There comes that bittersweet moment in all parents’ lives when they open up a story to read to their child and the child asks, “can I read it?” Although you are overjoyed by your child’s growing intelligence, alas this moment marks the ending of story time.
So before that moment comes, we recommend you take full advantage of story time. The city is riddled with libraries and bookshops that welcome both children and parents to sit down and share in the joy of reading. Check out the list below and begin to cultivate your own list of favorite spots.
DAILY
Bank Street Bookstore
Andy Laties, former actor/musician and current manager of Bank Street Bookstore, hosts a hands-on story hour each day. Singing included! When: 7 days a week at 10:30, Age: toddler, Where: Corner of West 112th and Broadway
Book Culture
Pick story time based on the day or the language. Book Culture offers five different stories on five different days in five different languages. When: Tuesdays at 4 (French), Wednesdays at 4:30 (Chinese), Thursdays at 3:30 (Spanish), Fridays at 4:30 (German), Saturdays at 3:30 (English), Age: all ages, Where: 2915 Broadway (at 114th St.)
Nolen Library
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the Nolen Library is located, has a different theme each month as a focus point for all their events. This includes story time, too! Listen to a story based on the month’s theme during the toddler morning story time or after school with the big kids. When: weekdays 10:30 – 11 and 3-3:30, Age: 18 months – 3, 3-7, Where: 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street)
Public Libraries
New York Public Library has a network of local libraries all around Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island and within each library is a kids’ section and within that kids’ section is almost always a daily story time. Take advantage of this convenience! Check out the site to find a location near you. Same deal goes for the Brooklyn and Queens Public Libraries. (Check out Brooklyn’s central location for a special bedtime story each month.)
WEEKLY
American Museum of Natural History
Each week, Gateway Story time in the Discovery Room is linked to a topic in natural history or a cultural theme. Before the story, kids get their energy out in free play. Following the story is a visit to the hall related to the topic. When: Mondays during the school year at 10:15 and 11:15 Age: 2.5 – 5, Where: Central Park West at 79th Street
Barnes and Noble
There are many Barnes and Nobles around the city and many of them have a story time. Check out the store locator to see if there’s one near you!
Books of Wonder
The children’s section staff at Books of Wonder enjoy reading the stories as much as you and your little one will enjoy listening to them. Several books are chosen from the shelves of the library each week. When: Fridays at 4, Sundays at 11:30, Age: all ages, Where: 18 West 18th street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
While many children’s stories are just plain silly, DCHM always shares stories that will teach children a little something about history or about the beautiful city in which they live. When: Sundays at 11:30, Age: 3-7, Where: 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street)
Giggle
Sit down with your little one for a story, or take this time to shop the store in (somewhat) peace. When: Tuesdays at 4, Age: all ages, Where: 120 Wooster Street (between Prince & Spring)
Scholastic Bookstore
Before you explore all that is inside the Scholastic Bookstore, take a moment to sit down and enjoy a story from one of Scholastic’s amazing storytellers. When: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 11, Age: all ages, Where: 557 Broadway (Between Prince & Spring Streets)
The Strand
Each week, a member of the Strand team picks a favorite children’s book to read and share with all who attend. When: Thursdays 3:30-4:30, Ages: all ages, Where: corner of 12th Street and Broadway. 828 Broadway
SPECIAL EVENT
Hans Christian Anderson Statue
This summertime story hour at the statue has been around for more than fifty years. Storytellers share the works of Hans Christian Anderson. Celebrity performers have been known to make an appearance and share their favorites. When: June – September, Saturdays 11-12, Age: all ages, Where: 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue in Central Park
The High Line
Hang out on the lawn during the height of summer to listen to a story and some music. Each week features a different storyteller and musician. And there will be bubbles! When: July- August, Thursdays 10-11:30, Age: 5 and under, Where: 23rd Street Lawn (on the High Line at W. 23 Street)
Le Carrousel Flaubert Frog
The very energetic Flaubert Frog loves telling stories. Keep checking the website for the next time he tells his tales! Where: Bryant Park Carousel
McNally Jackson
Story times are sporadic but well worth the visit. The staff at McNally Jackson are always updating the calendar with new events so keep a lookout for the next story time! Where: 52 Prince Street (between Lafayette & Mulberry)
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
Story time is just part of this special occasion at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum. There’s dress-up in the Children’s Corner, role-play with the museum’s Touch Collection, and a brief tour of the period rooms. All stories and activities are historically themed. When: third Friday of every month, Age: 6 and under, Where: 421 East 61st Street
Scandinavia House
Listen to stories from some of Scandinavia’s most cherished children’s authors by some of New York’s most cherished storytellers. Dates change each season, so check the site before planning your trip. When: Saturdays at 11, Age: 5 and up, Where: 58 Park Avenue at 38th Street
