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Free Things For Kids To Do At The Library

August 22, 2010 6:56 AM

Books sit on a shelf at the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, New York. (photo credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

There are many advantages to visiting your local library, one of which is the cost (free). Here are some great libraries with free events, classes and (of course) books!

Bronx Library Center

www.nypl.org/locations/bronx-library-center
310 East Kingsbridge Road (at Briggs Avenue)
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 579-4244

The largest library in the Bronx, this branch offers a series of free classes and workshops for children, teens and even adults. A few free classes are “Email 1,” MS Word 1,” Films for Children,” and “Get Your Game on @ the Library.” Who says that the library is boring and dull? With these kinds of activities located in your neighborhood for free, you and your children are sure to enjoy hours of fun and learning.

Battery Park City Library

www.nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
175 North End Avenue (at Murray Street)
New York, NY 10282
(212) 790-3499

The Battery Park City Library is one of the newest libraries in New York City. Upcoming free events at this library include a showing of “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and “Open Computer Lab: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers.” Another free event, “Toddler Story Time”, is held at the Teardrop Park South, which is located outside of the library. Why pay for the movies and computer training when you can come to the Battery Park City Library and get it for free?

The Queens Central Library

www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_id=44&branch_id=CEL
89-11 Merrick Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11432
(718) 990-0700

Located in the center of Jamaica, Queens, this library has a children’s room that houses over 90,000 books that are available for borrowing. They also offer free programs for children that are broken down by age ranges, free after-school homework assistance and much more.

Todt-Hill Westerleigh Library

www.nypl.org/locations/todt-hill-westerleigh
2550 Victory Boulevard (past Willowbrook Rd.)
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 494-1642

The Todt-Hill Westerleigh Library has free, educational classes and activities that children will enjoy. Along with the usual free read aloud programs, they have an “I Love Ice Cream” event in which children learn how to make ice cream desserts. Another great freebie is the “Teen Book Discussion” where teens are encouraged to read and discuss recommended books with their peers.

Brooklyn Central Library

www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/central
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 230-2100

On the second Saturday of every month, the Brooklyn Central Library hosts a free “Preschoolers Have Fun” event, where children watch movies, do arts and crafts and read a story. There’s also a free “Tween Art Club” in which older kids (ages 8 to 12) experiment with arts and crafts while socializing. Another free gem is the “Ezra Jack Keats Story Time & Take-a-Book” event in which children sit and listen to a story by Keats, and receive a free copy of an Ezra Jack Keats book.

Tamara Kelly is a blogger with Mom in the City.