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Kids

The New York Public Library is here for kids of all ages to help you read, learn, and have fun! Discover free events, join us at select branches for NYPL After School, get free homework help, boost your STEAM skills, find the best new reading recommendations, and more.

Join Us at NYPL

  • A tutor helps two younger children with worksheets at Seward Park Library.

    NYPL After School

    Now in session! NYPL After School is a free drop-in program for kids that takes place after school hours, Monday to Thursday.

  • Vibrant Voices book covers displayed in a grid on a purple background.

    Vibrant Voices

    Explore new books from authors of color with NYPL's Vibrant Voices book list, created by the Library’s expert staff.

  • Three kids holding books, standing in front of a wall lined with bookshelves.

    Free Events & Programs

    There's something for everyone at the Library, including arts and crafts, trivia, book discussions, author talks, STEAM activities, and more.

Books, Multimedia & More

Find more of what you love or discover something new! Check out titles from our branches—or via NYPL's free e-reader app.

  • Discover books recommended for kids by our expert librarians including the Best Books of 2020 and more.

    Best Books for Kids

    Our expert librarians selected 2023's best books for kids. Check out these outstanding titles.

  • Messy pile of NYPL cards with one standing up and in focus in the middle of the pile.

    Get a Free Library Card

    Unlock the power of the Library with your very own library card!

  • Yellow background featuring book collage of titles from Schomburg's Black Liberation List for Young Readers

    More Reading Recommendations

    Find themed book recommendations for kids, including NYC Books We Love, the Schomburg Center's Black Liberation List for Young Readers, and more.

  • A child looks at a picture on a digital tablet

    Free E-Books & Audiobooks

    Download SimplyE, the Library's free e-reader app, which makes it easy to browse, borrow, and dive into e-books and audiobooks on your mobile device.

  • A young girl sits at a laptop and looks at the camera.

    TumbleBooks

    Enjoy e-books, animated talking picture books, and puzzles for school-age readers.

  • A young boy sits at a laptop with headphones.

    Bookflix

    Explore e-books and video storybooks for kids from Pre-K–3rd grade. 

NYPL's Magazine for Kids

Portal is a magazine for kids aged 6–12 written, designed, and edited by NYPL's Teen Reading Ambassadors! 

  • Collage featuring the cover of four issues of NYPL's Portal magazine for kids.

    Portal: For Kids By Teens

    Find stories, fun facts, comics, activities, and more in our magazine for kids written, designed, and edited by NYPL's Teen Reading Ambassadors!

STEAM at NYPL

STEAM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. STEAM activities and programs are an excellent opportunity to introduce concepts and promote skills that can set you up for creative, scientific, and collaborative thinking now and in the future.

  • Upcoming STEAM Programs

    The Library offers lots of ways for you to explore STEAM concepts and develop your skills!

  • Two children playing with a STEAM Discovery Kit at the library.

    STEAM Discovery Kits

    Explore robotics, circuitry, microbiology, engineering, coding, and more using exciting tools, toys, and books at home.

  • A person with glasses holds up a construction paper castle in a cozy room.

    DIY STEAM Projects

    Discover our wide-ranging and exciting collection of videos featuring fun STEAM activities and resources.

Academic Resources & Help

  • Blue background with a bold green check-plus symbol.

    Online Homework Help

    Get free online homework help in core subject areas from one-on-one tutors using Brainfuse. Plus, access videos, flashcards, and more.

  • Light blue background featuring an illustration of an open book with a green cover.

    Online Resources

    Discover a wide range of NYPL's learning resources and databases for students of all ages, from chemistry and history to English and math.

These programs and initiatives are part of the Library’s Tisch Youth Education Programs, led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education. Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.

Major support for children's and young adult programming is provided by the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.

Major support for youth education is provided by Arthur W. Koenig; Jane Lauder; the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF); Mr. and Mrs. Timothy R. Barakett Endowment for Children’s and Young Adult Programs and Services; The Gottesman Fund; E.H.A. Foundation, Inc.; Mr. and Mrs. Evan R. Chesler; Robert A. and Elizabeth R. Jeffe Foundation; Michael ByungJu Kim and the MBK Educational Foundation; Karen Sue Smith and Rose DiMartino; New York Life Foundation; the Gray Foundation; and City’s First Readers, an initiative made possible with funding from the New York City Council.