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 67th 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.
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.
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.
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.
Branching Out
A Roundup of Creative Children’s Programs At Libraries
Around The City
Preschool Crafts &
Storytime
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
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
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
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).
