New York City’s public libraries—New York Public Library (NYPL), Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), and Queens Public library (QPL)—are giving away 15,000 free books to kids throughout all five of the city’s boroughs this weekend.
While supplies last, young readers can pick up books (in English and Spanish, and Chinese in some locations) to keep and also sign up for library cards. The giveaway is part of the libraries’ summer reading and learning programs which encourage children and teens to read books to develop and maintain critical thinking skills over the summer. It is made possible through the libraries’ partnership with the New York Life Foundation.
“Summer reading programs promote children’s literacy and academic skills and help prevent learning loss during the summer months. This is especially important for low-income families that have limited access to affordable and quality summer programs,” said Marlyn Torres, senior program officer at the New York Life Foundation.
This is the fifth summer the New York Life Foundation has provided support for summer reading and learning programs at New York City libraries. It is estimated that summer breaks cause the average student to lose up to two months of instruction per year, with students from low-income families disproportionately affected.
Leadership from all three libraries are praising the giveaways and the impact that it will have on their communities.
“We know that growing up reading and with access to books has a powerful impact on an individual’s future success, and we are excited to help families build their own libraries at home,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott.
“It is a unique privilege to support children and teens on their reading journey, providing them with wonderful stories that inspire and educate them,” NYPL President Anthony Marx said.
“We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for their continued and generous support of New York City’s young readers,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of BPL. “Summer is the perfect time to escape with a good book, and reading at home prepares children for a successful school year.”
Where can New Yorkers find these free books?
Brooklyn Public Library
Friday, July 28, 12 to 3 p.m.
- Kensington Library, 4207 18th Ave.
- Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Ave.
- Saratoga Library at Saratoga Park, 112 Howard Ave.
- Park Slope Library, 431 6th Ave.
Saturday, July 29, 12 to 3 p.m.
- East Flatbush Library, 9612 Church Ave.
- McKinley Park Library, 6802 Fort Hamilton Pkwy.
New York Public Library
Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29, 12 to 3 p.m.
Manhattan
- 53rd Street Library, 18 W 53rd St.
- Columbus Library, 742 10th Ave.
- Epiphany Library, 228 E 23rd St.
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, 455 5th Ave.
Staten Island
- Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, 2550 Victory Blvd.
Bronx
- Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd.
- Sedgwick Library, 1701 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
- Wakefield Library, 4100 Lowerre Pl.
Queens Public Library
Friday, July 28, 12 to 3 p.m.
- Arverne Library, 312 Beach 54 St.
- Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.
- Corona Library, 38-23 104 St.
- Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St.
Learn more about the giveaways, partnership, and more at NYPL.org.
Photo: New York Public Library's main branch; courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
