2026 Kick-off @ Union Hall!

Over 25 men attended our 2026 Last Call Library kick-off at Union Hall last Thursday! Guys from across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens — some longtime New Yorkers, some new to the city. A few fresh arrivals from elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad (apparently word got out to the British expatriates). Ages ranged from the mid-20s to late-30s, with backgrounds spanning media, law, tech, finance, nonprofit, and more. As a former CUNY staffer, meeting a Queens College alumnus and current Bronx Community College student felt like a small, but personal win!

Beyond the great turnout was the shared appetite for more book reading and less newsfeed scrolling. From my brief discussions across the bar, several guys mentioned their interest in wanting a reason to keep reading throughout the year. Many — especially those new to NYC — were looking to meet folks and explore different parts of the city. The most common refrain, though, was fatigue: an overreliance on phones to stay informed and connected. The conversations made it clear that nuance still has an audience, and that a bit of accountability, paired with informality, might help shake off the languishing vibe of the last few years by discussing great books over beers, in-person.

Looking ahead, three new Last Call Library chapters will form alongside the founding group. That brings us to four chapters total, nearly 50 men, with each group hovering around a dozen bibulous book readers. Between now and August, every chapter will aim to read five different books and visit five different bars before meeting back up with the larger group for an outdoor BBQ somewhere in the city.

If you’re interested in joining a chapter — or starting one — please sign up at the bottom of the home page.