRITE" to 20222 or giving online at www.826on826.org.

A one-time donation of $10.00 (an $8.26 donation and a $1.74 service fee) will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of 826 by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 20222; reply HELP to 20222 for help.

Show Off Your Sugar - TWICE This Month!

August 10, 2010

This month's performances will feature acoustic sets by Here We Go Magic and Phosphorescent, plus readings by Chuck Klosterman and Sloane Crosley.

AUGUST 11, 2010
Here We Go Magic and Chuck Klosterman
Tickets available here.

AUGUST 18, 2010
Phosphorescent and Sloane Crosley
Tickets available here.

The events take place at CoCo66 (66 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn 11222).

Admission is $16

All proceeds benefit 826NYC.

More information about Show Off Your Sugar is available at www.826nyc.org/sugar

826NYC Presents DUELING BINGOS!

July 22, 2010

On August 7th, 2010, starting at 7pm, join us at 826NYC (372 5th Ave, Brooklyn) for the most cut-throat, single elimination, down-and-dirty, going-to-get-ugly, no-holds-barred Bingo Tournament ever held!

Go head to head against other players, including Comedian John Oliver (The Daily Show), Actor Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Writer Eric Gilliland (That 70s Show) and Author Sarah Vowell (The Wordy Shipmates) to win fabulous prizes!

All proceeds benefit the free literacy programs of 826NYC.

Visit the website to learn more and sign up to play!

Summer Filmmakers in Full Swing!

July 15, 2010

Summertime equals movie time at 826NYC! We are in full production mode here in our writing center and at The Brick theater in Williamsburg. The first week of this program focused on crafting scripts for the movies and this week begins principal photography.

We don't want to reveal too much, but this year's Erasers for Breakfast Film Festival may or may not be packed with presidential Cyclops, robot puppets and classic family drama. Hollywood, Bollywood, Shmollywood - This summer, Brooklyn is where great movies are born!

Show Off Your Sugar: This Friday!

June 21, 2010

Please join us for the first event in our new monthly series of readings and acoustic musical performances -- presented by 826NYC, Myopenbar, and Tammy Hart.

This month's performance will feature an acoustic set by Norwegian musician Sondre Lerche (Heartbeat Radio), a reading by author and This American Life contributor, Shalom Auslander (Foreskin's Lament), and an opening set by Oberhofer.

June 25, 2010 at 8pm

CoCo66 (66 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn 11222)

Admission is $16

Tickets are available here.

All proceeds from this event will benefit 826NYC.

More information about Show Off Your Sugar is available at www.826nyc.org/sugar

Doing Good in the Neighborhood!

June 14, 2010

826NYC is proud to be recognized by Brooklyn Community Foundation for its After-School Tutoring and Homework Help program. We are extremely proud to be counted among the Foundation's esteemed grantees! Brooklyn Community Foundation was launched in 2009 after serving our borough as the Independence Community Foundation. Its mission is to improve the lives of people in Brooklyn by strengthening communities through local giving, grantmaking and community service. We look forward to working with them to strengthen our programming in the year to come! You can find out more about Brooklyn Community Foundation by visiting their website or following them on Twitter

Wrapping Up at 826NYC!

June 08, 2010

This week, we wrap up one of the best years in field-trip-writing to date! We have seen stories about invisible monkey girls, cyber-whales, sensitive ninjas, and more. We finish the school year with two final field trips this week: TV Writing with Grover Cleveland High School on Tuesday, and Storytelling & Bookmaking with PS 185 on Wednesday.

Wednesday also marks the last day of drop-in tutoring before summer begins! Our students will celebrate their year of great work by watching the films they've made -- stop motion animation! 826NYC commercials! Werewolf movies! -- throughout the school year.

On Thursday, June 10th, 826NYC and McSweeney's invites you to join us for a conversation with Nick McDonnell and Seth Mnookin. The event is free and begins at 7:30 pm, here at 826NYC. Don't miss out!

Nick McDonell : June 10th!

June 04, 2010

826NYC and McSweeney's invite you to an evening with Nick McDonell in conversation with Seth Mnookin

June 10, 2010 at 7.30pm
826NYC (372 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn 11215)
Admission is FREE

Nick McDonell's latest book is The End of Major Combat Operations, an engrossing, ground-level account of the latest iteration of the war in Iraq, written after an embed in Mosul with the 1st Cavalry Division. He has reported from Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere for Harper's, Liberacion, and TIME.

Seth Mnookin is a contributing editor of Vanity Fair and the author of Feeding the Monster.

More Filmmakers This Summer!!

June 01, 2010

Happy June! School's out this month, which means the staff and volunteers at 826NYC are busy prepping for this summer's (very full!) roster of writing and filmmaking workshops. Our lotteries were drawn a couple of weeks ago, but for those still interested in participating in our Summer Filmmakers program, we have great news:

Thanks to the generosity of Williamsburg's Brick Theater, we've been able to expand our filmmaking program this summer. So, if you are between the ages of 10 and 14 and would like to write, direct, and star in an original film - in Williamsburg! - this summer, please sign up for our lottery this week!

This Week: Sodapop! Micro-Nations!

May 11, 2010

We start off the week by wrapping up what could be one of the most ground-breaking magazines this year, Sodapop!, created during our Magazine Magic: Create Your Very Own Zine! workshop. Rumor has it there's everything from love horoscopes to music reviews, and plenty of fashion tips throughout. We can't wait to see the final copy!

On Wednesday, we'll venture into unmarked territories in our Surveying Lost Brooklyn: Create Your Own Micro-Nation! workshop. In four sessions students will be exploring those parts of Brooklyn that have yet to be discovered, and making sure to claim them with their very own flag no less. We wonder what kind of secret lairs and worlds our students might find in very own backyards.

May Flowers - And More!

May 03, 2010

With gardens in bloom, and jackets in hibernation, we're gearing up for summer with a great selection of workshops. Everything from puppet-musicals to stop-motion animation hits 826NYC this July, with a film screening scheduled for August 26th (that's right: 8/26!). This is the last day we'll be taking names for our summer lotteries, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible!

We're also looking forward to an exciting set of workshops this May, creating micro-nations and pretty disgusting poetry. So, make sure to sign up for all these and more!

This Week: Magazines, Adventures, Super Grandpa

April 19, 2010

The talented writers of Sunday's H. Mildew's Story Factory are rumored to have done the impossible and impressed Mr. Mildew. Mildew has denied this allegation, but has not let his copy of "The Most Amazing Short Stories" (pictured) out of his clutches. He has reportedly been re-reading each story when he thinks no one is looking.

Of course, when one workshop successfully publishes an anthology chronicling the adventures of "Super Grandpa vs. Frankenstein II" and typical days in Banana City, another one's brainstorm has just begun. And so Monday evening brings Magazine Magic: Create Your Very Own Zine to the writing center, where our writers will spend four sessions dreaming up and designing their very own magazine, and proving that print is very much alive, thank you.

On Tuesday morning, we'll welcome 2nd graders from The Geneva School for a Storytelling and Bookmaking field trip while the hardworking members of Publish the Greatest Story Never Told add to their masterpieces-in-progress later in the day. Wednesday rounds out the week's programming when 5th graders from PS 132 make their way here for a Choose Your Own Adventure workshop, a genre that seems to fit just about every day at 826NYC. Which way will this week's stories head? We never quite know, and we like it that way.

Texas Hold'Em Update!

April 19, 2010

A huge thank you to everyone who came out and helped raise the stakes against Ira Glass and John Hodgman in our Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament on Saturday! Last year's reigning champ Jerad Mione took home the trophy once again, while 826NYC volunteer Steve Trifon spent his birthday defending his title as runner-up. Congrats to both of them (and happy birthday, Steve!)!

What's Going On This Week?

April 12, 2010

We have another action-packed week ahead of us, here at 826NYC!

Who knows what kind of tale will unfold at Tuesday morning's Storytelling and Bookmaking with PS 96Q, or which direction the stories of our soon-to-be-published writers will take during the first session of Publish the Greatest Story Never Told later that day? We're just as excited to see what happens during Wednesday's Choose Your Own Adventure with IS 227. (Already this spring the life of both an overemotional monkey ninja and a chocolate chip cookie-Cheeto best friend duo have hung in the balance of a page-turn, so it's anybody's game.) The mystery continues into the evening as our genre-bending workshop Literary Mashups heads into its second session! Then on Thursday, 826NYC volunteers head to Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem to help a group of budding 6th grade novelists revise their latest chapters.

And we'll end this whirlwind week by rolling out the latest and greatest from H. Mildew's Story Factory -- though not before Saturday's Raise Your Stakes Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament with special guests Ira Glass and John Hodgman!

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament with Ira Glass and John Hodgman!

April 07, 2010

Texas Hold 'Em: SIGN UP TODAY!!

Raise your stakes and bet against Ira Glass and John Hodgman! The $25 registration fee will establish your pot. Every player raises money to determine the amount they'll play with. The more you bring to the table, the longer you'll get to play!

Sign up, raise money, and you, too, could be sitting at a table with Ira or John! Make it to the final elimination and WIN an autographed trophy! But bring your best poker face and buckets of cash because you'll be up against some tough competition! Raise Your Stakes will be held Saturday, April 17th, and starts at 1 pm at our Park Slope writing center (372 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn).

REGISTER NOW

All the proceeds raised from the tournament will benefit the programming at 826NYC and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please email Sarah Pollock if you have any questions.

STEW: The Music Issue - Coming Soon!

March 30, 2010

The students of the Secondary School for Journalism’s AP Composition class have been hard at work putting together STEW’s latest issue about all things music. As part of their research, the budding journalists took a tour of MTV’s headquarters this month to get a firsthand glimpse of what it’s like to work in music media. They spent the day learning how music news comes together (and the pressures of reading news from a teleprompter!). They even chatted with host and reporter Sway about making a career in journalism!

With such music-savvy writers on board, this STEW installment is surely not to be missed. Stay tuned for details on its June 2010 release!

Marcel Dzama at Book Court!

March 12, 2010

Sad you can't make it to Montreal for Marcel Dzama's exhibition, "Of Many Turns" at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal?

Happily, the artist - an 826NYC advisory board member and volunteer! - will be signing copies of the catalog at Brooklyn's very own BookCourt on Monday, March 15th, at 7:00pm.

For more information, please contact BookCourt!

Your Cheating Champs: High Maintenance Shorties!

March 08, 2010

This past Saturday, we hosted our third annual Scrabble for Cheaters tournament. Cheats were in full effect, allowing players to reject and invent words, buy vowels, and add points to carefully placed tiles. Everyone played hard and cheated strategically, but after a grueling six rounds the High Maintenance Shorties finally cheated their way to the top, ousting the two-year reigning champions, The Fightin' Caziques!

Thanks to all the players and everyone who donated, and special thanks to our guests Peter Dinklage, John Oliver, Paul Rudd, Jonathan Marc Sherman, and Sarah Vowell, and extra special thanks to the very generous and very amazing Russ & Daughters.

Scrabble for Cheaters: Sign Up Today!

February 17, 2010

The more money you raise, the more you can cheat!

826NYC is hosting its third annual SCRABBLE FOR CHEATERS, a tournament of verbal smarts and fraudulence, on March 6th, at 826NYC.

This year, Paul Rudd, John Oliver, Jonathan Marc Sherman, Peter Dinklage, and others (perhaps YOU!) will be there to challenge our reigning champions, the wily Morgan Clendaniel & Gideon Friedman of The Fightin' Caziques.

We have a very limited number of spots available. So sign up soon!

For more information about this event, or to check out the competition, please visit our SCRABBLE FOR CHEATERS website.

All Hail the King of Children's Literature!

February 08, 2010

While his term as the inaugural National Ambassador for Children's Literature has recently come to an end, Jon "The Fiesta" Scieszka's reign as King of Children's Literature has just begun. On Wednesday, February 3rd, 826NYC students, parents, volunteers and staff gathered to honor our Board Vice President with an official engraved crown, and of course, a (very regal) cape. The awards were presented by our own illustrious Noemi (age 8), who emceed the evening while her fellow students shared some of their favorite moments in Scieszka's stinky cheese-scented fiction. Lots of cake and (not-so-stinky) cheese were had by all. Jon has been a familiar face at 826NYC for years, and will continue to inspire countless budding Ambassadors from his new throne. We can't imagine a foreseeable successor. Thanks for all that you do, Scieszka!

Congratulations to our Oscar-Nominated Friends!

February 02, 2010

We would like to congratulate the following friends of 826NYC on their Academy Award nominations:
Nick Hornby, who donated the proceeds of his book The Polysyllabic Spree to 826NYC, has been nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for An Education (starring recent 826NYC ping-pong benefit player Peter Sarsgaard). Tom McCarthy, 826NYC summer filmmaking volunteer, has been nominated for Best Original Screenplay for concocting the story for Up. 826NYC benefit performer, Brooklyn's Maggie Gyllenhaal, has been nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Crazy Heart.

826NYC's So You Think You Can Pong? - A Fantastic Success!

December 25, 2009

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the So You Think You Can Pong? Table Tennis Tournament, held on January 13th at SPiN New York. It was an exciting evening with Jason Jones, of The Daily Show, acting as emcee, and Sean Avery, Mario Batali, Dave Eggers, Catherine Keener, Mike Myers, Peter Sarsgaard, David Schwimmer, Will Shortz and Sarah Vowell playing in support of 826NYC and its programs.

