Brooklyn Public Library Celebrates the Works of Jay-Z with The Book of Hov Exhibition

After the announcement of the New York Public Library releasing library cards celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Brooklyn Public Library reveals that it has an exhibition for one of hip-hop’s greatest stars.

Brooklyn Public Library announced an exhibition titled, The Book of HOV. The installation, which was created by Roc Nation was done to honor and celebrate the life and work of hip-hop’s richest recording artist, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.

The Book of HOV features photos that have never-before-seen before as well as art and ephemera from the Brooklyn-bred artist’s archives. If you happen to be in the New York City area, you don’t need anything but your presence as admission is free.

, providing an unparalleled look at an extraordinary life and career. This free, immersive experience is one of the only installations of its scope to be housed in an active public space and features text, audio and curation by Roc Nation teams and partners.

The exhibition, which has been curated by Roc Nation teams and partners can be seen on two floors of Central Library, which is located at 10 Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. To find out more about the exhibition, you can visit thebookofhov.com.

Rolling Stone reported that there was a pre-opening party the night before the exhibition was revealed to the public. “Jigga Man” attended the affair with his wife, Beyonce and family, as well as close friends and associates. Other celebrities and notables included the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Alicia Keys, Questlove, DJ Khaled and more.

Brooklyn Public Library CEO Linda Johnson spoke to Rolling Stone and expressed that the exhibit is a celebration of one of hip-hop’s greatest emcees.

“JAY-Z’s story is a uniquely Brooklyn story, and it’s a privilege to host this exhibit created as a labor of love by Roc Nation and the people who’ve known and worked with him over the years,” she states. “The Book of Hov and the limited-edition library card will attract new visitors to our branches, many of whom may not be familiar with the wide range of services we offer. Patrons can borrow vinyl records, musical instruments, sheet music, and even make their own music or podcast in our recording studio.”

The Brooklyn Public Library has also announced that there will be limited edition releases of 13 different Jay-Z-inspired library cards. Each card represents each of his 13 solo albums. The Library states that anyone who visits different Brooklyn branches can collect all 13 cards starting in August. The cards are now exclusively available at Central Library and Marcy Library (Where Jay-Z grew up).