# Free story times and kids library programs in NYC (209) > Every public library branch in the city, plus bookstores that host regular story times. 209 listings. URL: https://littlegotham.com/guides/story-times-nyc/ [Home](https://littlegotham.com/) / [Guides](https://littlegotham.com/guides/) / Story times for kids in NYC ## Free story times and kids library programs in NYC Every public library branch in the city, plus bookstores that host regular story times. 209 listings. [Filter & map these](https://littlegotham.com/explore/?cat=libraries) 206 free 209 indoor ### By borough [Manhattan 45 ](#gb-manhattan) · [Brooklyn 55 ](#gb-brooklyn) · [Queens 63 ](#gb-queens) · [Bronx 34 ](#gb-bronx) · [Staten Island 12 ](#gb-staten-island) ### Manhattan 45 listings [NYPL Children s Center at 42nd Street](https://littlegotham.com/activity/nypl-children-s-center-at-42nd-street/): Midtown Free New York Public Library The children s room on the ground floor of the landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, stocked with picture books, chapter books, audiobooks and kid-only computers. It hosts story times, music and theater performances, and visits from authors and illustrators. Ages 0–12 Tue–Sun Indoor [Barnes & Noble Avenue A](https://littlegotham.com/activity/barnes-noble-avenue-a/): East Village Free Barnes & Noble A large general bookstore with a dedicated children s book section where kids can browse picture books, early readers, and toys and games. The chain hosts periodic in-store kids storytimes and author events that are free to attend. Ages 0–12 Indoor [Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue](https://littlegotham.com/activity/barnes-noble-fifth-avenue/): Midtown Free Barnes & Noble A large general bookstore with a dedicated children s book section where kids can browse picture books, early readers, and toys and games. The chain hosts periodic in-store kids storytimes and author events that are free to attend. Ages 0–12 Indoor [Barnes & Noble Union Square](https://littlegotham.com/activity/barnes-noble-union-square/): Union Square Free Barnes & Noble A large general bookstore with a dedicated children s book section where kids can browse picture books, early readers, and toys and games. The chain hosts periodic in-store kids storytimes and author events that are free to attend. Ages 0–12 Indoor [Schomburg Junior Scholars Program](https://littlegotham.com/activity/schomburg-junior-scholars-program/): Harlem Free The New York Public Library At the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, middle and high schoolers join a free Saturday program that uses the archives for research, writing, art and media projects about the history and culture of the African diaspora. Ages 11–17 Sat Indoor [Books of Wonder](https://littlegotham.com/activity/books-of-wonder/): Flatiron Free The city s oldest and largest independent children s bookstore, packed with picture books, middle-grade and YA titles, plus rare illustrated editions and original book art. Kids can browse freely and come for frequent author signings and book-launch events. Ages 0–12 Daily Indoor [The New York Society Library Children s Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/the-new-york-society-library-children-s-library/): Upper East Side Price on site The New York Society Library The children s and young adult library at this historic Upper East Side membership library hosts story times, baby and toddler sessions, weekend craft activities and a young poets group. Many events are open to all, while borrowing books requires membership. All ages Daily Indoor [Book Culture on Broadway Storytime](https://littlegotham.com/activity/book-culture-on-broadway-storytime/): Morningside Heights Free Book Culture This Morningside Heights bookstore has a large children s and toy section and hosts free weekly storytimes. Little ones gather to hear picture books read aloud, then browse books and games. Ages 0–6 Fri, Sun Indoor [Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Children s Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/stavros-niarchos-foundation-library-children-s-center/): Midtown Free The New York Public Library 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. The Children s Center on SNFL s lower level is NYPL s flagship kids space, offering early-literacy story times, school-age programs, performances, homework help and a youth study room; a separate Teen Center is also in the building. All ages Indoor ### Brooklyn 55 listings [Bedford Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/bedford-library/): Bedford-Stuyvesant Free Brooklyn Public Library Bedford Library is a neighborhood branch where Bedford-Stuyvesant children can sit and read, check out books and media on a free card, and join regularly scheduled kids programs. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included Story Play, Saturday Storytime, Kids Create and Sensory Playtime. The branch is also open Sunday afternoons, which is handy for weekend visits. All ages Daily Indoor [Brooklyn Central Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/brooklyn-central-library/): Prospect Heights Free Brooklyn Public Library Little ones and school-age kids in Prospect Heights can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Brooklyn Central Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. The weekly lineup has recently included Saturday Storytime, DIY Fridays and Read With a Therapy Dog. The building also has a separate Teen Center, and it stays open later than most branches. All ages Daily Indoor [Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/greenpoint-library-and-environmental-education-center/): Greenpoint Free Brooklyn Public Library Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center is a neighborhood branch where Greenpoint children can sit and read, check out books and media on a free card, and join regularly scheduled kids programs. The weekly lineup has recently included Sensory Garden Hour, Read and Play, K-8 Homework Help and Sunset Storytime. The rebuilt branch doubles as an environmental education center with indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and it opens Sunday afternoons. All ages Daily Indoor [Macon Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/macon-library/): Bedford-Stuyvesant Free Brooklyn Public Library Macon Library gives Bedford-Stuyvesant families a free indoor stop with a kids collection that runs from baby board books to middle-grade novels. The weekly lineup has recently included Macon Storytime, Saturday Storytime, DUPLO Lego Time and Arts and Crafts. The 1907 Carnegie building is one of Brooklyn s best-preserved and houses a center for African American heritage; it also opens Sunday afternoons. All ages Daily Indoor [Adams Street Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/adams-street-library/): DUMBO Free Brooklyn Public Library The children s area at Adams Street Library stocks board books, picture books and chapter books for DUMBO kids, with computers and table space for after-school reading and homework. The weekly lineup has recently included Babies and Books lapsit and Toddler Time. Opened in a converted factory building a short walk from Brooklyn Bridge Park, it is the newest branch BPL has built in decades. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [Cortelyou Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/cortelyou-library/): Ditmas Park Free Brooklyn Public Library Cortelyou Library gives Ditmas Park families a free indoor stop with a kids collection that runs from baby board books to middle-grade novels. The weekly lineup has recently included Choo Choo Train Time, Toddler Time, Story Play and Kids Create. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [DeKalb Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/dekalb-library/): Bushwick Free Brooklyn Public Library At DeKalb Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Bushwick students. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included Story Play, Book Adventures and Kids Tech Time. Note that the elevator has been temporarily out of service. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [Flatlands Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/flatlands-library/): Flatlands Free Brooklyn Public Library At Flatlands Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Flatlands students. The weekly lineup has recently included Storytime, Toddler Time, Read and Play and After School Stories. It is an inclusive-services branch with some Braille materials. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [Kensington Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/kensington-library/): Kensington Free Brooklyn Public Library Little ones and school-age kids in Kensington can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Kensington Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. The weekly lineup has recently included Story Play, Kids Create, Kids Explore and grab-and-go crafts. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor ### Queens 63 listings [Hunters Point Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/hunters-point-library/): Long Island City Free Queens Public Library Little ones and school-age kids in Hunters Point can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Hunters Point Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included Toddler Time, Family Fun and Crafternoon. The striking waterfront building sits next to Gantry Plaza State Park and opens on Sundays. All ages Daily Indoor [Queens Central Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/queens-central-library/): Jamaica Free Queens Public Library Little ones and school-age kids in Jamaica can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Queens Central Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. The weekly lineup has recently included bilingual storytimes, STEM activities, crafts and video game hours. Its Children s Library Discovery Center mixes a kids library with hands-on science and math exhibits, and the building opens on Sundays. All ages Daily Indoor [Briarwood Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/briarwood-library/): Briarwood Free Queens Public Library Briarwood Library is a neighborhood branch where Briarwood children can sit and read, check out books and media on a free card, and join regularly scheduled kids programs. The weekly lineup has recently included Lego Club and Arts & Crafts. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [Elmhurst Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/elmhurst-library/): Elmhurst Free Queens Public Library Little ones and school-age kids in Elmhurst can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Elmhurst Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. Recurring kids programs lately have included Mother Goose Time infants, PreK & Kindergarten Storytime, Wacky Adventures STEAM for school-age and Tween Time. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [Flushing Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/flushing-library/): Flushing Free Queens Public Library At Flushing Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Flushing students. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included storytime & craft events and hands-on crafts. This is one of the busiest branches in the Queens system, with large collections in several languages, and it opens Sundays. All ages Daily Indoor [Hillcrest Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/hillcrest-library/): Hillcrest Free Queens Public Library At Hillcrest Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Hillcrest students. The weekly lineup has recently included Toddler Time, Toddler Play Time, Family Storytime and Crafternoon. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [Langston Hughes Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/langston-hughes-library/): Corona Free Queens Public Library The children s area at Langston Hughes Library stocks board books, picture books and chapter books for Corona kids, with computers and table space for after-school reading and homework. Current calendar offerings for kids include Storytime in Spanish, After-School Storytime and Craft and STEM & crafts. The branch is home to a well-known Black heritage reference center. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [McGoldrick Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/mcgoldrick-library/): Flushing Free Queens Public Library McGoldrick Library gives Flushing families a free indoor stop with a kids collection that runs from baby board books to middle-grade novels. The weekly lineup has recently included Toddler Storytime, Picture Book Time, Game Time and Toddler Fun Time. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor [North Forest Park Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/north-forest-park-library/): Forest Hills Free Queens Public Library At North Forest Park Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Forest Hills students. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included storytimes, baby programs, toddler playtime and LEGO club. All ages Mon–Sat Indoor ### Bronx 34 listings [Allerton Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/allerton-library/): Allerton Free The New York Public Library 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. An Allerton branch with a children s area and teen programming that includes the Teens 360° initiative. All ages Indoor [Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/belmont-library-and-enrico-fermi-cultural-center/): Belmont Free The New York Public Library The children s area stocks board books through middle-grade novels, and librarians lead free story times plus seasonal activities like Summer Reading. In the heart of Arthur Avenue s Little Italy, the branch pairs a children s room with the Enrico Fermi Cultural Center s Italian heritage collection. All ages Indoor [Bronx Library Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/bronx-library-center/): Fordham Free The New York Public Library 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. NYPL s largest Bronx location has a full Children s Center and a separate Teen Zone, making it a major hub for families near Fordham Road. All ages Indoor [City Island Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/city-island-library/): City Island Free The New York Public Library 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. The small-town-feeling library of City Island, a nice indoor break during a seaside visit. All ages Indoor [Grand Concourse Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/grand-concourse-library/): Mount Hope Free The New York Public Library The children s area stocks board books through middle-grade novels, and librarians lead free story times plus seasonal activities like Summer Reading. Home to a Best Buy Teen Tech Center with a recording studio, photography gear and 3-D printing, plus a children s area for younger kids. All ages Indoor [High Bridge Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/high-bridge-library/): Highbridge Free The New York Public Library 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. Beyond its children s area, the branch has a teens-only room where adults and little kids are not allowed. All ages Indoor [Jerome Park Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/jerome-park-library/): Kingsbridge Heights Free The New York Public Library 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. A small neighborhood branch near the Jerome Park Reservoir with a cozy children s corner. All ages Indoor [Mosholu Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/mosholu-library/): Norwood Free The New York Public Library The children s area stocks board books through middle-grade novels, and librarians lead free story times plus seasonal activities like Summer Reading. A Norwood branch near Williamsbridge Oval park that serves many families from the surrounding apartment blocks. All ages Indoor [Mott Haven Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/mott-haven-library/): Mott Haven Free The New York Public Library 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. A Carnegie-era South Bronx branch where kids gather for stories, homework and computer time. All ages Indoor ### Staten Island 12 listings [Barnes & Noble Staten Island Mall](https://littlegotham.com/activity/barnes-noble-staten-island-mall/): New Springville Free Barnes & Noble A large general bookstore with a dedicated children s book section where kids can browse picture books, early readers, and toys and games. The chain hosts periodic in-store kids storytimes and author events that are free to attend. Ages 0–12 Indoor [St. George Library Center](https://littlegotham.com/activity/st-george-library-center/): St. George Free The New York Public Library 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. Staten Island s largest library, a short walk from the ferry terminal, with a family literacy space and a teen room. All ages Indoor [Charleston Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/charleston-library/): Charleston Free The New York Public Library 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. A roughly 10,000-square-foot South Shore branch with dedicated children s areas and programs. All ages Indoor [Dongan Hills Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/dongan-hills-library/): Dongan Hills Free The New York Public Library 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. Its children s room includes a separate area set aside for preschoolers. All ages Indoor [Great Kills Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/great-kills-library/): Great Kills Free The New York Public Library 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. The entire second floor of this branch is given over to children, so little ones have plenty of room to explore. All ages Indoor [Mariners Harbor Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/mariners-harbor-library/): Mariners Harbor Free The New York Public Library 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. One of Staten Island s newer branches, with a modern layout that gives North Shore kids space to read and play. All ages Indoor [South Beach Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/south-beach-library/): South Beach Free The New York Public Library 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. Near the South Beach boardwalk, the branch has hosted LEGO building, story times and game sessions for kids. All ages Indoor [Stapleton Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/stapleton-library/): Stapleton Free The New York Public Library 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. A historic Carnegie branch with a modern addition, offering programs for every age including young children. All ages Indoor [Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library](https://littlegotham.com/activity/todt-hill-westerleigh-library/): Westerleigh Free The New York Public Library The children s area stocks board books through middle-grade novels, and librarians lead free story times plus seasonal activities like Summer Reading. A mid-island branch with a large children s area and books in a range of languages. All ages Indoor ### Quick answers Which NYC libraries have baby and toddler story times? All 192 public library branches listed here run free story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, including Bedford Library, Brooklyn Central Library, Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center. Sessions change by season; check the branch calendar. Are library story times in NYC free? Yes. Story times at New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library branches are free and usually drop-in; some popular sessions hand out tickets on arrival. Which boroughs does this guide cover? 209 listings: Manhattan (45), Brooklyn (55), Queens (63), the Bronx (34), Staten Island (12). --- LittleGotham: things to do with kids in New York City. [Home](https://littlegotham.com/) · [Search](https://littlegotham.com/explore/) · [llms.txt](https://littlegotham.com/llms.txt) · [Sitemap](https://littlegotham.com/sitemap.xml) · [Open data (JSON)](https://littlegotham.com/data/activities.json)