Thank you to ALL of our players and to our generous sponsor, Converse.

More photos can be seen on our Facebook page!

Stephen Elliott at 826NYC!

December 15, 2009

Please join us on Wednesday, January 20th, at 7pm for a special lecture, reading, and Q&A with Stephen Elliott, author of The Adderall Diaries.

The Adderall Diaries is Stephen Elliott's first memoir but his seventh book, all of them written from personal experience. This 90-minute talk and reading will focus on the generation of memoir, using the author's recent book, The Adderall Diaries, as a jumping off point for discussing the process of figuring out your story and editing it into something someone would want to read.

Admission is $25 - the price of the book! - and includes a copy.

Purchase your ticket here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/92890

A Holiday Benefit, Vol III

December 12, 2009

We are so grateful to A Holiday Benefit for creating a third album and performance to benefit 826NYC! This year's album features Chris Abad, Bryan Dunn, Chris Cubeta, Emily Easterly, Andy Mac, Martin Rivas, Ruby Rivers, Bess Rogers, Amber Rubarth, Casey Shea, Paula Valstein, Benjamin Wagner and Emily Zuzik! Please visit www.aholidaybenefit.org for updates about the album. And mark your calendars for their one-night-only performance!

"A Holiday Benefit, Vol. III"
Wednesday, December 16th 8-11pm
Pianos (158 Ludlow Street, New York)

Villains at the Superhero Store?

November 07, 2009

It's a rare occasion that the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. closes down on a Sunday morning. But last week, staff made way for a rare visit from Brooklyn's most evil villains - Humungasaur, The Transporter, The Airborne Trooper, Jessica, Spinner, Ghostly, Freak Show, Sucker Wolf, Lord Darkness, Lightning Storm, Slimy Legs, and Royal Darkness.

Sucker Wolf, whose favorite crime is sucking blood and eating meat, is pictured here, preparing for her big-screen debut.

And what were these villains doing in a superhero store? Filming their feature for a special edition of Villainy Fair. While we normally would not stop superhero sales for villain fanfare, we just couldn't turn away a group of villains interested in writing, of all things!

Special thanks to volunteers Elaine Palucki, Ballard Boyd, and Joe Miles, who went out on a limb and gave these villains a chance.

Thank You Wild Things!!!

October 15, 2009

Thank you to everyone that attended last night’s preview screening of Where the Wild Things Are! It was a wonderful night filled with laughter, enjoyment, and a few tears while we all re-experienced this fantastic and timeless story.

A special thanks also goes out to Spike Jonze, Dave Eggers, Catherine Keener, Max Records, Karen O, puppeteer Angus, and John Hodgman whose presence made the evening unforgettable.

Another thank you goes out to our sponsors, Thomson Shore and SPIN Magazine as well as Whiskey Park, the venue for our VIP Reception and the great folks at Warner Brothers for helping us pull this together!

Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

October 08, 2009

Where The Wild Things Are

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
7:00 p.m.
The Paris Theatre
4 West 58th Street, Manhattan

The screening will be accompanied by a question-and-answer session with director Spike Jonze and moderated by author, actor, and Daily Show correspondent John Hodgman.

$50 - Balcony tickets to the Preview Screening and Q&A
Balcony tickets have Sold Out.
$75 - General Admission tickets to the Preview Screening and Q&A
General Admission has been Sold Out.
$150 - V.I.P. Tickets to the Preview Screening and Q&A with Priority Seating, plus a Private Cocktail Reception with Dave Eggers and Spike Jonze.
V.I.P. Reception has been Sold Out.

This event has Sold Out. Thank you to everyone for your support!

Special thanks to our event sponsors:

SPIN Magazine
Warner Brothers
GOOD Magazine
Urban Outfitters
Filter Magazine
Harper Collins
Random House Mondadori
McSweeney’s

An important message from Joss Whedon and Ira Glass

September 23, 2009

Hi everyone -

Click here to listen!

Stand-Up for 826NYC!

September 03, 2009

Join Jonathan Ames (author of I Love You More than You Know, and creator of HBO's Bored to Death) as he hosts a magical and hilarious night of comedy at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan, Monday, Sept. 14th at 8pm.

The star-studded line-up includes John Oliver and Wyatt Cenac, from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as funny guys Eugene Mirman (Flight of the Conchords) and Ted Alexandro (Comedy Central Presents).

Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased here.

If you have any questions about this event, send an e-mail to Sarah.

Erasers for Breakfast: August 26th!

August 11, 2009

That's right, it's back - 826NYC's celebrated student film festival, Erasers for Breakfast! This year we are premiering feature films about werewolves, wizards, and dancers, coming attractions from the puppeteering masters, claymation shorts about breakfast, snacks, and soccer, and never-before-seen interviews with Brooklyn's most wanted mad scientists.

Mark your calendars. You don't want to miss this.

Wednesday, August 26th
BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Avenue)
7PM
Admission is free but seating is limited. Please arrive early!

A Meteorite Comes to Earth!

July 22, 2009

Today at 826NYC participants in the Puppet Mania workshop finished filming A METEORITE COMES TO EARTH!, the first of the three movie trailers set to debut later this summer. Our puppeteers/writers labored long and hard in the sun to wrap everything up in just under two hours. Those not filming today kindly pitched in making cameo appearances and assisting with the boom (after cutting tracks in the studio for their own epic teasers). All in all it was a highly successful first shoot - the green screen stayed up, heads stayed out of the picture, and the puppets were total professionals.

826NYC presents An Honest Elimination Poker Tournament

June 26, 2009

Join Ira Glass, David Cross and Michael Ian Black in a Texas Hold 'Em tournament!

It's just like Celebrity Poker Showdown, but you're not in your living room! Sign up, raise money and you too could be sitting at a table with Ira, David or Michael! Make it to the final elimination and WIN an autographed trophy*! But bring your best poker face and buckets of cash because you'll be up against some tough competition! Only one "buy in" will be allowed on the day of the tournament.

An Honest Elimination Poker Tournament will be held Sunday, July 26th, from 2 - 6pm at our Park Slope writing center (372 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn).

Register now at www.826nyc.org/poker!

All the proceeds raised from the tournament will benefit the programming at 826NYC and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Any questions? Ask Sarah

*No cash prizes will be given out at the tournament. That would be gambling. And that would be illegal.

Celebrating STEW: The Sports Issue!

June 24, 2009

Yesterday we celebrated the release of our second issue of STEW, The Magazine About Et Cetera. Congratulations to this year's STEW staff - and special thanks to the volunteers from 826NYC and ESPN The Magazine, who helped make this issue happen!

Our second issue is a collection of stories written by juniors and seniors at the Secondary School for Journalism. These articles, based on interviews and independent reporting, were written in the 2008-2009 academic school year, and examine change in the city in which we live.

The Sports Issue, edited by Janik Shaw, Kaila Strickland, Janaye Solomon, Antonia Hope, and Oneisha Bynoe features 31 articles about sports and athletes. Featured stories include a profile of competitive eater, Badlands Booker, a look into New York's cricket scene, and an examination of inflated Superbowl ticket prices.

All your superhero needs in one place!

June 23, 2009

For years, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company has been supplying Brooklyn and environs with the highest quality superhero supplies. And now, with the launch of http://www.superherosupplies.com/, you can stock up on capes and anti-matter from the safety of your home and/or lair, even if you don't live anywhere near Brooklyn.

So, head on over and check it out. Even if you don't see anything you need right now, be sure to keep checking back as more products and services become available in the future.

The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

The 826NYC Lonely Hearts - Now Online!

June 01, 2009

The 826NYC Lonely Hearts' self-titled album was released late last month, when the band played its first and only show at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. Nine students debuted their original songs about heartache (Sebastian Martinez's "Can't Find Love"), skydiving (Miles Vitarelli's "Can't Find Love"), Pocahontas (Alexis Feliciano's "Love Is a Triangle"), and kickball (Joshua Torres's "Clumsy").

Audience members were also treated to a live performance of "Eternal Flame" (pictured here).

For those who missed out on the release party, you're in luck: Some of the songs are now available through 826NYC's podcast, KAPE Gorilla Radio.

Prom You Were Promised now completely sold out

May 19, 2009

We're sorry but all tickets to The Prom You Were Promised are now sold. If you are still looking for a ticket, we suggest checking at the door of Music Hall of Williamsburg on Thursday night as last-minute tickets are sometimes released. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets—we'll see you on the dance floor!

Away We Go

April 25, 2009

Please join us for a special screening of Away We Go, the newest release from Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes, on Saturday, May 16th.

VIP ticket-holders will gain entrance to a cocktail reception after the screening, with the film's director Sam Mendes, and writers Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida.

All proceeds from this event will benefit 826NYC. Click HERE to purchase your tickets and to find out more.

The 826NYC Bail-out Casino!

April 23, 2009

Only two weeks left until 826NYC's BAIL-OUT CASINO! Mingle and try your luck at our table games, with our celebrity hosts and dealers:
* IRA GLASS dealing blackjack
* SARAH VOWELL playing war
* JON SCIESZKA connecting four

Play for fabulous prizes, including:
* Tickets to The Daily Show
* A tour of The New York Times
* A field trip to 826NYC, hosted by Jon Scieszka

The event will take place on Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $100, $250, $500*
Tickets can be purchased by calling 718.499.9884

*Admission will be exchanged for 826NYC Bail-Out Billion Dollar Bills, valid only on game night!

All proceeds benefit 826NYC's creative programming for students ages 6-18. All donations are tax-deductible. If you have any questions, please email spollock@826nyc.org or call 718.499.9884.

Prom You Were Promised "Donor Tickets"

April 22, 2009

Thank you to everyone who's already bought tickets for The Prom You Were Promised. Tickets are going fast so if you'd like to attend we recommend that you buy them today.

We're also offering a very limited number of Donor Tickets for $100. Donors will have access to a seated lounge on the balcony, and all contributions over regular face value ($25) will be tax-deductible. If you'd like to purchase Donor Tickets, please call our office at (718) 499-9884. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

Announcing: The Prom You Were Promised

April 15, 2009

After years of raised expectations and inevitable disappointment, after Pretty in Pink and Saved By The Bell season 4 (we remember it, too), 826NYC and Bowery Presents are happy to finally present THE PROM YOU WERE PROMISED, a night of formal wear, amazing dance music, and a chance to re-live prom the way you always wanted.

The night will feature rare DJ sets by VAMPIRE WEEKEND, PAT MAHONEY (of LCD Soundsystem), and HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR, and will be hosted by one of our favorite comedians (and 826NYC advisory board member!) LEO ALLEN. So fire up the limo, dust off that tux (or not), break out the hairspray, and get ready to dance!

Tickets are available HERE starting tomorrow, April 16, at noon.

More details below.

PROM BASICS:

Who: You, and a date. (Date not required)

Dress code: Prom attire (Your old gown/tux/suit, or the jeans and sneakers you wished you’d worn.)

What: The prom night you’ve been waiting for.

When: Thursday, May 21, 2009, at 9 p.m.

Where: Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street, Brooklyn

Why:
1) For the kids—all proceeds benefit 826NYC
2) For the music—three killer DJ sets, each of them worth the price of admission
3) For the replacement memories, made to last a lifetime

Summer Workshops at 826NYC!

March 31, 2009

At long last - spring is here, and so are our summer workshops! This year students can sign up for storytelling, filmmaking, scriptwriting, puppeteering, and guide-writing. Visit our summer workshops page for more information.

Please note: Workshop enrollment is now determined by lottery.

826NYC at Gleason's Gym!

March 02, 2009

Starting this month, 826NYC will offer free drop-in homework help at a third site in Brooklyn: Gleason's Gym in Dumbo. Tutors will be available Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5:30-7:30pm), ready to assist with homework, writing assignments, creative writing, and publishing projects. No preregistration is necessary—students may drop in to receive 10 minutes to 2 full hours of one-on-one homework help!

Special thanks to Bruce Silverman from Gleason's Gym and Council Member David Yassky for making this project possible.

Gleason's Gym is located at 75 Front Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn.
For more information, please contact 826NYC.

Team Time Warp!

February 16, 2009

Last week, four 826NYC students combed the library in search of every Time Warp Trio book they could find. The search, which included a sweep of the area behind and beneath the couches, restored every book to its proper place in the library. Good thing, too, considering the author - Jon Scieszka himself! - swung by the center two days later. Happy to find his books in good order, he shook hands with the organizers, thanked them for a job well done, and took this photo.

GSIQREOTILAWPLD Spells Victory

January 28, 2009

The day for shadiness and verbal bamboozlement has come and gone! Though the Spellebrities put up a cunning and vigorous fight in the finals, we are proud to declare Morgan Clendaniel and Gideon Friedman, better known as the Fightin' Caziques, the winners and still champions of Scrabble for Cheaters. By doubling cheats, the Fightin' Caziques played the 15-letter "GSIQREOTILAWPLD," thus securing their lead against the Spellebrities and granting them the honor of spending another year with the coveted and glorious Cheaters' Cup. Final score? 702-285.

We would like to thank our 16 competing teams, all of whom were sent home with certification of their cheating trickery, and all of the generous donors who enabled them to double-cross their way to the top.

Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country

January 19, 2009

A few days after the election of Barack Obama, incredibly excited kids all over the country were asked to write letters to their new President. McSweeney's and 826 National have collected the resulting letters in a book, Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids' Letters to President Obama, edited by 826 Valencia Programs Director, Jory John. The book is now available online, and right here in the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. This collection includes hilarious advice, unusual questions, and heartfelt pleas for a better life, as students from all over the country (including writers from 826NYC!) reach out to the 44th president, speaking to the issues closest to their hearts.

For a sneak peek at some of the letters, check out:
- An op-ed by the editor, Jory John, in The New York Times
- This week's episode of This American Life
- Some sample letters from McSweeney's

Scrabble For Cheaters: Only 12 Days Left

January 12, 2009

The clock is ticking--there's only 12 days left until the Scrabble tournament of the decade. As of the time of this update, The Spellebrities seem to be in the lead, with more funds at their disposal to cheat their way to the top, though defending champions the Fightin' Caziques are close behind. Remember: it's not too late to register. And it's certainly not too late to contribute.

We can't reiterate it enough: Cheating is the only way to win. And buying us off is the only way to cheat.

Scrabble for Cheaters Returns!

December 16, 2008

The time of sneaky, low-down, no-good cheaters is upon us once again! In just a few short weeks, wordophiles will gather together to make up words and steal letters in the quest for the coveted Cheaters' Cup. But all of you aspiring wordsmiths better be careful, because the reigning cheaters from last year are returning, cup in hand, to fend off the hordes of aspiring tricksters.

Got a chip on your shoulder from a missed win last year? Or are you completely new, with something to prove? It doesn't matter, there are only room for 32 teams of two, so if you want your shot at glory, you'd better head over to the Scrabble for Cheaters site and sign up while there's room. And even if you can't donate your time to further the cause of underhandedness, you can still throw your support behind one of the teams. Every dollar has the potential to provide your favored team with just the cheat they need to win.

Voice of Witness Reading & Discussion

December 09, 2008

On Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30pm, 826NYC will host a McSweeney's Voice of Witness reading and discussion in honor of "Out of Exile", an incredible new book about Sudan. With an introduction and select interviews by Valentino Achak Deng and Dave Eggers, this collection of oral histories gives voice to victims of abduction, displacement, and slavery in Sudan. Featuring editor Craig Walzer and narrators from the book (via satellite).

***RSVP to press@mcsweeneys.net. Space is extremely limited.***

Certificates of Superheroism

December 04, 2008

To help celebrate (and initiate) the launch of our new Superhero Supplies website, we are offering our first and--currently--only product: a limited edition, hand-printed Certificate of Superheroism. Each certificate is printed on beautiful Hahnemühle Copperplate coldpress artisinal paper using a Vandercook proof press. They are approximately 15" x 13", making them suitable for framing and showing off your legitimate superhero creds to all your friends.

Oh, and they're limited edition, so once these are sold out, that's all there is.

Help us celebrate the new store, and be sure to check back soon, as we'll be launching a whole range of products available in the online store within the next couple of weeks!

STEW Visits ESPN!

December 04, 2008

Yesterday, the unbelievably generous folks at ESPN The Magazine hosted a group from 826NYC and the Secondary School of Journalism (SSJ) for a visit to their Manhattan offices.

Together with ESPN, 826NYC has been working with students from SSJ to research, write, and edit sports-themed articles for the second issue of STEW: The Magazine About Etc. Yesterday's visit was a real treat for the school's seniors, the original founders of STEW, who are taking their second turn at writing for the publication. The juniors, who visited the offices in November, have been lucky to work with ESPN volunteers in the classroom every week!

The Thrilla in Manila

December 01, 2008

826NYC is thrilled to be involved with (and honored to be benefiting from) an awesome project this week at the Jen Bekman Gallery.

Thrilla in Manila, is a draw-a-thon hosted by artists Jane Mount and Jason Polan. Come by Jen Bekman Gallery this week: Dec 3-6, that's Wed-Sat, between Noon and 6pm. Draw, be drawn or learn HOW to draw. They'll have supplies on hand, but you're welcome to bring your own, too! Drawings created during the Thrilla will be sold to benefit 826NYC.

There's a reception and benefit on Monday, December 8th, from 6pm-8pm, where there will be some amazing drawings, at super prices, for a great cause.

Far away? Lazy? Feeling frugal? The related 20x200 benefit edition, released ONLY to 20x200 list subscribers, on Tuesday (Dec 9) should be extremely swell as well. It will be comprised of a selection of unique drawings from the draw-a-thon priced at $20, $200 + $2000 each. Again, the edition is being released to list members ONLY, but you can sign up here to be included in that.

Attention Superheroes!

November 03, 2008

We're thrilled to announce a new addition to Jack Spade's 2008 Catalog: the reversible Superhero/Civilian Coal Bag! Finally: a bag versatile enough to suit every superhero's needs, no matter what the occasion. Created to benefit 826NYC and the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co., the bag comes in two colors, and features superhero and civilian designs, as well as a handy newspaper/umbrella pouch and BSSCo. patch.

Visit the Jack Spade store (56 Greene Street, 212.625.1820) for more information.

826NYC Is Looking for a Store Intern!

October 22, 2008

Do you daydream of shiny red capes? Are you interested in supporting budding superheroes? If so, 826NYC needs your help!

826NYC is currently looking for someone to help run the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. A front for our after-school tutoring center, the store draws in new students and volunteers and raises money for all of our programs. We are looking for someone to help organize inventory, stock products and cover store shifts as needed. Also, as the store undergoes a bit of a makeover, we could use your help and input in making it the number one stop for all your superhero needs. Help us build, organize product packaging and generate new ideas for products!

To apply, please email a current resume and letter of interest to Josh [email: joshua at 826nyc dot org]. We are looking for someone with afternoon availability, preferably Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Friday. A commitment to one or two afternoons working in the store and one afternoon assisting with store organization would be ideal. Thanks, we look forward to hearing from you!

Thank You, Book Eaters!

October 08, 2008

We're still recovering from the awesomeness of last night's Revenge of the Book Eaters show, and while we're processing it, we wanted to thank ALL of the people who worked so hard to make it happen. First, of course, the performers: Ira Glass, John Oliver, Thao Nguyen, Department of Eagles, Dave Eggers, Sarah Vowell, Kyp Malone, Paul Simon, Angelique Kidjo, Jonathan Franzen, Parker Posey, Bobby Cannavale, Tunde Adebimpe, and Patricia Clarkson. Whew.

And, of course, there are the people behind the scenes, all volunteers, who broke their backs for months to make last night such an unforgettable evening. They are: Ami Kay Spishock, Sarah Vowell, Sean Wilsey, John Moore, Annie Burtoff, Julyette Spoltore (& everyone at Bowery Presents), Josh Rothstein, Jason Ross, Shelby Meade, Sandee Gardner (& everyone at Fresh & Clean Media), Georgie Stout, Hunter Tura, Mao Kudo (& everyone at 2x4), Jennifer Snow, Sarah Min & Matt Pincus, Justin Little, Elaine Palucki, Rachel Cronin, Meaghan O'Connell, Lydia Mazer, Nick Schmidt, Drew Coen, the good people at Brooklyn Vegan and Stereogum, and John Schaefer. We are hugely grateful to them all.

And, of course, thanks to everyone who bought tickets and came. The night was an enormous boost to our organization and programs.

(Photo credit: Sam Crawford)

Full Line-up Announced for Revenge of the Book Eaters

September 29, 2008

We are thrilled to announce that this year's "REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS," will also feature TUNDE ADEBIMPE & KYP MALONE (from TV on the Radio!), BOBBY CANNAVALE, and PARKER POSEY.

That makes this year's line-up quite a doozy. To wit:

A story from IRA GLASS.
New songs by DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES (members of Grizzly Bear).
Talking from DAVE EGGERS and KYP MALONE.
A new play by JONATHAN FRANZEN*, read by BOBBY CANNAVALE, PATRICIA CLARKSON, PARKER POSEY, TUNDE ADEBIMPE, and the author.
A duet with THAO NGUYEN and ZACH ROGUE.
Jokes by host (and Daily Show correspondent) JOHN OLIVER.
And a very special appearance by PAUL SIMON.

Tickets are on sale HERE.

This event, which is named after a story by an 826NYC student, is now a much-heralded annual show, started in 2006. This year's show promises to extend that tradition, focusing on unique, memorable performances, all raising money for 826NYC's free programming for children.

Revenge of the Book Eaters info here.

*Play is from State By State: A Panoramic Portrait of America, a new book edited by Matt Weiland and Sean Wilsey.

Paul Newman (1925-2008)

September 29, 2008

Our thanks to Paul and the Newman's Own Foundation for supporting 826NYC and other organizations.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

.

REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS 2008

September 22, 2008

We are thrilled to announce that on October 7th, 826NYC and The Bowery Presents will bring "REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS," our annual one-of-a-kind evening of music, comedy, and storytelling to Town Hall. This year's show will feature:

A story from IRA GLASS.
New songs by DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES (members of Grizzly Bear).
Talking from DAVE EGGERS.
A new play by JONATHAN FRANZEN*, read by BOBBY CANNAVALE, PATRICIA CLARKSON, the author, and SPECIAL GUESTS.
A duet with THAO NGUYEN and ZACH ROGUE.
Jokes by host (and Daily Show correspondent) JOHN OLIVER.
And a very special appearance by PAUL SIMON.

Tickets go onsale today at NOON.

This event, which is named after a story by an 826NYC student, is now a much-heralded annual show, started in 2006. This year’s show promises to extend that tradition, focusing on unique, memorable performances, all raising money for 826NYC's free programming for children.

Revenge of the Book Eaters info here.

*Play is from State By State: A Panoramic Portrait of America, a new book edited by Matt Weiland and Sean Wilsey.

A GOOD Conversation

September 17, 2008

Fellow 826er, Ninive Calegari, is in town next Tuesday for a GOOD Conversation with John Wood (of Room to Read), Wendy Kopp (Teach for America), and Zach Frechette (GOOD Magazine).

GOOD Conversations Presents MAVERICKS OF EDUCATION
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
6:30-9:30pm
Housing Works | 126 Crosby Street

To RSVP: Email conversations@goodinc.com with your name, email address, city and state.

If you are not yet a subscriber, please subscribe at the $20 level at GOOD Magazine before you RSVP. You will receive six issues of GOOD Magazine. Plus, 100% of your subscription fee will go to the nonprofit partner you select.

Congratulations, Filmmakers!

August 25, 2008

Last week, over 200 film enthusiasts filed into BAM Rose Cinemas to watch the world premieres of 826NYC's latest productions, Man for the Job, Children of the Iron Monkey, 2168: Modified, Knock the Hustle: The New Movement, Me, the People, Stop the Madness: The Collection, Monsters and Angels, and Kid Named Carrot. This year's Erasers for Breakfast was an enormous success, treating viewers to their fair share of celebrity sightings (including the complete casts of Kid Named Carrot and Man for the Job!).

We'd like to extend enormous congratulations to all of the writers, filmmakers, editors, directors, gaffers, guests, grips, producers, and parents who worked with us all summer to create eight amazing, original films (within 4-6 weeks!). Also, special thanks to BAM for generously hosting our 2nd annual screening. We look forward to seeing everyone again, next year!

Erasers for Breakfast: Sold Out!

August 05, 2008

Tickets have just sold out for Erasers for Breakfast 2008! The 2nd Annual 826NYC Film Festival features short films by 826NYC students, including the world premieres of Children of the Iron Monkey, "Kid Named Carrot," Man for the Job, "Monsters and Angels," Knock the Hustle, Episode 1 of 2168: Modified, and more!

The Insound 20(+1)

July 16, 2008

The good people at Insound have just launched a new series of designs (printed on posters, hoodies, and T-shirts) for 20 of their favorite bands, and have decided to include 826NYC as a special 21st--and to give 100% of the proceeds to us! The project, called The Insound 20, features new designs by Jason Munn, of acclaimed design studio The Small Stakes, for 826-favorites (and all past fundraisers) Death Cab for Cutie, Grizzly Bear, Spoon, The New Pornographers, The Decemberists, along with Dept. of Eagles, Beirut, The National, and more.

You can buy posters and T-shirts of our design HERE. And you can see all of the other amazing designs HERE.

Special thanks to Matt Wishnow, Ami Spishock, and everyone at Insound for making this happen.

Introducing STEW!

June 30, 2008

The first issue of STEW, The Magazine About Et Cetera, is now available! The writers, eleventh graders at the Secondary School for Journalism, celebrated STEW's release just last week at the 826NYC writing center. We are especially grateful to Seth Mnookin and our many sponsors who made our publication possible.

Copies of STEW are available at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company. Pick one up today!

More Summer Workshops!

June 22, 2008

It's official - summer is here! We've just added three new workshops to this summer's roster. Keep reading for more details:

Starting July 1: Dance Dance Rock Band Hero!, taught by director Patrick Daughters and They Might Be Giants's John Flansburgh, challenges Brooklyn's best to create an original song and music video in just four sessions. No musical experience is necessary - but spaces are extremely limited (and the class begins next week!). Be sure to sign up today!

Starting July 13: Writing Short Fiction, taught by author Matthew Goodman (founding editor of Sonny Paine), focuses on plot and character development within the short story. Please click here to sign up!

