Happy 40th, Elmo and gang

Did you know, this week, Sesame Street turns 40? (Maybe Google's revamped logos tipped you off?)

Here in Brooklyn, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization, in collaboration with The Jim Henson Company and the Jim Henson Legacy, is partnering with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) to help commemorate Sesame Street’s 40th anniversary with a three-month exhibition of memorabilia at Central Library at Grand Army Plaza.

This special collaboration will also include family programs, as well as a limited-edition Elmo-themed library card that will be released November 14 to encourage reading through new library card sign-ups.

“Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street,” will be on display November 14, 2009 through February 21, 2010. This multi-faceted exhibit explores the history of this beloved and honored children’s educational television show. The Foyer Cases on the first floor will highlight original Sesame Street materials from its 40-year history. Show scripts, sheet music, animation cels, behind-the-scenes photographs and other memorabilia will bring the history of the show to life.

Thanks to the contributions of The Jim Henson Legacy and the Jim Henson Company, which has built the beloved Sesame Street Muppets for more than 40 years, several Sesame Street Muppets will be on display, including Grover, Prairie Dawn and Elmo.In the Grand Lobby, a collection of original Sesame Street book art will be featured. This collection, which has never before been publicly displayed, represents a variety of Sesame Street artists, art styles and themes from the early 1970s to the present.

The Youth Wing will showcase Sesame Street’s international reach, with photographs and books highlighting the show’s presence in more than 140 countries around the world. In addition, some Muppets and show props will delight library visitors.A total of 30,000 Sesame Street Elmo-themed, limited-edition Brooklyn Public Library cards will be released at all 60 neighborhood libraries on November 14 to encourage literacy and remind parents and kids that reading is not only good for you, but fun. The cards will be available through February, or while supplies last.

Brooklyn Public Library will also be producing 100,000 limited-edition Sesame Street bookmarks as part of the celebration. Four different bookmark designs will be available at all 60 Brooklyn Public Libraries, while supplies last.

Family Programs

Family programs will be taking place from November through February. Some programs are still being finalized. For more information, call 718-230-2100.

Family Fun Day, November 14, 11 a.m., Central Library, Grand Army Plaza (718-230-2100): Take pictures with Walkaround Elmo; get an Elmo library card; and be one of the first people to see the Sesame Street Exhibit.

Children’s music program with Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath, November 21, 1 p.m., Central Library, Dweck Auditorium, Grand Army Plaza (718-230-2100): Children and families are invited to join Bob for a fun-filled music performance.

Sesame Street’s 40th Anniversary Book Panel Discussion, November 21, 4 p.m., Central Library, Dweck Auditorium, Grand Army Plaza (718-230-2100): Panel Includes: Moderator Louise Gikow, author of the new book “Sesame Street: A Celebration – 40 Years of Life on the Street” and panelists Fran Brill (Muppeteer of Prairie Dawn and Zoë); Rollie Krewson (puppet builder with The Jim Henson Company); Bob McGrath (Sesame Street’s “Bob” since 1969); Carol-Lynn Parente (executive producer of Sesame Street); and Chris Cerf (Sesame Street composer and lyricist).