In a city with endless activities for kids, it’s not surprising that we often overlook one of the most enriching destinations for parents and children alike: The New York Public Library (NYPL). With 40 branches in Manhattan alone (all of which you can visit with the same library card) the NYPL fosters not just learning, but creativity, and a sense of responsibility. And, it also happens to be free!

It is never too early to start taking your kids. Dr. Betty Bardige, author of the book, “Talk To Me, Baby!” recommends regular reading and library visits for babies as young as three months old. “To a baby, almost anything you’re reading you can read out loud, because the baby will just enjoy your voice,” she says.

 While most families visit bookstores and build a collection of their own books to keep and revisit, Bardige says that there is value in frequently supplementing those favorites with books from the library. “Children’s librarians are usually very good at helping a child choose just the right book,” she explains. “If a child gets interested in an offbeat thing, the books might not be available in a bookstore, but it’s there in the library.” In fact, there’s no better place than the library for children to indulge their fascinations and explore their unique interests.

 What is more, the sense of accomplishment that comes with returning a finished book and the reward of picking out a new one creates incentive to read. Peggy Salwen, senior children’s librarian at the 67^th Street NYPL Branch, points out that the process of borrowing and returning books serves as a lesson to kids about sharing with others and caring for things that are entrusted to them.

“Getting a library card and knowing that these are books that we share should foster responsibility,” Salwen says. “They think, ‘It’s not just mine; it doesn’t belong to me.’ This is a place where we share things, we take turns, we are careful with the books, we are quiet.”

 The public library is also a place that kids can visit on their own as they get older. Susan Heimbach, a senior librarian at the Mulberry Street Branch who specializes in children’s books and programming believes libraries are especially significant for children who live in big cities, where the library becomes a place that older kids can visit by themselves.

 “I’ve worked in libraries in the suburbs, and what’s different in the city is that these kids can come to the library on their own,” Heimbach says. “The public library in the city provides kids with accessible constructive activities, programs, help with homework, and a lot of great books.”

 Yet as exciting as it can be to make the trip on his or her own, a child’s visit to the library with a parent, guardian, sibling, or sitter is as special as the books they bring home.

 “I tell parents that when they come here, it’s an outing,” said Salwen. “You don’t have to do a lot of entertaining, and it may not seem special to you, but it’s very special to them.”

For library locations, hours of operation, and program schedules, visit nypl.org.

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Check This Out: The Top Three Children’s Libraries  

Central Children's Room, Donnell Library Center

20 West 53rd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues

In addition to its 100,000 plus volumes of literary and reference materials geared towards children, the Central Children’s Room also boasts storytelling hours, video presentations and scheduled appearances by noted authors and illustrators. Still, what makes this space most unique is its exhibitions that take inspiration from children’s stories—with pieces like Mary Poppins’ umbrella—to bring kids’ favorite tales to life.

The Brooklyn Central Library

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn

The Central Library in Brooklyn has many programs, events, and activities for children and teens. The question is not whether or not to go, but rather, what you will do when you get there! From a world languages collection to regularly scheduled bedtime stories to creative writing classes and an online book club, this library takes all ages and interests into consideration when creating its many programs.

The Bronx Library Center

310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx

You should know the Bronx Library Center for two great accomplishments: one, for its sustainable design praised by the U.S. Green Building Council, and two, for its dedication to creating unique programming for kids. From frequent art exhibits to musical performances to a wealth of traditional resources, this center is a haven for kids.

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Branching Out

A Roundup of Creative Children’s Programs At Libraries Around The City

Preschool Crafts & Storytime

Bloomingdale Branch Library

150 West 100th Street

Bring your little ones for a time of storytelling and hands-on projects using different skills. (For ages 3 to 5).

Write Now!

Hamilton Fish Park Branch Library

415 East Houston Street

Children looking to strengthen their writing abilities will enjoy this opportunity. Whether they are interested in poetry, stories or journalism, teacher Lois Stavsky will help find their writer’s voice. Work will be exhibited in the library. (For ages 5 to 18; pre-registration is required).

Container Gardening – It’s Herbalicious

Seward Park Branch Library

192 East Broadway

Teens will get a hands-on experience of living in a greener world in this program. Participants explore contained gardens such as terrariums and the plants that grow best in these small spaces. They will create a small terrarium and cultivate a mini herb garden of their own. (For ages 12 to 18).

Toddler Story Time

Yorkville Branch

222 East 79th Street

Toddlers and their parents or caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, and fingerplays—and meet other library-going toddlers in the neighborhood. (For ages 18 months to 3 years old).

Baby Lapsit

Hamilton Grange Library

503 West 145th Street

Have bonding time with your baby while enjoying books and lively songs with other babies in the neighborhood. (For babies from birth to 18 months old).