Starting July 14: I'm SOOOOO Bored, taught by Kate Ackerman, helps New Yorkers banish boredom by writing a kids-only guide to exploring NYC's five boroughs. Click here to sign up!

826NYC on NPR!

June 05, 2008

Be sure to check out Fighting for Truth, Justice and Creativity - a story about 826NYC's popular Storytelling and Bookmaking field trips. The story aired June 4th on NPR's All Things Considered!

Announcing the 826NYC Art Show, 2008

May 07, 2008

We are very pleased to announce The 826NYC Art Show, our second auction of original work by contemporary artists to benefit 826NYC. The auction will take place at David Zwirner in Chelsea on Thursday, May 22 at 8pm, and will include new work by 21 contemporary artists, a limited edition set-of-postcards-as-catalog, and of course audio tours with commentary by 826NYC students. For all information, including previews of the work and registration materials, see the auction website.

826NYC Congratulates Martha Plimpton!

May 05, 2008

Martha Plimpton, 826NYC advisory board member, has been nominated for a Tony Award - Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play - for her performance in Caryl Churchill's 1982 play, Top Girls. Martha's recent theater credits include Shakespeare's Cymbeline and Tom Stoppard's The Coast of Utopia.

Here is a photo of Martha hosting our June 2007 fundraiser, Tiny Smooshy Sunday on Fire!

A Benefit for 826NYC: Dungeons and Dragons (With Girls!)

April 16, 2008

826NYC hosts a Dungeons and Dragons Game Unlike Any Other to Raise Money for its Free Writing and Tutoring Programs for Children

Friday, May 9th, 7 to Midnight, at 826NYC (372 5th Avenue, Brooklyn)

That's right, fellas. Dungeons and Dragons isn't just for teenage boys anymore. We know you miss those late Friday nights in your parents' basement, with your friends, your Doritos-stained fingers and your lucky D20. And now that one thing that was missing from those perfect Friday nights wants to join the game: girls.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS (WITH GIRLS!) is a benefit for the students of 826NYC. On May 9th, boys and girls alike will have the opportunity to send their heroic alter-egos into an uncharted dungeon in search of a lost crown. The characters you create will be pitted against monsters, traps, and each other in a contest to be the king (or queen) of an ancient fictitious kingdom (or queendom).

To join the game, all you need to do is visit http://www.826nyc.org/DnD to create your character, then start raising money to buy magic spells, weapons and items, to ensure that your dwarf, warrior, wizard, or thief comes home with the prize. And all the money you and your character raise will go to support the free writing programs at 826NYC.

Who: Anyone 21 or older

How: Go tohttp://www.826nyc.org/DnD and all will be explained (For the newcomers, trust us, it's very simple).

Check here for news, rules, and updates.

A Fish Does What?

March 25, 2008

Anonymous bloggers from drop-in tutoring have created a new website called Fish Slaps a Baby. The blog is updated weekly by a group of artists, songwriters, and wrestling experts, who are obsessed with Wrestlemania XXIV, Naruto, Connecticut, rocking hot dogs, and more.

When asked what message he'd like to send to his fans, one blogger requested, "Please comment every time you check out a post!" Trust us, the site is worth a visit.

826NYC on Transom

February 27, 2008

View image We're happy to announce that "Running From Myself," a radio piece produced here by our former student and intern Louis, is now being featured at Transom.org. The piece chronicles Louis's attempt to reconcile bad choices he's made in the past, and his struggle to determine if he's really changed for the better. Louis is a great storyteller, and the piece is a great listen, so check it out at: www.transom.org.

Blue Monday

February 11, 2008

Music lovers will be glad to know that 2008's most anxiously awaited album, Gotta Right to Sing the Blues, has finally been released. The album features the latest songs from such blues greats as Sad Spike C, Four Days of Mazes, Not Fair Beck, Scarred Knee Veeraswamy, Fractured Arden, and Test Hatin’ Christopher.

You'll feel the pain of losing a pet when Fractured Arden sings, "Put him in a shoebox when he died" in White Tree Frog. Also, just in time for Valentine's Day, check out Four Days of Mazes's sad tale of a love lost, The Sad, Sad Story of My Fake Life. Head over to the Writing Gallery to hear these tracks and more from this 826NYC exclusive.

Feeling Blue

February 04, 2008

Six blues musicians worked through Sunday afternoon to put the finishing touches on their upcoming album. Their sad, sad songs - from the likes of Scarred-Knee Veeraswamy and Test-Hatin' Christopher - will debut next week, during the last session of "Gotta Right to Sing the Blues."

Stay tuned to our Writing Gallery for samples from this limited-release CD. If you're lucky, you'll hear the sad story of the "No Face Fish Blues."

Cheaters DO Win

January 21, 2008

We're thrilled to announce that The Cheaters Cup is now in the possession of The Fightin' Caziques — Morgan Clendaniel and Gideon Friedman — the winners of 826NYC's Scrabble For Cheaters tournament. Their way with words and slick use of strategy (they lost their first round match and bought back in to the semi-finals via auction) propelled them to victory over all the other generous cheaters. Clendaniel and Friedman hold the title and the trophy until next year.

Thank you to all the cheaters. Your made-up words and your fundraising commitment are inspiring and appreciated. Start practicing for next year!

Deadline for Scrabble Team Signups

January 16, 2008

Your last chance for signing up to cheat in the Scrabble tournament of the decade ends tonight at midnight. So if you've been on the fence about joining in, now is your last chance to decide.

The good news is, donations will be accepted up until the date of the tournament, so you still have time to give your favorite team the edge they need. And, just in case any of the participants need a little motivation, this is what you'll be playing for.

Go ahead and drool--it's only a picture. If you want to drool on the real thing, you'll have to cheat your way to victory first.

For more information, go to the Scrabble for Cheaters site.

The Book of Other People Reading

January 06, 2008

On January 16th, 826NYC and Penguin Books present The Book of Other People: A Benefit Reading at Symphony Space. Zadie Smith hosts the event, which celebrates the US release of The Book of Other People, a collection of brand new stories by contemporary writers that benefits 826NYC. George Saunders and Vendela Vida will both read, along with very special guest Maggie Gyllenhaal!

Tickets are available online here, or by calling 212.864.5400.

All proceeds from the book and the event benefit 826NYC's free writing programs for children.

826NYC Congratulates Jon Scieszka!

January 03, 2008

Jon Scieszka, 826NYC's beloved board Vice President, has been named the USA's first national ambassador for young people's literature by the Library of Congress. Besides being the author of the classic books The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Jon, our neighbor here in Park Slope, has been pitching in at 826NYC from the start. He has been such a tireless, generous, cheerful presence here we also congratulate our fellow Americans now that they will get to spend some literary quality time with Jon as he travels around the country promoting reading.

Read more about Jon here!

Announcing the 826NYC Scrabble for Cheaters Tournament

December 06, 2007

On Saturday, January 19, 826NYC will host SCRABBLE FOR CHEATERS, a tournament of verbal smarts and fraudulence. Teams of two compete in a tournament to determine the "World's Best Cheater at Scrabble" and raise money for charity. Cheating is allowed, and encouraged. The more money raised, the more a team can cheat. The more a team cheats, the closer they are to glory. Sign up to play. Pledge money to your favorite team. Cheating is the only way to be champion.

Apeosauritis Explained

November 28, 2007

Sure, you've all heard of Apeosauritis, the ManWolfCow, and the Chocolate Tree. If you're especially in-the-know, you might even be familiar with the Piggess. But what do you really know about these odd disorders?

826NYC's latest publication, The Encyclopedia of Imaginary Disorders and Oddities, is fresh off the press, which means lucky readers can finally unlock the mysteries of what the Plantyous eats, where the Robotic Chair came from, and how Stylitis came about. For those who missed last night's lecture and Apeosaur demonstration (pictured right), visit our writing gallery for the exclusive details.

Molars, Mad Science, and Mildew.

November 06, 2007

Greetings Friends! It has been an exciting few weeks for 826ers everywhere. In case you have been suffering from a hypoactive hippocampus, Halloween has come and gone. Here at 826NYC, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. morphed into the Villain Factory Outlet for one terrifying night only. If you were lucky, perhaps you stopped by and received a Ring Pop and a free dental extraction from our staff of oral surgeons and dental interns. Also, there was a smoke machine.

In other news, congratulations go out to the newest graduates of 826NYC's Laboratory of Mad Monster Science. 11 ambitious students created multiple monsters to frighten and subdue the world at large. Let us welcome the freshest faces in the fabrication and innovation of monsters/robots/wraiths/vampire fish: Dr. Dynamite, Dr. Dorothy 2, Dr. Xela, Dr. Crazy, Dr. Ghost, Dr. Bomb, Dr. Secret, Dr. Doom, Dr. Invader, Dr. Vampire, and Dr. Danger. Surely these are names that we will come to know and fear in no time at all.

Finally, some Mildew Gossip. Our fearless fungus infested leader was spotted on the G train this weekend. Our source claims that the moldy man was chewing his own toenails as he traveled. The worst part according to our mystery mole is there was an elderly woman with groceries standing nearby, and our havarti footed jefe didn’t even give up his seat. That’s so Mildew, y’all.

Be good, my friends. Be super.

Announcing: HORRORFEST!!!

October 11, 2007

Eleven-year-old Brendan Jacotin - drop-in regular, documentary filmmaker (An Introduction to Yu-Gi-Oh!) and creator of the Utencil Boy comic book series - has announced his latest project, a series of rare collectible holiday magazines. This month kicks off the publication with a special edition Halloween issue, complete with stories, advice, and one horrific un-cheesy story contest. If you're interested in submitting a story for Brendan's "HORRORFEST!!!" take a look at his guidelines and rules (at right) and submit your story today!

Please note: All submissions must be received by Thursday, October 25.

826CHI Comes to New York!

October 04, 2007

Some fellow 826ers are in town next Monday for AN EVENING WITH IRA GLASS & THE NEW KINGS OF NONFICTION. All proceeds from the evening benefit 826CHI's free writing programs for students.

Monday, October 8th, 2007
8:00 PM
THE TOWN HALL: 123 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
212.840.2824
Tickets: $30 (Click here to purchase tickets!)

Ira Glass, producer and host of public radio's This American Life, brings his new book The New Kings of Non-Fiction to life in a unique night of reading and conversation with literary royalty. "Kings" joining Ira Glass include authors Malcolm Gladwell (Blink; Tipping Point), Susan Orlean (New Yorker; Orchid Thief), and Chuck Klosterman (Fargo Rock City; Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs).

Back to School!

September 15, 2007

We've just kicked off our fourth year of drop-in tutoring, which means afternoons at the writing center are happily active again. Three days into the school year, Khaled and Alex - now both in fourth grade! - are already collaborating on an action-adventure screenplay. So far, the story involves two fourth grade archaeologists in search of a lost tomb buried by an ancient German tribe in Antarctica. Who knows where the rest of the story will lead?

Board Member Dave Eggers Receives 2007 Heinz Award

September 12, 2007

Congratulations to board member Dave Eggers, who is one of six recipients of The Heinz Award this year. He has decided to distribute the entire award among all seven 826 chapters - in Ann Arbor, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and New York.

Thanks to the Heinz Family Foundation for recognizing Dave and his work with 826. And thanks to Dave for his generous gift, which will allow all of us to continue helping students develop the writing skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Tickets and VIP Tickets: Revenge of the Book Eaters

August 22, 2007

We're counting down the days until REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS, which is taking place this Sunday, August 26 at the Beacon Theatre. If you don't have tickets yet, you should really hurry and buy them a.s.a.p.

We also have a limited number of VIP tickets. The best seats in the house are $250. They're tax-deductible too. To purchase VIP seats, e-mail us soon!

The amazing line-up of songwriters, comedians, and writers includes:

FEIST
JIM JAMES (of My Morning Jacket)
BRITT DANIEL (of Spoon)
A.C. NEWMAN (of The New Pornographers)
GRIZZLY BEAR
SARAH VOWELL (with Eugene Mirman and Leo Allen)
DEMETRI MARTIN
and special guests!

Purchase your tickets now. All proceeds, as always, support student programming at 826NYC.

Erasers for Breakfast Tomorrow!

August 14, 2007

Please join us tomorrow evening for an all-star retrospective of the films produced at 826NYC over the past three years at one of the city's best film complexes. Featuring short films by 826NYC students, including the world premieres of Super Has-Beens and this summer's newest films, The Captor's Clause, and The Millipede.

For a closer look behind the scenes, read Ready for Their Brooklyn Close-Up by Michelle Orange (who also happens to be a volunteer).

Britt Daniel of Spoon Joins Revenge of the Book Eaters!

August 07, 2007

We're thrilled to announce that Britt Daniel, the lead singer and songwriter of Spoon, has joined the bill for REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS, which is taking place on August 26 at the Beacon Theater. That makes the current line-up of songwriters, comedians, and writers for this, well, ridiculously exciting. To wit:

FEIST
JIM JAMES (of My Morning Jacket)
AC NEWMAN (of The New Pornographers)
SARAH VOWELL
GRIZZLY BEAR
DEMETRI MARTIN
AND THE NEWLY-ADDED BRITT DANIEL (of Spoon)

Tickets are still available. All proceeds, as always, come to student programming at 826NYC.

