Bruce Springsteen Hints at His Next Musical Direction at the NY Public Library
At the Library Lions Gala in the New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room, Bruce Springsteen gave an intimate performance and spoke about the role libraries played in his life. The event took place Monday evening and celebrated several creative figures inducted into the NYPL Hall of Fame, including Shonda Rhimes, Louise Erdrich, Daniel Kehlmann, James McBride, and James Patterson.
Springsteen’s Unique Venue
Springsteen highlighted the novelty of the setting, humorously listing the wide range of places he has played throughout his career, from weddings and fireman’s fairs to stadiums — but never a library.
“I have never played a (blanking) library!” Springsteen said.
Reflection on Libraries
Before the performance, attendees watched a short film exploring the impact of libraries on the inductees’ lives. In that video, Springsteen reflected on his hometown library’s importance.
“My town only had about 10,000 people, but there in the center of it was the library, and it was this place where the rest of the world was waiting,” said Springsteen. “It gave me this greater sense of possibility… it was a sanctuary.”
The Freehold Public Library that Springsteen mentioned is located at 28½ East Main Street, a lasting symbol of the community that shaped his artistic vision.
Author’s Summary
Springsteen’s NYPL performance celebrated creativity and revealed his deep appreciation for libraries as lifelong wellsprings of inspiration.