The Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library is currently hosting a temporary exhibition titled “The Book of Hov,” dedicated to hip hop super star artist Jay-Z. Opening on July 14, the exhibition showcases a wide range of artifacts, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photographs, iconic stage outfits, prestigious awards, video clips, and various items from Jay-Z’s professional life. While the library has not announced the closing date, Christine Schonhart, the branch director, says she expects the exhibition to remain open through the fall.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore audio clips, text, and photos on “The Book of Hov” website. Spanning a significant portion of the 352,000-square-foot library building, the exhibition encourages visitors to bring their phones and headphones to enhance their experience.
As visitors enter the library’s lobby, they will encounter several captivating displays, such as a multimedia “tower of power” and the full sculpture featured on the cover of Jay-Z’s 2009 album, “The Blueprint 3.”
Jamaica’s very own ZJ Sparks attended the opening and posted her experience on Instagram, including a snapshot of the God MC Jay – Z himself as he arrived at the venue.
“You know life is dynamic enuh. I saw on social media that there was a Jay Z exhibition at the @bklynlibrary Brooklyn Library and headed up there the next day cause dats a fellow Saggi and dat is Shawn Carter!”
The New and Noteworthy room has been temporarily transformed into a showcase for Jay-Z’s awards and recording memorabilia. It also includes an interactive vinyl listening station featuring a bin of records that Jay-Z sampled across his 13 albums. The children’s wing provides a Jay-Z-inspired station where young library patrons can create paper planes.
In the adjacent teen room, materials about Jay-Z’s business and philanthropic ventures are on display, alongside a bookshelf featuring Jay-Z-endorsed titles. Additionally, part of the Information Commons has been transformed into a full-scale recreation of Baseline Studios, where Jay-Z worked on albums such as “The Black Album,” “The Blueprint,” and “The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse.”
Moving to the library’s second floor, visitors can explore magazine spreads, admire Jay-Z’s collection of Armand de Brignac champagne bottles, and immerse themselves in a multimedia room with wall-to-wall video. Towards the back, there is a designated “meditation room,” featuring blue carpeting and facing a large video screen.
Representatives from the library have confirmed that Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, covered the full expense of the exhibit’s installation, including most of the labor costs. The exhibition incurs no cost for the Brooklyn Public Library or taxpayers. Roc Nation is also donating an undisclosed sum of money to the library, as well as copies of books and vinyl records. Interestingly, the organization planned “The Book of Hov” as a surprise for Jay-Z, and it chose the main branch of the library instead of the smaller Marcy Library closer to Jay-Z’s home neighborhood. Additionally, the Marcy branch library will feature additional programming related to “The Book of Hov” in the coming months. In connection with the exhibition, the Brooklyn Public Library has announced the release of 13 new limited-edition library cards, each featuring one of Jay-Z’s album covers.
Coinciding with the exhibition’s opening, Jay-Z received an Emmy nomination for co-directing Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance. Prior to the announcement, the library’s façade featured Jay-Z lyrics, as reported by Hell Gate. To celebrate the exhibition, most of the library branch remained closed to the public for a private party. Bruce Ratner, a New York real estate developer and Jay-Z’s business partner, is married to Linda D. Johnson, the CEO and president of the Brooklyn Public Library.
