NYPL Offering New Back To School Existing And Virtual Programs From Harlem To Hollis

On Monday, September 20, 2021, the New York Public Library launched a suite of new in-person educational programs designed to support New York City students and their families this fall.

Including several branches throughout Manhattan.

The diverse set of programs are designed to help students excel in school, spark a lifelong love of reading, encourage curiosity and independent learning, and remind the most vulnerable families that their local libraries provide access to critical educational resources and free, quality programming.

For information about all of the Library’s new programs, as well as existing offerings and virtual resources, visit: nypl.org/backtoschool

Our programs, available at select branches in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island include:

• STEAM Discovery Kits: Beginning on September 20, 400 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Discovery Kits will be available for checkout at 30 branches throughout the system. Students will have access to five different types of kits: Engineering, Stargazing, Young Coders, and Young Builders. Additionally, 10 branches will get Sphero Robotics kits. Used in conjunction with books from the Library and resources from home, the kits–available to borrow one at a time for three weeks–will help students develop their skills in STEAM topics and support creative, scientific, and collaborative thinking.
• NYPL After School: A drop-in program at 20 NYPL branches, students aged 6-12 can receive homework help from a Library tutor or a Teen Reading Ambassador through this initiative and offers personalized reading recommendations along with writing, STEAM, and other enrichment activities. The program is offered Monday-Thursday beginning Monday September 27. To find the nearest location, patrons can visit: nypl.org/afterschool.
• Teen Reading Ambassadors: Teen bibliophiles have an opportunity through this paid internship ($15 an hour) to engage, read to, and interact with younger students in the NYPL After School program. The teens also design and produce a magazine for kids aged 6-12 called Portal. The program, which offers 45 coveted slots, is designed to empower young adults to serve as leaders and role models to younger children. The inaugural round of internships is closed, with teens beginning the program on Monday, September 20. Teens interested in the program can wait until the next round (tentatively scheduled for August 2022) or can speak to their local librarians to learn of any openings.
• College and Career Pathways: Teens can explore various career and educational avenues through a series of programs hosted by the Library this fall. Additional opportunities are expected in 2022, including a college and career fair, free in-person and virtual college counseling, college prep workshops, test prep, resources, and career panels.