Little ones can join lapsit and toddler story times that mix songs, rhymes and books, and older kids can borrow books, use computers and get help finding homework resources. Built inside a former chocolate factory, this downtown branch spreads over several levels with a dedicated space for children.
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Hours vary by day; see the branch page on nypl.org for current hours and this season's story time calendar.
Free; library card is free. Check individual program listings for any registration.
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All ages.
Free; library card is free. Check individual program listings for any registration.
Hours vary by day; see the branch page on nypl.org for current hours and this season's story time calendar.
10 Jersey Street, 10012, in Nolita, Manhattan.
Yes. Mulberry Street Library is indoors, so it works on rainy or cold days.
Kids can pick out picture books, early readers and graphic novels, and the branch runs NYPL's free early-literacy story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Opened in 1884, it is Manhattan's oldest branch library building, and its children's collection draws East Village families.
The children's area stocks board books through middle-grade novels, and librarians lead free story times plus seasonal activities like Summer Reading. Tucked beside the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center and its park, this West Village branch reopened in 2024 after a temporary closure and is a handy stop near the neighborhood's playgrounds.
Families come for free story times and sing-alongs for the youngest readers, while school-age kids use the space for reading, computers and homework after class. A busy Chinatown branch known for its Chinese-language holdings, where families can find picture books in more than one language.
Families come for free story times and sing-alongs for the youngest readers, while school-age kids use the space for reading, computers and homework after class. Housed in a landmark Victorian Gothic former courthouse with a clock tower, it is one of the most striking places in the city to share a story time.
The children's area stocks board books through middle-grade novels, and librarians lead free story times plus seasonal activities like Summer Reading. Facing Seward Park and its playground, this historic Lower East Side branch is an easy stop before or after outdoor play.
The children's area stocks board books through middle-grade novels, and librarians lead free story times plus seasonal activities like Summer Reading. Across from Tompkins Square Park, this 1904 Carnegie branch is a favorite pre- or post-playground stop and is slated for a major renovation that will rethink its spaces for each age group.