Take a Journey of Discovery & Adventure at NYC Public Libraries This Summer!
This summer, NYC’s three public library systems are offering a wide array of free programs and events for kids and teens to stay engaged with reading and get creative while school’s out. From reading enrichment programs and arts and crafts programs to contests and giveaways, there's so much for families to do—and at more than 200 locations across all five boroughs!
Here are just a few of the opportunities you and your family can take advantage of this summer at the library, by location and age level:
The New York Public Library (Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island)
For babies and toddlers:
- Storytimes and other early literacy programs for parents, caregivers, and the youngest New Yorkers. Select locations offer programming in languages other than English.
- Outdoor storytimes at the Library for the Performing Arts featuring music and dance. Select programs include ASL interpretation.
For kids:
- Summer Learners Lab is a drop-in session for kids that offers reading enrichment, fun activities, and more supervised by the Library’s tutors.
- NYPL’s Summer Adventure consists of free programming at branches alongside 36 downloadable activity sheets for kids to do at home or on the go, available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
- The annual summer writing contest for kids invites kids to submit stories for the chance to win a prize.
For teens:
- NYPL's Teen Centers in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island offer gaming, photo and video equipment, computers, 3D printers, and more. Select locations have fully equipped recording studios for teen use.
- Teens are invited to submit their artwork and writing for publication in a special magazine, with winners also getting a $100 gift card.
- Special writing workshops with YA authors, hosted in partnership with House of SpeakEasy.
- This year’s Teen Voices Festival on August 7 features special guest speaker Marley Dias, writing workshops with Melissa Rivero and Don Hooper, opportunities to connect with organizations that publish teens, giveaways, teen artwork, and more.
Brooklyn Public Library
For babies and toddlers:
- Literacy programs including multilingual storytimes, an interactive Brainy Babies series, and group toddler time.
- An outdoor children’s concert series in a charming garden.
- A curated booklist for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
- Coloring sheets featuring this year’s Summer at the Library artwork.
For kids:
- Arts and crafts events including origami, tie-dye, kite-making, and more.
- STEM and STEAM programs featuring Lego, decoders, marbles, and slime!
- Curated booklists for grades K–1, 2–3, and 4–5.
- A scavenger hunt at neighborhood libraries, plus a special Summer at the Library reading tracker.
For teens:
- Dedicated teen time including water balloon fights, video game competitions, board games, and more.
- Arts and crafts lessons including embroidery, painting, collaging, and journal decorating.
- Curated booklists for middle school and high school school students.
- Tangram puzzles for fun at home, and a Summer at the Library reading tracker.
- Plus, teens can participate in BPL’s Browse the Branches challenge to win limited-edition prizes.
Queens Public Library
For babies and toddlers:
- Storytimes and early literacy and craft programs for the youngest New Yorkers. Select locations offer programming in languages other than English.
- Virtual support group for new moms.
- QPL Baby programming available in-person and virtually including guidance and stress relief support for parents and caregivers.
- Curated book lists for babies and toddlers.
For kids:
- Craft programs for kids to have fun all summer long!
- QPL’s annual Summer Reading Challenge to get kids reading.
- Enriching educational programming in the areas of robotics, coding, STEAM, and environmental education.
- Curated booklists for kids in grades K–1, 2–3, and 4–5. Also available in international languages.
For teens:
- QPL’s Battle of the Books for all lovers of teen/YA fiction.
- Manga and art workshops for teens.
- College Readiness for the college application and admissions process and guidance on how to excel as a college student.
- Curated booklists for kids in middle school and high school.
See you at the library!