Free Book Giveaway!
We are giving away 500,000 free books for kids and teens at branches this summer! Drop by your local branch, pick up new books to take home for kids and teens to keep, and check out everything the Library has to offer this summer—and all year round.
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Make Waves: Submit Your Work to Our New Teen Magazine!
Please note: Submissions are now closed.
We want to hear how you Make Waves in your world! Our new teen magazine will include writing and art by and for teens sharing who you are, what you care about, and how you’re using your voice to make a difference.
All pieces selected for publication will be awarded a $100 gift card! Having your work published is also a great addition to your resume or college application.
The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM on Friday, August 19. All teens ages 13–19 who live in New York City are welcome to apply! Read our full submission guidelines.
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Get Inspired!
Here are some ideas to inspire your writing and art:
Free Programs & Events
Join us in branches all summer long for free programs exploring who you are, what you care about, and how you can make a difference through photography, zine-making, poetry, and more. Plus—find inspiration for your magazine submissions!
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Apply to be a Teen Reading Ambassador!
Deadline: Thursday, August 25
The New York Public Library’s Teen Reading Ambassadors program offers internships to teens to help develop job readiness and leadership skills. Participating teens will have the opportunity to act as leaders and role models to younger kids, ambassadors for the Library's mission to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning, and writers and editors of their very own magazine. Plus—you get paid!
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Visit the Teen Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
Teens can find a fully equipped space just for them, including areas for exploring technology, finding academic support, or just hanging out. Find inspiration, pursue your interests, and discover resources for schoolwork, job help, or creating the next innovative breakthrough!
Summer Staff Picks
Our expert librarians have curated a wide array of fun, thought-provoking, and inspiring books for all ages to read this summer! Check out these books for teens, including fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and libros en español! Many are also available in accessible formats.
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Stay Connected
Get the best from the Library direct to your inbox! From our free programs, events, and exhibitions to activities for kids and research news, there's something for everyone.
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Library Cards
Join your library community! New Yorkers can access millions of books, e-books, digital resources, and more—all FREE with a New York Public Library card.
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Did You Know?
There are no more late fines at the Library—and all old fines have been removed—so you can borrow books and more from any branch with no worries!
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More Book Recommendations for Teens
Discover books for teens by and about a diverse array of people and communities, handpicked by the expert librarians and staff at The New York Public Library.
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TeenLIVE Author Talks
Explore programs featuring authors from our annual Best Books for Teens list, plus thought-provoking conversations, real debates, and exciting performances with your favorite writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, fashionistas, and more.
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STEAM Discovery Kits
Build, code, and stargaze with NYPL’s amazing STEAM Discovery Kits, available to borrow from 30 branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Explore robotics, astronomy, engineering, coding, and more.
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E-Books & Audiobooks
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Personalized Book Bundles
Tell us what you like to read and we’ll handpick a personalized book bundle just for you! Get Shelf Help in open branches, online, or by calling Ask NYPL on 917-ASK-NYPL.
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NYPL App
Explore Summer at the Library
Discover oceans of possibility at The New York Public Library this summer with free events and programs for all ages, book giveaways, our all-new Make Waves program for kids and teens, reading recommendations, and much more!
Explore Summer at the Library for all ages in español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), বাংলা (Bengali), Русский (Russian), and English.
Thank You
The Book Giveaway is supported in part by a generous grant from the Gray Foundation.
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2022 city-wide sponsor for the Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
Additional support is provided by The Rona Jaffe Foundation; New York Yankees Foundation; anonymous donors; and the continuing major support of the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.
Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.