The library’s new “Summer at the Library” program is giving kids, teens, and their families the opportunity to participate in a series of free programs across its 92 branch locations. Besides helping to spark a love of reading, the programs are intended to “help students combat ‘summer slide’—when they forget what they learned in the summer months while outside the classroom,” according to a press release.
The main focal point of their program though is their massive giveaway—more specifically the 500,000 brand new books they’re giving away to New York families. Some locations will even offer books in Spanish, Chinese, and Large Print.
To get your hands on a free book simply show up to any NYPL branch and show your library card (or sign up for one if you don’t yet have one and reap other benefits like getting into select museums for free).
Beyond the book giveaway highlights of Summer at the Library programming include:
- Make Waves—Summer Reading and Learning for Kids and Teens (providing school-aged children with programs, activities, and educational challenges over the summer)
- Over 100 staff pick summer reading recommendations
- Outdoor Pop-Up Programs
- In-Branch Programs
- Programs for Grown-Ups
“New York City students and families have been through so much over the last two years. It’s critical that, during this period of recovery and renewal, our ecosystem of learning do all it can to support and engage them,” said Brian Bannon, NYPL’s Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education.“Public libraries are uniquely positioned to do this while students are out of the classroom over the summer months, providing quality, free programs to engage their minds while also getting them excited about books, reading, learning, and their communities.”
A full list of free programs and offerings along with staff pick reading recommendations can be found here.