Live From Never Never Land

August 01, 2007

Last night, lucky audience members were treated to a one-night-only performance of The 826NYC Players. Under the direction of volunteers Chris Timmins and Brian Donnelly, the troupe introduced two new sketches. Law and Disorder offers a glimpse into the criminal trial of a doctor who has misused a bootlegged time machine. Live From Never Never Land (pictured) follows a television news reporter as he interviews eyewitnesses about a showdown between Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

Check out the students' sketches in our writing gallery.

826NYC Welcomes Jacqueline Susann

July 22, 2007

It's here. The millipede has arrived. Jacqueline Susann, as she has affectionately been named, is starring in one of two Summer Filmmakers films, appropriately entitled "The Millipede." In the film, two kids discover a dinosaur egg, then take it back to present-day New York City (via time machine). The supposed dinosaur egg instead hatches a gigantic millipede, which grows to be as long as a subway car and wreaks havoc on the city and its inhabitants.

Jacqueline Susann is taking it all in stride. She is currently resting up before she begins her starring role this Tuesday.

Revenge of REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS

July 19, 2007

On August 26th 826NYC and The Bowery Presents will present REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS, a one-night-only event that brings together some of our most celebrated comedians, writers, and indie-rock songwriters for a rare evening of intimate performances, including FEIST, A.C. NEWMAN (of The New Pornographers), JIM JAMES (of My Morning Jacket), GRIZZLY BEAR, SARAH VOWELL (best-selling author and This American Life contributor), and DEMETRI MARTIN (Daily Show regular, comedy superstar). The night promises once and for all to try to settle the debate: words or music—which is better?

This event, which is named after a story by an 826NYC student, is a follow-up to last year's much-heralded event and six-city tour by the same name—a unique and awe-inspiring synthesis of the literary, comedy, and music communities in support of 826NYC's similarly innovative programming for kids.

Revenge of the Book Eaters info

826NYC Green Again...

July 17, 2007

826NYC not so eagerly awaits the arrival of a 14-inch millipede that will slither along the huge and gaping cave that has taken over almost half of the writing center. A time machine stands in the middle of the cave, waiting for the next curious soul. Have we stepped into an Alternate Universe? No, it's just our Summer Filmmakers.

That's right: The green screen is back, and more impressive than ever. Twelve students are hard at work writing, starring in, and producing their own films. The scripts are great, and the kids are awesome, but at the end of the summer, the millipede will have to go!

826NYC On the Air!

July 05, 2007

826NYC is on the air again! In June, we collaborated with volunteers from the Writers Guild of America, East and eleven students from the August Aichhorn Center to write and record an original radio drama. The drama, "NYPD Shampoo: Haircuts and Handcuffs," ties together four intriguing stories of murder, mistaken identity, and hair salons. Be sure to check out our broadcast, which will be aired on WNYE (91.5FM) from 6:30-7:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- Wednesday, July 18
- Monday, July 23
- Thursday, July 26

Nine Novels + Nine Novels + Three Books

June 20, 2007

Yesterday 12 alumni from our Young Adult Writers' Colony took to the stage at the Donnell Library Center to celebrate the release of Nine Novels by Younger Americans and the completion of nine more novels (and one collection of short stories) written by 826NYC students over the course of two months. The authors' excerpts were funny and heartbreaking - perfect glimpses into each writer's novel. To read more you'll have to check out Nine Novels for yourself!

We're also excited to announce three new 826NYC publications to mark the start of summer. Please visit the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. for copies of:
* Sonny Paine: Issue Two also known as "Sonny Paine Applies to College"
* Behind the Uniforms, The Untold Stories from the Academy of College Preparation and Career Exploration
* This Is Not A Test: Stories of Disaster from the School of Democracy and Leadership

Check out our publications page for more information.

Martha Plimpton to Host Tiny Smooshy Sunday on Fire

May 29, 2007

If the line-up for our fundraiser this Sunday, June 3rd, wasn't awesome enough, we've just confirmed that Tony-nominated actress Martha Plimpton will host the show. Tickets are still available, so buy them now. All info below:

TINY SMOOSHY SUNDAY ON FIRE, an afternoon all-ages rock show with Smoosh, The Tiny Masters of Today, and Care Bears on Fire. Never mind that the members of these bands aren't yet in high school, or that they're all technically within the age range to take a songwriting workshop at 826—these bands can play. Bring the whole family to this afternoon concert and be prepared to be blown away. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Southpaw, 125 5th Ave., Brooklyn.
1PM doors / 2PM show.
$25 adults / $10 kids (16 and under)
Awesome raffle, give-aways, and limited-edition T-shirt.
This event is presented with generous support from Jim Cornell, SVP, Corcoran Group.

Congratulations, Williamsburgh Tutors!

May 22, 2007

Our Williamsburgh tutors have been offering after-school homework help and writing assistance at our satellite tutoring center since February 2006. Thanks to their hard work, the Brooklyn Public Library has recently granted 826NYC a Volunteer of the Year award!

Rodillo vs. The Super Volcano

May 17, 2007

Last night Colette finished illustrating her pop-up story, "The Eruption of the Super Volcano," in which her rolling robot, Rodillo, saves the world from a super volcano and the master plan of Evil Genius 2 (pictured here). Next week we'll begin assembling the story's pop-ups.

Jealous? Sign up for next week's workshop, Getting Away With It: Tales of Caution. We'll share stories of being grounded and getting caught and create a book of cautionary tales and words of wisdom - so that other kids don't make the same mistakes you did.

BEA Weekend with 826NYC

May 09, 2007

826NYC has TWO major events planned for the weekend of June 1-3, while Book Expo America is happening in New York, and everyone's invited - both young and not-so-young.

The first event, on Friday, June 1st, is THE 15th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT OF THE ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS, a band made up of literary celebrities Stephen King, Scott Turow, Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Scott Turow, Ridley Pearson, Greg Iles, Matt Groening, James McBride, Roy Blount Jr., Kathi Goldmark, Frank McCourt, and Andy Borowitz, that call themselves "the literary world's answer to the Rolling Stones." This show, called the "Still Younger Than Keith Tour," features the return of Stephen King to the band.

826NYC is lucky enough to be one of three literacy charities that the RBRs are supporting with this event. The concert, which takes place at Webster Hall, also has a VIP reception with the band beforehand. If you'll be in town please consider attending the reception, as the money for those tickets comes directly to the charities. For tickets to both events, please see here: Rock Bottom Remainders.

The second event, on Sunday June 3rd, is TINY SMOOSHY SUNDAY ON FIRE, an afternoon all-ages rock show with Smoosh, The Tiny Masters of Today, and Care Bears on Fire. Never mind that the members of these bands aren't yet in high school, or that they're all technically within the age range to take a songwriting workshop at 826—these bands can play. Bring the whole family to this afternoon concert and be prepared to be blown away. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Southpaw, 125 5th Ave., Brooklyn.
1PM doors / 2PM show.
$25 adults / $10 kids (16 and under)
Awesome raffle, give-aways, and limited-edition T-shirt.
This event is presented with generous support from Jim Cornell, SVP, Corcoran Group.

Coming Soon...

May 07, 2007

After multiple takes and costume changes, the stars and writers of 826NYC's latest film - shot during Reality Bites: A Mockumentary Workshop - have called it a wrap. The mockumentary follows a reunion of aged superheroes, including Carl Cobra and Ninja Chuck of the justice team. Meanwhile, their old foe, Dr. Death (pictured here), plots his revenge.

Other aspiring writers, actors, and directors should check out our calendar for the latest workshops, including Superstars of the Squared Circle, which starts today!

Valentino Achak Deng Speaks at 826NYC

April 17, 2007

Please join us on Sunday, April 22, at 7pm, as Valentino Achak Deng talks at 826NYC about What Is the What, the book based on his life as a child refugee from Sudan and his experience coming to the United States. The event is free and open to all.

About What Is the What, a novel by Dave Eggers:
Separated from his family, Valentino Achak Deng becomes a refugee in war-ravaged southern Sudan. His travels bring him in contact with enemy soldiers, with liberation rebels, with hyenas and lions, with disease and starvation, and with deadly murahaleen (militias on horseback)—the same sort who currently terrorize Darfur. Based closely on actual experiences, What is the What is heartrending and astonishing, filled with adventure, suspense, tragedy and, finally, triumph.

Introducing: The Waffle Maker Machine

April 16, 2007

On Sunday, enthusiastic inventors met to design a series of machines designed to solve the world's problems. The day's creations ranged from the high end Real Life (TM) copy machine (which converts photos of cats, dogs, food, etc. into 3-D objects) to the very affordable Flying Potato (which offers smooth transport to those stuck in traffic and/or bothered by car sickness). The Waffle Maker Machine, pictured here, makes toaster waffles with the mere roll of a quarter. All inventions - including step-by-step instructions - will be featured in 826NYC's Best Inventions of 2007.

Music for the People

March 27, 2007

This morning the students of the "Music for the People" workshop wrapped up their last class by premiering seven original singles. The class's album - produced by volunteers Jeffrey Kim and Bradley Kemp - includes songs covering epic battles ("Jack and Annie, Mission No. 31: Get the Gem"), proclamations of love ("I Love Hot Dogs"), and tales of lament ("Sister").

"Music for the People" is only available in limited release at 826NYC. But you can visit our writing gallery to hear "I Always Have to Be Told" or read the lyrics for "The Best Kid That Helped the Whole World of Candyland."

826 National Seminar comes to NYC!

March 26, 2007

On Thursday, April 5th, at 826NYC in Brooklyn, New York, 826 National will present an all-day seminar from 9AM until 4:30PM. The national seminar includes a tour of our writing center as well as the presentation of a great deal of additional information about the 826 program. Each day, we will be providing a light breakfast and lunch. It is an amazing opportunity to get all your questions answered with all the staff members of 826 present and at your disposal. The charge is $100 for one day. If you are interested, please sign up here.

Summer 2007: Lit Mag Boot Camp

March 25, 2007

The first of our Summer 2007 workshops is now accepting applications! Lit Mag Boot Camp is your opportunity to learn the ins and outs of creating a literary magazine. Over the course of five weeks, students will write and workshop pieces for publication, meet professional journalists, writers, and editors over lunch, and learn the tools necessary to design and produce a professional literary magazine.

This workshop is for high school students. Please click here for more information and to download an Application Form.

Please note: We will announce additional summer workshops shortly. Visit this homepage for updates!

One Sad Peanut

February 15, 2007

This afternoon, 826NYC meets for a fourth session with 9th graders at the Academy for College Preparation and Career Exploration. The students have been creating a collection of graphic short stories about runaway dogs, alien invaders, parents gone missing, Juilliard hopefuls, and so on.

Here's a sneak peak of one student's story, which involves a nervous peanut and an upcoming basketball game.

Choosing Your Own Adventure - Now Available

February 13, 2007

We're happy to announce the newest addition to our list of available field trips: Choosing Your Own Adventure. During this workshop, which is best suited for grades 4 through 8, classes will create an original choose-your-own-adventure story, follow its twists and turns, and write its multiple conclusions - all in the course of 2 hours. At the end of each session, students will take home a copy of the class's adventures, bound together in a pint-sized book.

Teachers may request a field trip through our field trips page. But please hurry! We have only a few spaces available in May and June 2007.

Two Dragons, a Sea Monster, and an Ice Gentleman

January 29, 2007

Yesterday afternoon, parents and siblings gathered in the writing center to watch the premiere performance of "Giant Mutant Dragon's Birthday Surprise." The play, created during Talking Heads: A Puppet Play and Workshop, follows a scuba diver and his aqua dog underseas, where they run into trouble with two dragons, a sea monster, and an ice gentleman.

Special thanks to Diana Schoenbrun and Jeff Hong for teaching this workshop!

Now Available at BSSCo.

January 23, 2007

We're excited and pleased to announce that Nine Novels by Younger Americans has been published and is now for sale at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. This wonderful anthology, introduced by Richard Powers, features novels by Sarah Bradshaw, Rachel Barber, Daniel Cowen, Sarah Meira Rosenberg, Dylan Suher, Lucas Gonzalez, Julia Mayer, Carolyn Maughan, and Samantha Lipman. All of these works were produced in a mere eight weeks, during 826NYC's 2005 Young Adult Writers' Colony. Make sure to stop by the store and pick up a copy of this terrific book!

The Clay's the Thing

January 07, 2007

On Tuesday, students from the Shaping a Story workshop quickly set to work molding names into titles and credits for our next stop-animated short. We have an excellent roster of students, TAs, and instructors, which means this film is guaranteed to be at least as spectacular as the last - we can't wait to see what crazy tale this group creates!

Last year's Story Shapers produced this silent but deadly short, Help Me!, a film about a kingdom and a mysterious woman with an unusual knack for ridding the world of spotted bears:

Happy New Year - Only To All Who Like Sharks

January 02, 2007

Our drop-in students spent the last few days of 2006 predicting innovations for the new year - Khaled's sights are set on robotic sharks. There are a few other things you can expect from 2007, including new workshops for novel writers, graphic novelists, and puppeteers. Spots are limited so please sign up soon!

Holiday Mania

December 17, 2006

With only seven shopping days left before Christmas, our storefront, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company, has been setting new sales records this weekend. Come by if you're in the neighborhood—we'll be open until the 23rd for all of your shopping needs—but supplies are dwindling.

