How to Prepare for Your Class Visit
1. What should I do in advance to prepare for my class?
As you schedule your visit with the librarian, please indicate if there are particular topics, themes, projects, or assignements you would like covered during your visit. If you have students who have library cards, please remind them to bring their cards on the day of your visit. For students who don't have library cards and would like to apply, please have applications ready prior to your visit (see number 4).
2. What should I expect during my class visit?
In addition to any specific requests you may discuss while scheduling your visit, the librarian will give your students an introduction to the Library's services and resources and register them for library cards.
3. What can my students borrow from the New York Public Library?
They can borrow books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and book/CD packages. They can also use their library cards to access e-books and databases for a variety of age groups, such as Tumblebooks and Bookflix. Please note that some materials have shorter lending periods than others.
4. How can my students borrow Library materials?
Students can borrow materials with the New York Public Library card. To apply, prior to your visit, students must fill out the age-appropriate application, have it signed by their parent or guardian (not required for students ages 13 and up), and return the completed application through the class registration process with your librarian. Applications signed by a parent or guardian do not require the parent or guardian to be present during the school class visit.
5. How many items can my students borrow and for how long?
Students can check out books, audiobooks, and CDs for three weeks, and DVDs for one week. Children and teens may check out up to 50 items on their library cards. However, if you want your students to borrow a smaller amount of materials, please discuss that with your librarian prior to your visit. All materials can be returned to any branch library in Manhattan, the Bronx, or Staten Island. If they need the materials past the due date, they can renew them in person or by calling their neighborhood NYPL branch.
6. Where can students use their library cards?
A New York Public Library card can be used at any of our 88 neighborhood libraries in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as online at nypl.org to access e-books and databases.
7. What else does the Library offer?
The New York Public Library offers a wide array of educational programs and services, from early literacy programs for babies and toodlers to after-school homework help, tutoring, summer reading programs, and more for children and teens. The librarian at your local branch can help you discover everything the Library has to offer.
8. What does the Library offer for teachers?
If you don't have one already, why not apply for an NYPL Educator Card? It offers expanded privileges over regular cards, allowing you to:
- borrow up to 100 items at a time
- request up to 50 items
- check out books and audiobooks for extended loan periods of 60 days