Pop stars jazz up venerable N.Y. library

NEW YORK, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Behind the lions guarding the New York Public Library, kings of the jungle of pop culture are staking their turf.

Rapper Jay-Z will discuss his new book, "Decoded," at the library Monday, capping off a season of star guests at the traditionally quiet venue.

"We're doing the new and the unexpected," Elaine Charnov, who oversees education, programs and exhibitions at the library, told the New York Daily News.

The Walkmen, Elvis Costello, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Steve Martin and Ethan Hawke all have brought huge audiences to the library this season.

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, with his new memoir, drew the biggest crowd so far, Charnov said, but Monday's draw could top it.

"Jay-Z is super popular," she said. "There's a lot of energy there."