If you can't make it in to the store, we'd like to recommend the following items, which make perfect gifts:

The 826NYC Review, Issue 2
Trapped: The Encyclopedia of Escape
Sonny Paine, Issue 1

Augustus Gloop Goes Up the Pipe

November 22, 2006

On Sunday, the writing center was full of students, parents, and volunteers celebrating Children's Book Week with a dramatic reading of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The highlight of this two-hour read-aloud came during Chapter 16, when our brave readers pulled out all stops (and all accents!) and left us on the edge of our seats, eager to find out what's up next for Augustus Gloop.

Luckily - and much thanks to Martha Mihalick, Mary Callahan, Patrick Nolan, and Bill Heinzen - we were able to send each of the students home with a copy of the book and a bar of custom-designed chocolate.

The Awesomest Time

November 20, 2006

Last Wednesday our students were treated to a night of Grandma, a troupe of wonderdogs, and a pair of miniature bicycles at the Big Apple Circus. The evening - declared "the awesomest time in my whole life" by Khaled, age 8 - was one our students will remember for a long, long time.

Enormous thanks to the generous folks at Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal LLP for this evening and for their incredible support of our organization this past year.

New Listening in the Writing Gallery

November 03, 2006

Four new radio pieces are now up on 826NYC On the Air, from our recent workshops "Narrative Fiction for Radio" and "So Much Drama." Listen to stories about creepy gun-loving uncles, bratty little sisters, suspicious olive loaf, and a whole slew of cheating hearts, all written and performed by our students.

Cheese Man Meets Cheese Man

November 01, 2006

Zombies, bats, jailbirds, mimes, and OSX invaded the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company last night to hand out candy, spook the neighbors, and greet Fifth Avenue's parade of trick-or-treaters. But the biggest surprise of the night came about when one author of "The Stinky Cheese Man" met the author of another "Stinky Cheeseman." While the two swapped compliments and admired one another's hats, we snapped this photo to commemorate the occasion.

The Voices Behind "The Slope"

October 29, 2006

Last Wednesday, students in the So Much Drama workshop took a trip to Manhattan to record parts for their radio soap opera, "The Slope." The afternoon included 3 hours of studio time and lots of throat-soothing lollipops and cups of hot chocolate. The soap, which will be released on 826NYC On the Air later this week, features the voices and writing of Gregory, Lauren, Alyssa, Wendy, Kassie, Lily, Tess, and Freddie.

Special thanks to Tom and Edge Studios in Manhattan for their incredible generosity.

If They Only Knew...

October 23, 2006

Yesterday, students in the Shaping a Story workshop met for a second Sunday afternoon. Armed with a post-it pad, markers, and some clay, these six auteurs mapped out a story line and created characters for their soon-to-be claymation film.

The poor putty souls pictured here have no idea what's in store for them over the next few weeks. Let's just say it involves spots, bears, and a crazy stretch of highway. Keep an eye out for updates - and soon, a film! - in our writing gallery.

Busy Week...

October 12, 2006

It's been a busy week here at 826: There's been little time to celebrate the success of last week's Art Show!

Between Park Slope and Williamsburgh, we've averaged over 55 drop-in students each day, which adds up to a lot of fractions, journal entries, spelling tests, and adventure comics (including Michael and Moses's "Adventures of Me and Him"). We also kicked off our in-schools book project with 10th and 11th graders at the School for Democracy and Leadership in Crown Heights; ran Soap Opera Drama and Journal Writing workshops; and hosted two fourth grade classes from PS 503 for field trips.

Next week, our Myth-Makers workshop begins on Tuesday. Also, Change for Change hosts a happy hour on Wednesday evening, at Barna (365 Park Avenue) to benefit 826NYC.

"I Think This Is a Good Painting"

October 08, 2006

Thursday was a very good night for 826NYC. The staff, board members, and volunteers were in stunned silence during our first art auction, 826NYC Art Show, as John Flansburgh, auctioneer extraordinaire, presided over the bidding, and an evening that was successful beyond our wildest expectations.

There are so many people to thank who made the auction possible. First of all, to the many individuals and companies who helped by donating their advice and services: Sonja Ameglio, Artforum, Cityframe, James Cohan Gallery, Victoria Cuthbert, Meredith Darrow, Fritz Dietl, John Flansburgh, Faye Fleming, GuS Soda, Bellatrix Hubert, Magnus Karlsson Galleri, Knight Landesman, McSweeney's Publishing, Mitchell-Innes & Nash, Mojo Fine Arts Storage, Friedrich Petzel Gallery, Sam Potts, Perry Rubenstein Gallery, Sies + Höke Galerie, Shino Takagi and Kaikai Kiki New York, Corinne Takasaki, and the Timothy Taylor Gallery—thank you all. We owe a special thank you to the staff and directors of the David Zwirner Gallery, who not only donated their facility, but also their time, energy, and expertise.

Of course, we can't forget to thank the artists: Mamma Andersson, Roger Andersson, Jules de Balincourt, Chinatsu Ban, Whitney Bedford, Tim Braden, Santiago Cucullu, Marcel Dzama, Wade Guyton, Roni Horn, Matthew Day Jackson, Rosa Loy, Dave Miko, Takashi Murakami, Jockum Nordström, Chris Ofili, Enoc Perez, Jon Pylypchuk, James Rielly, Florian Slotawa, Fred Tomaselli, C. K. Wilde, and Christopher Williams.

Lastly, there would have been no event without the tireless efforts of our auction committee: Amy Baumann, Amy Davila, Shelley Dick, and Marcel Dzama. The show was their vision and execution, and they worked nonstop over the past 10 months to make the evening as successful as it was.

The 826NYC Art Show Audio Tour

October 04, 2006

Our drop-in students have been busy all month, writing essays, reducing fractions, writing up lab reports, writing stories, etc. This past week a few of our regulars took some time out to comment on the artwork featured in tomorrow's 826NYC Art Show. Please visit the Art Show website or our writing gallery to listen.

If you are interested in bidding, please download the registration form from the show's website and bring it with you. Even if you're not interested in bidding, the show's beautiful limited edition catalog, which is published by McSweeney's, will be available there (long before it hits stores) and John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants will be our guest auctioneer for the evening. We hope to see everyone there.

The Knight of Time Reading Series

September 25, 2006

Believe it or not, our volunteers do not just tutor, teach classes, design publications, and play Scrabble and chess. Please join us on Wednesday at 8pm for the first installment of The Knight of Time reading series, which will feature selections by Erika Hart (workshops), Martin Kleinman (drop-in), Matt Ufford (drop-in, field trips, store), Bryce R. Covert (drop-in, store), Jason Amos (drop-in, store, field trips), Allegra Frazier (drop-in, store), and Elizabeth Bachner (Williamsburgh, field trips).

The Knight of Time reading series takes place on the last Wednesday of every month, at 826NYC. All readings feature three-minute selections by 826NYC volunteers.

Announcing the 826NYC Art Show

September 19, 2006

We are very pleased to announce The 826NYC Art Show, our first auction of original work by contemporary artists to benefit 826NYC. The auction will take place at the David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea on Thursday, October 5 at 8pm, and will include work by 23 celebrated and emerging contemporary artists, a limited edition catalog published by McSweeney's, and audio tours with commentary by 826NYC students. For all information, including previews of the work and registration materials, see the website.

Sonnenschein & 826NYC

September 18, 2006

826NYC gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP. Sonnenschein is helping us fund the position of a Development Director who will work to cultivate and manage individual, corporate, foundation and government funding. Sonnenschein's grant will also establish an endowed Annual Teacher's Award to acknowledge an individual teacher, nominated by students, for his/her excellence.

Sonnenschein, with more than 700 attorneys and other professionals in 10 U.S. cities and a global reach, serves the legal needs of many of the world's largest and best-known businesses, nonprofits and individuals. For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.

They Sang, They Read, They Took Revenge

September 12, 2006

826NYC is still recovering from the colossal outpouring of generosity from the audience, and especially the performers, promoters, and behind-the-scenes folks who made our REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS show at the Beacon Theater on August 23rd such an astounding success. Even though the show was sold out over a month in advance, the audience amazed us by more than doubling our challenge to raise $5000 in extra proceeds by emptying their pockets into our shameless tip buckets. Our deepest gratitude to all who came and contributed. We would like to specifically thank Jon Stewart, John Roderick, Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, Eric Bogosian, and as always Sarah Vowell, Dave Eggers, Jonathan Coulton, and John Hodgman for donating their time and making the evening so memorable.

The evening couldn't have happened without the hard work and support of the following individuals and organizations: Bowery Presents, Comedy Central, 2x4, Barsuk Records, Ben Karlin, Stereogum, and Matt Hickey at High Road Touring.

And if you were unable to make it there's always this:

Gotham Film Festival 2006!

September 06, 2006

The summer's been long, but the moment has arrived! Our Summer Filmmakers' movies, Doomsday in the USA and Death is Calling will be released exclusively at 826NYC this Friday, September 8th, at 7pm.

The Gotham Film Festival, held in honor of our students' incredible work both in front of and behind the lens, will also feature 826NYC's popular shorts, The Everything Song, The Adventures of Buddy & Fry, and Introduction to Yu-Gi-Oh!

This event is free and open to all ages - priority seating will be reserved for those 14 years and younger.

Good Listening from Kids on the Radio

August 29, 2006

The Kids on the Radio workshop will meet one last time tomorrow to organize tape, finish writing and recording, and score their stories. Over the last four weeks, the young producers have listened to samples of radio journalism, gathered interviews with field recording equipment, and edited and scored a short interview conducted in class by Julian and Chandani on the hardships of being the new kid at school. The coming stories promise to be good listening, ranging in subject matter from basketball-legend-fathers to Russian immigrant babysitters to a deeply felt passion for swimming.

Sonny Paine Needs Submissions!

August 17, 2006

Sonny Paine needs fiction and nonfiction from high schoolers! Now and only now (ok, well, maybe later) Sonny Paine will accept submissions from non-New Yorkers! Sonny Paine is hungry for works preferably fewer than 3,000 words and in Microsoft Word format!

For those teenagers who have been toiling, or toiling over their lack of toiling, on their short stories all summer, Sonny Paine is here for you. For those teenagers who kind of want to toil, will toil a little, pop something quick and glib out, Sonny Paine is still here for you. So feel better about your summer, and send us something. Get it done and email your submission to sonnypaine@826nyc.org!

Congratulations, Volunteers!

August 07, 2006

On top of teaching workshops, tutoring students, and working in the schools, our volunteers have spent the year working, writing, editing, and more. In other words, they're even more amazing than you thought. Here are just a few highlights from the year:
- Drop-in tutors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck wrote and directed the film, Half Nelson, which is in theaters this week.
- Comics About You teacher, Tom Hart, and his comic, Hutch Owen, will be featured in Metro beginning August 14th.
- Science Writing with AMNH teacher, David Berreby, published Us and Them: Understanding Your Tribal Mind
- Kids on the Radio teacher, Starlee Kine, is working on her upcoming book, It IS Your Fault
- Williamsburgh tutor, Ned Vizzini, published It's Kind of a Funny Story
- Young Adult Writers' Colony teacher, Dan Ehrenhaft, published Drawing a Blank and has a new book, The After Life, coming out in October
- Journalism teacher, Seth Mnookin published the New York Times best-seller, Feeding the Monster: How Money, Smarts, and Nerve Took a Team to the Top
- Young Adult Writers' Colony teacher, Leslie Margolis, has two new books, Price of Admission and Fix, coming out later this year.
- Three Minutes of Collaboration teacher, Leo Allen, just completed his tour with The Comedy Men from Tomorrow and will be touring again later this year.
- Superstar: Songs in the Key of You teacher, Chris Deaner, had his plus/minus music video, Steal the Blueprints, featured at the Asian American Film Festival at UC Davis.
- I Write the Songs that Make the Whole World Sing teachers, Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell & Jeff Bowen, won three Obie Awards for their musical, [title of show], which is currently playing at the Vineyard Theatre.

Mothers and Daughters

August 03, 2006

Our crew of young writers-actors-directors wrap up filming this afternoon for 826NYC's Summer Filmmakers program. Today, the Death is Calling cast films on location on Seventh Avenue. In this horror flick, Mrs. O'Brian (nice mom) and her daughter Emily (smart) are haunted by a dark secret that lurks inside their new home...

Curious to hear what happens next? Watch for announcements about both films' premieres, set for later this month.

Special Tickets Available for Revenge of the Book Eaters

July 31, 2006

We are pleased to announce that our benefit on August 23 at the Beacon Theater, REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS (with Jon Stewart, Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, Sarah Vowell, Dave Eggers, John Roderick, and John Hodgman), is sold out. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets—we are eagerly anticipating this one-of-a-kind evening of music, comedy, and literature. If you weren't able to get tickets in time, all hope is not lost. 826NYC is offering a limited number of Priority Tickets (front and center seats) for $250 each. All proceeds, of course, will come directly to the organization and will support student programming here. Contributions above face value are also tax deductible. If you are interested in purchasing Priority Tickets please call us here at 718-499-9884.

