Free Events and Programs
Library branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island are offering free summer events and programs for all ages. See what’s happening in your neighborhood!
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For Kids
Learn MoreRead, learn, and have fun all summer long with the Library’s Summer Adventure program! Take our 60-day reading challenge, come to special events in library branches, enter our annual summer writing contest, and much more. Download an activity and reading tracker or pick one up in your nearest branch to get started.
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For Teens
Learn MoreExpress yourself and explore our all-new expanded and enhanced Teen Centers, contribute to our Teen Voices magazine, and get ready for the first Teen Voices Festival in August! Plus, join us for author talks, arts and crafts, photography, zine-making, and much more!
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For Babies & Toddlers
Learn MoreJoin the Library this summer—and all year round—for storytimes, open play, art activities, free events, and much more. Plus, explore what you can do at home!
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For Adults
Learn MoreFrom book discussions and author talks to plant swaps and art workshops, there’s something for everyone this summer at The New York Public Library! Explore everything the Library has to offer.
Just Dropped! Special-Edition Hip-Hop Library Card
Unlock the power of the Library with a new, special-edition library card commemorating 50 years of hip-hop! The card features imagery from the soundtrack cassette of the iconic 1983 film Wild Style, directed by Charlie Ahearn, widely considered to be the first film dedicated to hip-hop. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture's Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division holds the original cassette in its collections alongside key archives related to the birth and legacy of hip-hop. The cassette book, which was produced by Kaz Kuzui, includes photos of soundtrack producer Fab 5 Freddy and the “Wild Style” art that was created by artists Zephyr, Revolt, and Sharp.
Apply online or at a branch, and pick up your hip-hop library card from an NYPL location near you!
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 recommendations, including fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and libros en español! Many are also available in accessible formats.
Summer at the Library: Downloads Center
Track your reading and activities to become a Summer Star at the Library! Head to your nearest branch to pick up your very own activity and reading tracker, book log pages, and book review sheets—or download and print them at home!
Download these resources in español (Spanish), 中文 (Chinese), বাংলা (Bengali), and Русский (Russian).
For Educators & Caregivers
NYPL offers a wide range of resources to support kids’ learning and development through the summer and all year round. Learn about special opportunities for teachers offered by our Center for Educators and Schools (CES).
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E-Books & Audiobooks
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Get a Free Library Card
Get Your Card TodayGet a free library card today and explore all the Library has to offer, including books, e-books, audiobooks, music, and movies!
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No More Late Fines!
Learn MoreDid you know? There are no more late fines at the Library, so you can borrow books and more from any branch with no worries.
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LIVE from NYPL
Learn MoreJoin us for free events at The New York Public Library’s premier cultural series. Enjoy free events, conversations, and performances featuring the best writers, artists, and thinkers—as well as our rooftop happy hours!
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Free Exhibitions
Learn MoreThe Library offers free major exhibitions and special displays at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Library for the Performing Arts, and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, plus community showcases at many branch locations throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. See what’s on view this summer!
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NYPL App
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Stay Connected
Sign UpGet 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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Multilingual Resources
ExploreThe New York Public Library welcomes speakers and readers of a wide range of languages. We are committed to helping everyone navigate our free services and resources for all ages. Get a library card, learn about Library offerings, search the catalog, and more in select world languages.
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Friends of the Library
Learn MoreThe New York Public Library depends on donors like you to support our essential services. Friends of the Library will be vital as we expand access to our resources, including job help, community outreach, and language learning materials. Make a membership gift now and enjoy benefits all year long.
Thank You
Major support is provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2023 city-wide sponsor for the Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
Additional support is provided by The Rona Jaffe Foundation; New York Yankees Foundation; Montblanc; anonymous donors; and the continuing major support of the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.
These programs and initiatives are part of the Library’s overall commitment to our branch patrons and 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.
