Summer at the Library 2024
Join us on a journey of discovery all summer long at The New York Public Library! Discover free programs for kids and teens, events and activities for adults, reading recommendations, exhibitions, and much more. Plus, use your library card to book free passes at 90+ museums, gardens, and more across NYC.
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!
For Kids
Read, learn, and have fun all summer long with the Library’s Summer Adventure programs! Take our reading challenge for kids, come to special events in library branches, discover activities you can do at home, and much more. Download an activity and reading tracker or pick one up in your nearest branch to get started!
For Teens
Go on a journey of discovery this summer! Explore expanded and enhanced Teen Centers at a library branch near you, join us for author talks, and get creative at library branches with arts and crafts, photography, zine-making, and much more!
For Babies & Toddlers
Join the Library this summer—and all year round—for storytimes, open play, art activities, multilingual programs, and much more.
For Adults
From book discussions and author talks to theater performances and birding workshops, there’s something for everyone this summer at the Library! Explore exciting events for adults happening at a branch near you—plus, take part in a special reading challenge for the chance to win a prize.
For Educators
The Library 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), engaging resources and reading recommendations for kids, and more.
Culture Pass: Get Free Access to NYC Museums with a Library Card
Explore New York City’s museums and attractions with Culture Pass! Use your library card to book free passes at 90+ museums, gardens, and more across NYC this summer—and all year round. Many institutions offer group passes for up to four people, so you can go with friends or family!
Celebrating 100 Years of James Baldwin
Join The New York Public Library to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of writer and activist James Baldwin with special exhibitions, free programs for all ages, book giveaways, and more.
Summer Staff Picks
Inspired by journeys of all kinds, 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, libros en español, and more! 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! Available in:
Stay Connected
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Get a Free Library Card
Get a free library card today and explore all the Library has to offer, including books, e-books, audiobooks, music, and movies!
No More Late Fines!
Did you know? There are no more late fines at the Library, so you can borrow books and more from any branch with no worries.
LIVE from NYPL
LIVE from NYPL brings you free events, conversations, and performances featuring prominent writers, artists, and thinkers. Book today for upcoming free events, listen to our podcast, and watch past programs on demand!
Free Exhibitions
The 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!
Multilingual Resources
The New York Public Library is here for everyone! At our 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, we welcome speakers and readers of a wide range of languages. The Library is committed to helping everyone navigate our free services and resources: get a library card, learn about Library offerings, search the catalog, and more in world languages.
E-Books & Audiobooks
NYPL App
Help Us Support All New Yorkers
The New York Public Library depends on donors like you to support our essential services. Friends of the Library are vital as we expand access to our resources, including job help, free programming for communities across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, and language learning materials. Make a membership gift now and enjoy invitations to members-only events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more.
Thank You
Major support provided by the New York Life Foundation, the 2024 city-wide sponsor for the Summer Reading and Learning Programs.
Additional support is provided by Jane Lauder; 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.
Illustrations by Jing Wei.