826 Goes Green

July 25, 2006

A very large green screen has made its home at 826NYC. Why put up such a thing, you might ask? Because Summer Filmmakers' Doomsday in the USA, featuring a scientist resembling Kurt Vonnegut, a plague with a near-unpronounceable name, and a very familiar jolly man, cannot be filmed without mind-twisting whirls of special effects!

Despite a couple of costume and wrinkling delays, our actors took take after exhausting take in front of the new screen—suspended miraculously with binder clips and some string.

The Book Eaters Take Revenge, August 23

July 13, 2006

826NYC and The Bowery Presents present Revenge of the Book Eaters, a star-studded night featuring some of today's most recognized names in indie-rock, literature, and comedy, including Sufjan Stevens (in a rare stripped-down performance), Jon Stewart, David Byrne (alone, onstage, with a guitar), Dave Eggers (best-selling author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius), Sarah Vowell (best-selling author and This American Life contributor), John Hodgman (Daily Show regular and author of The Areas of My Expertise), John Roderick (The Long Winters) and special guests to be announced in an evening that promises once and for all to settle the debate: words or music - which is better?

This event, which is named after a story by an 826NYC student, is the first in a series of six concerts in six cities to raise money for children's literacy programs in the 826 writing centers across the country. Revenge of the Book Eaters Tour info

Summer Filmmakers Begins

July 12, 2006

826NYC Summer Filmmakers, in which students will write, direct and star in two original five minute movies, began yesterday afternoon. The session involved selecting genres to work in, outlining the two stories, and beginning to work on the scripts.

The stories, one horror and one disaster movie, are already beginning to take shape. Between the two, there's quite a bit to look forward to, including a possessed homocidal telephone, a meteor crash in a rural trailer park, the pandemic outbreak of a skin-tightening/hair-burning/green-bump-causing disease, and the evacuation of the United States by airplane.

Casting and pre-production begin next week, so stay tuned for more updates and photos.

Young Adult Writers' Colony

July 10, 2006

Today marked the first workshop of the Young Adult Writers' Colony, which kicked off with a very productive first session. Pages of time traveling fantasy, free verse poetry, and letters addressed to therapists concerning persistent nicknames were nervously collated and passed around. Our nine authors mused over line breaks and considered tense shifts; and at the end, each writer walked out with a folder full of marked up copies and heightened sense of where their novel was going. We're excited to see these novels take shape over the next eight weeks!

Doormat Is Happy

June 29, 2006

In the brief lull between the school year and summer, the staff's finally had a moment to sort through all of the great stuff our students have been generating since September—our first ever music video, the second issue of The 826NYC Review, a brand new satellite tutoring center, an online radio station, Trapped: The Encyclopedia of Escape, an entire new library of student films, and, of course, stories—about the Chevy's in Staten Island, bookeating superheroes, puppy school, the crusades, Dark Captain Commando, and big eyeballs with lots of eyes.

We thought this illustration (created by Tristan, age 9, during a recent field trip) summed our school year up best. We couldn't be more excited for the summer. Doormat is happy.

The Everything Song

June 19, 2006

Last Sunday during the Superstar: Songs in the Key of You! workshop the 826NYC writing center found itself teeming with dancing koala bears, werewolves, chickens, marshmallows, hot dogs of doom, and one clone trooper (pictured).

Along with volunteers Chris Deaner, Paul Ahern, and Katherine Lam, these six- to eight-year-olds have been working steadily to write, record, and create a video for the original (and catchy) "Everything Song." We're excited to celebrate the song's release during next week's class!

The 826NYC Garden Party!

June 15, 2006

Next Thursday, we're hosting our first annual Garden Party, which will feature Sean Wilsey, beer and wine in an outdoor setting & a chance to feel good about helping 826NYC help the kids. Click here for more details.

Next Up, The Summer Special...

June 06, 2006

Last Thursday, 826NYC hosted the Year-End Extravapalooza, which showcased student work from the past year. Lucky audience members were treated to a reading of Gabriel Auerbach's "Bob, the Space Monkey," Alex Casimir's "How to Not Kiss Your Ugly, Ugly Aunt," Matthew Goodman's intro to the first issue of Sonny Paine, and Yasmeen Itayem's "How to Be Annoying," as well as a clip of Tariq Tarat's radio piece, "The Lying Interviews," and Brendan Jacotin's documentary short, "How to Play Yu-Gi-Oh."

For those who missed the Extravapalooza, stay tuned for announcements about our next event, The Summer Special, which will feature projects created during drop-in tutoring throughout the month of June.

826NYC's End of the Year Extravapalooza!

May 29, 2006

This Thursday, June 1st, 826NYC will host its End of the Year Extravapalooza, an evening of readings, signings, and hobnobbing to celebrate the release of the second issue of The 826NYC Review, the premiere issue of Sonny Paine, and presentations of the exceptional films, radio stories, and songs that have been created at 826NYC this year.

The 826NYC Review features stories about robots, Led Zeppelin, and outer-space firefighters. For a sneak peak, check out The 826NYC Interview with Brendan, Creator of 'Utencil Boy'.

Sonny Paine is a brand new literary journal created by writers who happen to be in high school. Founding editor, Matt Goodman, shares his thoughts on the publication's success in his blog entry, Sonny Paine!

They Write the Songs That Make the Whole World Sing

May 17, 2006

Last night 826NYC and the instructors of the "I Write the Songs That Make the Whole World Sing" workshop released eight tracks by Brooklyn's hottest new bands. Lucky fans were treated to sparkling cider and exclusive interviews with Nala (of Nala B), Gio (of Yellow Robot Go Car Angry), Violet (of Vick), Nalani (of Ocean Breeze), Jeremy (of the Meganigma Rockers), Alegra (of the X-10 Dementors), and Erick (of Red Lion). Select audience members took home copies of the album, produced by Steve White, while Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell, Jeff Bowen, and Heidi Blickenstaff dropped tracks and uncovered some shocking truths (Jeremy's favorite color? Green. Erick's favorite ice cream? Strawberry.).

Sneak previews of the album will soon be available in 826NYC's writing gallery. Just remember, you heard them here first.

Love With A Capital "L"

May 08, 2006

After months of careful crafting and disciplined attention, Nalani is wrapping up her long awaited script. This dramatic fifth-grader is close to completion on her first, full length drama, "Hollywood Heaven". Many know Nalani as a drop-in tutoring regular. It has been her main focus to spend her post-homework time hammering out an amazing script. Her piece mocks Hollywood scandals, the law, and the press through its exploration of a media hoax involving Shirley Temple. Sound unbelievable? Just wait until you experience the explosive ending where Love comes to the rescue. Forget comic book heroes, the only summer blockbuster worth seeing stars a child actress of the golden age and a ten-year-old with a wild creative streak.

"Fluffy Rider" Is Up For Listening

April 21, 2006

"Fluffy Rider," the new radio drama from our recent Radio Drama Rama workshop, is completed and up in the Writing Gallery. The story follows Bruce, a tattooed motorcycle/bunny slipper enthusiast, on his trip overseas to a motorcycle convention. Along the way we meet an eccentric cast of characters, including Bruce's over-protective mother, a charismatic motorcycle salesman, the heiress to a sun umbrella fortune, a hundred-year-old shopkeeper and a Brooklyn lady with acid reflux. Congratulations to Ema, Phoebe, Ben, Abed and Khaled for their outstanding work as writers, actors and sound effect makers.

You Give Us 10 Minutes, We'll Give You the Truth

April 16, 2006

Drop-in tutoring is closed this week, but the staff can still hear echoes of Tariq's new radio piece - a series of interviews and musings about liars and lying. For several weeks now, Tariq's been collecting interviews with drop-in superstars, Sam, Mig (who may or may not be Russian), Alex, Martha, Marcus, and Gais (who may or may not be his brother). The rumored host of the piece is history buff, Michael Jones, of Washington, DC. Tariq will begin to edit the piece next week—stay tuned for the final product, set to appear in our writing gallery.

New Writing at Williamsburgh

April 06, 2006

The Williamsburgh center has been seeing a lot of new regulars in the past few weeks. A lot of homework is getting done, and a lot stories are being written, especially on the electric typewriter. The writing ranges widely, from personal experience ("Once Upon a Time I Saw a Dog" by Rafael, 6) to absurdist fiction ("The Girl Who Lived in a Nose" by Kadesha, 11). Johanna and Anheny, 9, continue work on a series of books they started on their own, and Michael, 10, has just begun a horror story about a birthday party in a haunted basement. Everyone seems pretty excited about seeing their work in print, and the first collection of stories from Williamsburgh is coming soon.

Novel Seminar with Michael Cunningham

March 23, 2006

Please join us on Wednesday, April 5th for a seminar for aspiring adult writers on Writing and Publishing the Novel. We have an amazing panel pulled together that includes novelists Michael Cunningham (The Hours), Sam Lipsyte (Homeland), and Christopher Sorrentino (Trance) as well as some of the industry's leading editors and agents. For more information, see here. We hope you all come.

The 826NYC Review Now Available on Amazon

March 22, 2006

If you don't have a copy of Issue 1 yet, now's your chance. The 826NYC Review is finally available on Amazon! One of the most entertaining reads of 2005—now available to the masses. If you're still on the fence, take a look at The 826NYC Interview with Brendan, Creator of "Utencil Boy" here. Or read all about the book here.

And again, buy it here.

"Lucy is a World Famous Scuba Diving Instructor"

March 20, 2006

Sunday drop-in has reached a good pace. It was previously known as the "wild card" of the drop-in sessions. All bets were off on who we were to expect. Now we have a strong crew of Sunday regulars who come in for a little homework help and stay for the ambience.

We're taking advantage of Sunday's low-key vibe by developing some great writing activities. Take for instance Lucy and Diana's "Memory" game, it is similar to the old game where pairs of matching cards are scrambled and placed face down on a table. However, instead of cards that feauture matching pictures, the pairs are identical sentences. Turn over a card and it may read: "Do not pity the starfish named Oscar" or "Lucy is a world famous scuba diving instructor". The sentences may or may not be true.

826NYC On the Air and in Manhattan

March 15, 2006

On Monday—one snowstorm, several subway jams, one family vacation, a few baseball practices, and two months after the start of the Make Your Own Radio Story (It's Just Like TV, Except Different) workshop—Leanne, Phoebe, Ian, and Nicholas finally made it to WBAI to put some finishing touches on their Prospect Park Zoo piece. The students recorded their piece, sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," and invented a rap about 826NYC before spilling out onto Wall Street with the rest of the rush-hour crowd. Stay tuned for the finished product, soon to appear in our writing gallery, alongside other 826NYC On the Air favorites, "Heroes or Villains" and "Superhero Academy."

A Roaring Reception in Williamsburgh

March 13, 2006

Last Tuesday we celebrated our new tutoring annex in the Williamsburgh Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library with an opening reception. Ginnie Cooper, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Public Library (shown right leading the attendees in a raucous, unstereotypical librarian cheer), hosted the ceremony, which included words from 826NYC board members Dave Eggers and Sarah Vowell, as well as our own Executive Director, Scott Seeley. The Annex is open for tutoring Monday through Thursday, so if you're in the neighborhood, stop on by and say hello—and if you have homework to do, we can help you with that, too.

It Was Love. Love and Pie.

February 27, 2006

Yesterday's Three Minutes of Collaboration students filmed the final scene of their comedy noir, tentatively titled "Love and Pie." Before this scene, Sai (playing a waiter/pie assassin) avenged the local children's hospital by pie-ing Colin (playing a corrupt CEO on the verge of tearing down the hospital). The pie-ing, believe it or not, only took one take. Stay tuned for next week's workshop, during which the students will edit their thriller, add sounds, and create titles. Check back with 826NYC for updates on DVD availability.

Ms. Best's Mildew Afficionados

February 06, 2006

Down at the center this week, we hosted Ms. Best’s fourth grade class for a Storytelling & Bookmaking field trip. Twenty-one smiling faces greeted us in the store, as has become the field trip routine. However, a few familiar faces appeared in the group. We had some returning field trip veterans: Parnell, Charlotte, and Tyra had all gone through the Mildew Gauntlet and returned for another challenge. What we thought would be another morning of fun literary kicks turned out to be a milestone for this 826 branch.

The class rose to the occasion by writing a fable about a prankster pair of pants and a sassy, hooded sweatshirt. Although the kids were a little taller and a little wiser, they still had the same inquiries about the elusive H. Mildew.

Williamsburgh's Tutoring Annex Opens!

February 02, 2006

Drop-in has been hit with Scrabble mania lately. Yesterday, Marcus, age 10, wowed his opponents by breaking out the word "antietam" in his first turn. After that and last week's use of "gambit" (Alex, age 7), we're not quite sure what next week's competitors will come up with.

Next Monday marks the first day of the Williamsburgh tutoring annex, located in the basement of the Williamsburgh Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. We're thrilled to officially open the vault doors to students and tutors, 2:30-5:30pm, Mondays through Thursdays. Please swing by and check out back issues of The Williamsburgh Satellite, geographical indices of good and evil, secret identity relocation system updates, and the latest in public service announcements for local superheroes. We look forward to seeing you there.

As Smart As They Are Screening

January 09, 2006

Please join us this Thursday, January 12, for a screening of Joe Pacheco's As Smart As They Are: The Author Project, a film that documents the collaboration between McSweeney's Brooklyn house-band One Ring Zero and an ensemble cast of award-winning authors. Visit Events for more information.

