10 Best Libraries for Kids in NYC

Nancy L.:  The spacious children's room mixes ultramodern with classic and comfortable in this Battery Park City branch. There are orange bean bags chairs and a sloped, padded reading area under the staircase that invites kids to lounge and read. There are Exploration Stations, designed for all ages, funded through The Innovation Project and the Charles H. Revson Foundation.

Nancy L.:  Located in lower Manhattan, Poets House features 70,000 volumes of poetry, which is one of the most comprehensive collections of poetry in the country. The Children's Room invites kids to experience poetry, art, music, dance, and more. Kids can take a step back in time by sitting at wooden desks, trying out the card catalog, and using manual typewriters to create their own stories and poetry. Special events are held regularly and Tiny Poets Time includes songs and poetry readings for toddlers.

Nancy L.:  The Mulberry Street library is housed in a former chocolate factory. The branch entrance is on ground level with two additional floors located below ground. The children's room is located below ground but the wide, open space and prominent staircase connect the different areas and let in a lot of natural light. The kids' area has additional lighting on the brick walls offering an even brighter feel in its below-ground location. There are numerous events at this location such as after-school crafts and storytime for babies and toddlers.

Nancy L.:  The Children's Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (the central circulating library of NYPL) features a vast amount of books and media for children of all ages, as well as numerous public programs for kids and families including storytelling, various types of performances, and guest appearances by authors and illustrators. There are cozy reading spaces and computer stations with internet access available by appointment.

Across the street at the Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street, you can even see the real Winnie-the-Pooh and friends on display!

Nancy L.:  Kids can get a rich history lesson during this trip to the library. This building dates back to 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But what's most important is that kids will love the Youth Wing—yes, an entire wing! There are books in countless languages for all ages, a tech center with computers for use by kids up to age 16 as well as DVDs, CDs, and more.

Nancy L.:  Nolen Library is open to all Met Museum visitors. The Children's Reading Room has more than 500 picture books as well as books in numerous languages and computers with art-related activities. All materials are to be enjoyed on site. Children ages 18 months to age 6 can participate in storytime events. Enter at the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education on the ground floor near the 81st St. entrance.

Juan L.:  High Bridge Library underwent one of the most extreme make-overs known to the New York Public Library system and all of the Bronx families couldn't be happier. The space is open, full of light, and beautiful colorful murals representing the neighborhood. The special kid's room has a tree as the center piece of the story times. There is also a mini amphitheater and a "grassy" open space which is home to the many kid-friendly community events.

Nancy L.:  The Children's Library Discovery Center is like a free museum inside of the library. There are hands-on interactive exhibits and learning labs with the library's Discovery Team. This is designed to enable children ages 3-12 to find information and to inspire interest in books, reading, and learning. This center is inside of the Central Library branch in Jamaica, Queens. It also features 18 computers specifically in the children's section with some designated just for toddlers. There's homework help, programs for babies and toddlers, and more.

Nancy L.:  The Brooklyn Public Library has a host of events and activities for kids. But one of its most interesting features is the Bookmobile, which brings the library to different neighborhoods around Brooklyn in the form of a brightly decorated bus. Each Bookmobile can hold up to 6,000 books and there's even a specific Kidsmobile. It stops at schools, daycare centers, parks, special education programs, and more.

Nancy L.:  With The Uni Project, the library comes to you using public spaces around the boroughs as learning spaces. This non-profit group creates pop-up locations in parks and various public areas around themes such as Read, Draw, Explore, Solve, and Build. Visit their calendar of events for an upcoming Uni in your area.