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Education

Since its founding, The New York Public Library has been an essential provider of educational programs and resources. We give New Yorkers the tools they need to succeed, including storytimes for young learners, creative spaces for teens, and English language classes and technology training for adults.

Learning Opportunities for All Ages at NYPL

Discover everything the Library has to offer lifelong learners of all ages. Plus, scroll down to find special highlights for early learners, kids, teens, adults—and educators!

  • Photo of a baby and a toddler looking at a picture book in a library.

    Babies & Toddlers

Center for Educators & Schools

  • Text: Center for Educators & Schools The New York Public Library. Illustrated book, apple, and pencil

    Support for Educators & Students

    The New York Public Library’s Center for Educators and Schools (CES) is devoted to making all of the Library’s resources accessible and useful for educators. You’ll find programs and services tailored for the educator community, such as book lists, credit-bearing workshops, special access to exhibitions, tips on teaching with primary source materials from our vast research collections, and much more.

Multilingual Resources

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    World Languages at the Library

    The Library welcomes speakers and readers of a wide range of languages. We are committed to helping patrons of all ages navigate our free services and resources. Get a library card, learn about Library offerings, search the catalog, and more in select world languages. Plus, learn a new language for free with our language conversation groups and classes, Mango Languages, world language databases, and more.

More for Babies & Toddlers

  • A woman and a man read a picture book to a small baby in a green ribbon.

    Babies & Toddlers at NYPL

    Come to your local branch and engage in a wide variety of free early childhood programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

  • Photo of a librarian reading a picture book to a group of children and caregivers in an outdoor setting.

    Free Family Programs

    Join us in branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island for storytimes, art and play activities, and support for parents and caregivers.

  • A small child with short brown hair paints an abstract picture.

    Download: Early Literacy Activities

    Discover activities in this booklet that will help develop important early literacy skills at your local library and at home.

  • A small child with short black hair and a white shirt holds two yellow egg-shaped toys.

    At-Home Play Guides

    The early literacy team at NYPL hopes you and your little ones have fun with these recipes for play using everyday materials!


     

More for Kids

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    Kids at NYPL

    Join us at select branches for NYPL After School, get free homework help, boost your STEAM skills, find the best new reading recommendations, and more.

  • A young girl and boy smile and stand next to each other outside of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, holding a book.

    Events for Kids

    There's something for everyone at the Library, including arts and crafts, trivia, book discussions, author talks, and STEAM activities! Join us today.

  • Young Builders

    STEAM Discovery Kits

    Explore robotics, astronomy, engineering, coding, and more using exciting tools, toys, and books at home. Check out a kit at a branch near you!

  • Discover books recommended for kids by our expert librarians including the Best Books of 2020 and more.

    Best Books for Kids

    Our expert librarians selected the year's best books for kids. Check out over 130 titles for school-age readers.

More for Teens

  • A teen in glasses and a hoodie smiles at the camera while sitting at a recording studio setup with a guitar visible in the background.

    Teens at NYPL

    Calling all teens! The Library is here for you today and to help you prepare for the future. Learn more about our creative spaces, studios, and more.

  • Teens gathered around a table playing Jenga at the Van Cortlandt Library, Arline Schwarzman Building Teen Center.

    Enhanced Teen Centers

    Hang out, get creative, and much more at our newly expanded and enhanced Teen Centers at locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island!

  • Photo of two teens smiling at the camera while sitting at a table with laptops and notebooks; in the background, two more teens are engaged in studying.

    College & Career Pathways

    Find resources, individual counseling, college and career prep workshops, and programs to help you take the next big step.

  • Green background with a book cover collage including titles from teen staff picks.

    Best Books for Teens

    Find your new favorite reads with this collection of books curated by our expert librarians. Check out these outstanding titles in print, e-books, and more.

More for Adults

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    Adults at NYPL

    Discover writing groups, crafting activities, creative studios, and more at the Library. 

  • A woman sits at a table with a laptop and smiles at the camera; in the background, there are other laptop users.

    TechConnect: Classes & More

    Find technology classes online and in-person throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

  • A man looks at a book titled: The Big Book of Jobs.

    Career Services at NYPL

    Free virtual and in-person support including coaching, resume or cover letter writing, and career development.

  • A group of people smile and chat in a brightly lit room with windows.

    Free English Classes

    Strengthen your communication skills in English with beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes.

More for Educators

  • Book cover collage on a blue background, featuring multiple titles.

    Educator Collection at NYPL

    Discover a specially curated set of professional development books and instructional resources for teachers, librarians, and homeschooling parents.

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    Teach with Primary Sources

    Explore curricular materials, guides, and facilitated learning experiences inspired by our archival collections that you can easily integrate into your teaching.

  • Several people in face masks sit at a table and look at various historical maps together.

    Events & Workshops

    Find a wide range of events and programs for educators, including credit-bearing professional development workshops, author talks, and more.

  • Beige background with a book cover collage featuring titles from NYPL's Vibrant Voices list.

    Vibrant Voices: Books from Authors of Color

    Explore titles that amplify and celebrate diverse voices, promote discussion, and expand understanding. 

These programs and initiatives are part of the Library’s Tisch Youth Education Programs, led by the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education. Major support for educational programming is provided by Merryl H. and James S. Tisch.

Major support for children's and young adult programming is provided by the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.

Major support for youth education is provided by Arthur W. Koenig; Jane Lauder; the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF); Mr. and Mrs. Timothy R. Barakett Endowment for Children’s and Young Adult Programs and Services; The Gottesman Fund; E.H.A. Foundation, Inc.; Mr. and Mrs. Evan R. Chesler; Robert A. and Elizabeth R. Jeffe Foundation; Michael ByungJu Kim and the MBK Educational Foundation; New York Life Foundation; the Gray Foundation; and City’s First Readers, an initiative made possible with funding from the New York City Council.

Major support for the Library's adult literacy programs is provided by the City of New York; Lynne and Richard Pasculano; Arthur W. Koenig; The JPB Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II funding administered through the New York State Education Department; and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Additional support provided by the New York State Library Coordinated Outreach Services Program; Bank of America; and an anonymous donor.

The Center for Educators and Schools is supported in part by a generous grant from Hearst Foundations, Inc.