Happy Holidays from 826NYC!

December 22, 2005

We look forward to seeing you in 2006, when we launch the new tutoring annex in the Williamsburgh branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Also, keep an eye out for new publications set for release in the spring, including the second issue of The 826NYC Review and an original publication with Brandeis High School!

Thanks for making this year such a tremendous success. We're so grateful to the teachers, students, parents, and supporters who've helped throughout the year. And special thanks to our incredible volunteers who trek to the center (through rain, snow, and transit strikes!) every day to keep this place running. You're amazing, and none of this would be possible without you

We'll see you in the new year.
826NYC

Support 826NYC

December 21, 2005

A quick holiday shopping announcement: the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. will be open through Friday, December 23rd. Supplies are going fast, so be sure to drop by soon!

Also, keep an eye out for these Melting Snowman Canisters. Marcel Dzama is donating all of his proceeds from this project to 826NYC.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 23, 2005

All week, 826NYC's students have been hungrily anticipating the holiday. Yesterday Dalia treated staff to a solo performance of the "Short Fat Turkey Song," and Alex, a vegetarian as of last Wednesday, drew hand-shaped turkeys and continued to declare, "Don't eat meat. If you do you're killing life!"

We've also kicked off a new writing project with a talented group of seniors from Brandeis High School. Yesterday, we met with the students for the first time.

The Williamsburgh Writing Annex: Coming Soon!

November 16, 2005

The writing center has been buzzing with news of the Brooklyn Public Library & 826NYC Writing Annex, a new tutoring and writing room set to open at the Williamsburgh Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. The Writing Annex (also rumored to be the new home of the Brooklyn Superhero Alliance) is set to open the first week of December. We're still on the lookout for tutors and sponsors to help kickstart this project—please give us a call if you're interested!

Halloween Blog Just Posted!

November 01, 2005

The Superhero Supply Store has quickly recovered from the invasion of villains last night. The staff sorted through candy wrappers and pumpkins this morning, unearthing a few photos and an anonymous blog .

Zombie Cocktails and Biology

October 30, 2005

There has been a terrifying amount of work getting done at 826. Haunted by the holiday spirit, Nalani created a pamphlet of ghoulish recipes. Leave it to her to devise a dish called, "Zombie cocktail." In the midst of all the Halloween madness, Lianna signed in to study up for a big biology test, proving herself to be a truly disciplined student. Darrious has been using his post-homework time to pen a series of action packed tales inspired by his Halloween costume, an impressive feat for a first grader. There's more fun to come when the big day arrives: We wish you a safe and fun night!

Superhero Fashion Show!

October 11, 2005

We couldn't be more thrilled about our upcoming fundraiser on October 20th:

It's a fashion show of new attire for superheroes and sidekicks designed by Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Taylor, Jack Spade, Built By Wendy, Kenneth Cole and many others, modeled by Samantha Bee, Rob Corddry, and Ed Helms (of The Daily Show) Amy Sedaris (of Strangers with Candy), and Kathleen Hanna (from Le Tigre). The event will be hosted by John Hodgman (author of The Areas of My Expertise) and will include fashion advice from The Incredibles' Edna Mode, a new short film from Patton Oswalt, some commentary from Sarah Vowell, and much more. There will also be a marching band.

This will be a hilarious and extremely entertaining evening. Don't miss it. Tickets are $25 and $75. Buy tickets here. We'll see you all there.

$75.00 tickets include priority seating, as well as a private wine reception and silent auction of costumes after the show.

Dear Allen Iverson...

October 03, 2005

Now that we've gotten back to our routine, a few side projects have begun to sprout up at 826. Alex High came in to the center the other day to work on a campaign speech which she hopes to use to cinch her debut into school politics. Navada Daniels took some time from his homework to draft a letter to his hero, Allen Iverson. We're hoping Allen can take some time from his schedule to write back soon. During Sunday drop-in, our tutors had a chance to brainstorm ideas for Gigantor Books. We can't wait to throw more themes out to our students and see where they take them. We're keeping busy through the rest of October as there are more great programs and workshops coming up. Keep checking back to stay in the know!

Back to School

September 21, 2005

Drop-in has been running for a whole week—we've seen new and old volunteers, students, cousins of students, friends of cousins of students, and so on. We're excited to get started creating Gigantor books and collecting stories for the next issue of The 826NYC Review. Max today completed a story about a cell-phone savvy dog who saves a school from monkeys wielding Oreos as weapons. (You'll have to drop by and ask him for more details.)

Now that school's in full swing, we're hoping to revamp the writing center with new and used computers. Please let us know if you have access to Mac laptops and/or eMacs and Mac minis.

YA Writers' Colony Wraps Up

September 12, 2005

The arrival of September heralds the end of the Young Adult Writers' Colony, and our novelists are busily finishing up their manuscripts. The multi-talented Kyisha Davenport came by last week to add some final touches to a work that shows great promise. Be sure to keep an eye out for more news from this crop of talented artists.

Fall hails the beginning of a new school year as well as the return of drop-in tutoring! The center is eager for familiar folks and newcomers alike to join us for another year of great fun and great work. 826NYC is kicking off the school year with a literary reading starring some of our resident authors. The evening will feature selections from The 826NYC Review and author signings!

826NYC Review on Sale Now!

August 17, 2005

Today the center welcomed Ann Brashares and Cecily von Ziegasar, the authors of Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants and Gossip Girl, respectively. They came as a part of our Wednesday Lunch Sessions for the Young Adult Writers' Colony, where established professionals from the publishing world come to speak to the colony's students about their jobs and also answer a multitude of questions. Last week we were pleased to welcome Brashares's Random House editor, Wendy Loggia, and Liesa Abrams an editor at Penguin's young adult imprint, Razorbill. The week before that we were delighted to host 826NYC advisor, Jonathan Safran Foer and his dog, George.

The first issue of The 826NYC Review arrived yesterday and features stories, poems, interviews, reviews, choose-your-own adventures, guest appearances by Hilary Duff, headlines written about mold, and a touching afterword from the review's publisher, H. Mildew. They are on sale in the Superhero Supply Store, and 826NYC will be hosting a party celebrating the release September 13th.

In other store news, the villain containment unit is up and running for all to use.

Workshops are going well as the summer season starts to wind down and we prepare for school starting again. We are hosting a workshop with The Family Center group, TEACH, while they make an educational film as part of their outreach programming. The storywriting drop-in sessions have been producing gigantor books on a weekly basis, including Four Stories, Some With Water and The Golden Future. For more stories from the center and the unique perspectives of volunteers, staff, visitors, and just plain hooligans, please check out our blog .

Teachers Have It Easy

August 02, 2005

Be sure to join two members of 826NYC's board--Dave Eggers and Ninive Calegari--and journalist Daniel Moulthrop, as they discuss their new book, Teachers Have It Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers. The event takes place Thursday, August 4th (7pm) at Housing Works (126 Crosby Street).

Sea of Fire, Droplet of Youth

July 27, 2005

Summer programs are approaching their peak right now at 826NYC.

Just last week our Summer Playwrights entertained a packed house with stunning performances of Sea of Fire and Droplet of Youth. Check out the volunteer blog for an inside peek.

The Young Adult Writers' Colony is already approaching its second month! Last week our authors enjoyed pizza with several editors at Scholastic's SoHo headquarters as a part of the colony's Wednesday lunch sessions.

We're looking forward to the beginning of the Songwriting Workshop and Six Detectives this month, too!

New Workshops: Sign Up Soon!

July 13, 2005

Special thanks to the readers--David Sedaris, Lorrie Moore, Charles Baxter, Akhil Sharma, Sarah Vowell, Joyce Carol Oates, and Steve Buscemi--and guests who helped make our fundraiser last week hugely successful.

Summer programs have been running full swing since the holiday. Our Young Adult Writers have been meeting twice a week to workshop their upcoming novels. This afternoon, author Joanna Hershon talked with our authors over sandwiches and soda.

We're excited to hold performances of the two plays being written during our Summer Playwrights program. The full scripts are still in development, but we can guarantee at least one appearance from an astronaut fireman and a 120-year-old pirate. The performance will take place on Friday, July 22nd. All are welcome to join!

And we still have summer workshops running. So, if you're looking to polish your candy reviewing skills, or brush up on your storytelling/walking, or finally let loose with all of that quilting energy, or work out that song you've been humming all summer, we have a whole season's worth of classes to look into. Sign up soon!

Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules

June 27, 2005

We have one week to go before our July 5th reading--tickets are going fast!

826NYC Interviews Abed

June 21, 2005

We've just posted the first of our series of 826NYC Interviews in our writing gallery. Learn more about one of our featured authors, Abed Hamdan, and catch a sneak peek of the 826NYC Review!

Brooklyn Superhero Academy

June 16, 2005

Students from the Superhero Radio workshop met last week for a listening party to celebrate the release of their radio drama, Brooklyn Superhero Academy. Visit the writing gallery to hear this exciting tale!

Next week marks the end of drop-in, which means we're busy getting ready for our end-of-the-year celebration. On Tuesday, we'll have readings, refreshments, and our newest Gigantor Books publication (Lucky visitors may even have a chance to subscribe to Brendan's series of comics and receive a free copy of Issue 2, "Utensil Boy vs. Bucket Head").

Once the school year ends, we'll shift our focus toward summer programs and the upkeep of the writing center, which we hope to revamp with new computers, more children's books, and general spring cleaning. Please take a look at our wish list for more information about the items we need.

Backyard Deck Completed and Already in Use!

June 09, 2005

We are pleased to announce the completion of our backyard deck. Built and engineered by volunteers Sean Fri, Brian Young, Josh Martin, Dan Kleinman, and Sam Potts, the deck has already been used by students and will serve in coming weeks for the Summer Playwrights Program. It has an agreeable disposition and generally exudes an aura of deck-ly splendor. Stay tuned for progress on the garden.

Summer at 826NYC

June 08, 2005

With the end of the school year palpably close, our excitement about this year's summer programs is reaching a fevered pitch. We're thrilled to be offering Story Hour and Story Writing for our elementary school students. Thanks to some of our talented volunteers, our Summer Playwrights now have a brand new deck to stage their original plays on in July. And this week, our fifteen novelists-to-be, who are enrolled in the Young Adult Writers' Colony, will meet at the center for an orientation session.

We have about one month to go before our July 5th reading with David Sedaris, Sarah Vowell, Joyce Carol Oates, Lorrie Moore, Charles Baxter, and Akhil Sharma. The event is scheduled for 8pm at Cooper Union. Tickets are only $20.

Our library of student publications has been growing steadily. For a month now, we've been publishing our drop-in students' stories through our Gigantor Books (check out our writing gallery to see how Superdoo saved his math class and how a strong man saved the Statue of Liberty). We have an amazing collection of workshop publications, too. Interested readers may find Stand Clear of the Closing Doors or The Haunted, Rocking, Basketball, Custard, Spring Type Thing at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company.

We've just launched an 826NYC blog, where our volunteers post their take on the goings on at the writing center and superhero supply store.

Finally, keep an eye out for a new book from McSweeney's, set to be released in the fall. Noisy Outlaws... features an introduction by Lemony Snicket and stories by Nick Hornby, Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Safran Foer, and more.

Superhero Supply Not Yet Super--But Getting Closer

May 22, 2005

Across a blue-gray Corlears Hook blacktop, the Superhero Supply Company softball team fell to Cambridge University Press, 10-4, Thursday. Stymied by obscure ground rules ("If you hit it over the fence, onto FDR Drive and cause an 11-car pileup, well, that's an automatic out"), the Suppliers still tapped their offense in the seven-inning loss.

Sam Potts, part of the center's advisory board, went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and anchored the defense at shortstop. Volunteer Elaine Palucki proved ever vigilant at third base, manning a hot corner made even more treacherous by loose gravel.

The Suppliers, 0-2 in the League of Superpowered Athletes and the Mortals Who Get the Better of Them, are currently negotiating appearance fees for their next matchup.

BSSCo. Featured in Newsweek

May 15, 2005

Congratulations to the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. and Sam Potts Inc. for being featured in the latest issue of Newsweek. The magazine lists BSSCo. as one of its "Design Dozen," or their "pick of the names to know, stuff to covet, ideas to ponder."

The store has also been listed in this year's Zagat New York City Shopping guide.

Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules

April 03, 2005

Our first fundraising book, Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules, a collection of short stories edited and introduced by David Sedaris, is now available. All of Sedaris' proceeds will go to student programming at 826NYC. The collection includes masterful stories by Richard Yates, Lorrie Moore, Joyce Carol Oates, Alice Munro and 13 others. Order it here .

Bullets Shoot Down Suppliers, 25-2

April 01, 2005

Can of Evil opened in first inning. The DC Comics bullets crushed the Superhero Supply Company softball team in Central Park's North Meadow last Thursday, scoring 25 runs before the game was called in the fifth inning on account of darkness and also so that the teams could eat quesadillas.

826NYC Education Director Joan Kim and Volunteer Michael Coviello scored the only two runs for the Superhero Suppliers.

Joel Press, manager of the Bullets, revealed that their team had opened a Can of Evil purchased from the BSSCo. While the use of Canned Evil is not specifically forbidden by the League of Superpowered Athletes, it is considered extremely gauche and congressional hearings on the matter have been scheduled.