One of the most exciting parts of the Fordham experience is taking advantage of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, only a block away. Located in the heart of Lincoln Center, the NYPL for the Performing Arts hosts multiple intelligent and rousing events each week, the majority of which are free, perfect for budding college students. To keep track of upcoming events go to www.nypl.org, and read on to find out about what’s going on in the coming weeks.

The Theatre Library Association will be holding its annual Book Awards in the Library for the Performing Arts Cafe on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. The Awards commemorate authors who write about theatre, film and broadcasting with excellence. This year’s recipients include Terry Alford for “Fortune’s Fool: The Life of John Wilkes Booth,” which deconstructs the existence of President Lincoln’s assassin, and James Layton and David Pierce for “The Dawn of Technicolor, 1915-1935,” which offers a closer look into the rise of one of the film industry’s most important names, published one hundred years after it was first founded. Free general admission tickets can be reserved online.

Tony-award winning actress and producer Judith Light leads the conversation as the League of Professional Theatre Women continues its celebration of women in theatre. Whether you’re a woman, a lover of theater, neither or both, this talk will leave you informed and empowered. Currently starring in Neil LaBute’s new play “All The Ways To Say I Love You,” Light will speak in the library’s Bruno Walter Auditorium on Monday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. This event is free and tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The line for tickets will start one hour before the performance, so if you are interested, make sure to get there early.

On Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m, saxophonist and composer Jane Ira will present “Wild Lines,” which combines the music of her jazz quartet with the poetry of Emily Dickinson, recited by actress Deborah Rush. Her new piece was inspired by the realization that Dickinson was a pianist and improviser, and how this information related Dickinson’s writing to the music of jazz. The performance takes place at the Bruno Walter Auditorium and, following suit with the previous events, tickets are free. Reserve your tickets online today!