Sign up for NYPL Connect today and get the latest updates on Library resources available to you during our temporary closure sent straight to your inbox.

It has been a month since The New York Public Library temporarily closed its locations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While our physical libraries remain closed during this global crisis, we have been working hard remotely to keep New Yorkers connected with the library programs and services that they need and want: e-books, research databases, on-demand virtual tutoring services, classes, book discussions and clubs, storytimes, reading recommendations, and more. I hope that during this unprecedented moment, the Library continues to play a key part in your life, whether you need an escape from current events, support with remote learning, assistance with your work, or help learning a new skill. We are here to help and support you, as we have been for 125 years through good and challenging times.

This is a supremely challenging time for all of us. Of particular concern is our uncertain future: we don’t know what the coming months hold for the Library, our communities, our City, and our country. We expect that there will be pressures and difficult circumstances that we will need to overcome, and none of it will be easy. But we can do it.

During the Great Depression, Mayor LaGuardia named the beloved lions who guard our 42nd Street library Patience and Fortitude for the qualities he felt New Yorkers needed to get through a difficult time. That sentiment certainly rings true now. Just as the lions continue to stand strong and defiant, so will New York City. I firmly believe that we will get through this moment together, with patience, fortitude, and strong support of each other.

Thank you,
Tony

Anthony W. Marx
President, The New York Public Library

In the Spotlight

What New Yorkers Are Reading Right Now

Though our doors are temporarily closed, the Library still provides access to over 300,000 e-books through our free e-reader app, SimplyE. Since the Library closed about a month ago, e-book checkouts have increased nearly 10% compared to the same period last year. The number of weekly e-book readers has also increased—by an estimated 15%. Here’s what New York City is reading to help cope with our current moment.

Expanding Online Resources for Kids and Families

During our temporary closure, we’re working to address the needs of kids and caretakers with a growing suite of online programming for families. We’ve launched our Online Storytime series, which features librarians reading beloved books, singing songs, and sharing early literacy tips. We’ve also debuted one-on-one virtual tutoring in partnership with Brainfuse to provide students with daily access to help in core subject areas. In addition, we have a collection of educational video and story resources, test prep, and more. Explore all the services we offer students and educators.

More Resources for Kids & Teens

Get Test Prep from Home

 If you or your child needs additional testing support, LearningExpress Library is a comprehensive resource for test prep and college readiness. Subjects covered include Math and Reading exams, the PSATs and SATs, college admissions essays, and even civil service and licensing exams. Follow guided practice sets to build up skills, then take practice exams to assess your progress. Whichever exam you’re preparing for, LearningExpress Library can help. Grades 4–12

Download NYPL Sings!

The New York Public Library is your partner in helping young children grow up to be strong readers and thinkers. Through this album, we focus on singing as a wonderful way for parents, caregivers, and librarians to bond with children and help them become self-confident, curious, and intrepid learners with a lifelong love of reading. Pre-K–Grade 2

More Digital Resources

Get Career & Resilience Coaching from NYPL​

If you’re in need of advice during this difficult time, get free career coaching while learning how to make the most of the Library’s digital resources. Our experts will be available by phone or Skype to discuss strategy and support covering a range of topics including job hunting, resume building, and mental resilience. Patrons can book up to three sessions every three months.

Find the Help You Need

Communities everywhere are facing difficulties accessing food, health services, housing, and money, but just because the Library’s doors are closed doesn’t mean we can’t help our patrons find the help they need. The Library is proud to present a wide array of organizations and resources New Yorkers can reach out to during these difficult times.

Discover Our Upcoming Online Events & Classes 

The New York Public Library is here to help people of all ages learn and engage with their communities virtually through our online classes, programs, book clubs, and more. Learn about everything from online grocery shopping to how to code a webpage, or discuss your favorite stories with fellow book lovers—there’s an offering for everyone. Discover our wide array of free online activities in one place.

New & Noteworthy

Take 10 Minutes to Help Your City for the Next 10 Years

During these challenging times, there is one simple way you can help our City: by taking the 2020 Census. Data from the Census helps allocate federal funds over the next decade for crucial infrastructure, including emergency services. During the 2010 Census, less than 65% of New Yorkers self-responded, but we can do better this time around. For the first time ever, the Census is available online. Libraries are here to help. Learn how you can take the Census remotely and invest in your community for years to come.

Book Club: Deacon King Kong with WNYC

During the month of April, connect with other literary-minded New Yorkers through our new book club, in partnership with WNYC. Follow along with All of It host Alison Stewart as she guides readers through James McBride’s new book, Deacon King Kong, on air and on social media. Thousands of New Yorkers are already participating! If you want to join in, remember that you can always download Deacon King Kong on our free e-reader app, SimplyE.

The Librarian Is In Podcast, Episode 161

Podcast hosts Frank and Rhonda select A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor—from the Library’s 125 Books We Love list—to read and discuss.

A Book List to Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Week 2020

This Immigrant Heritage Week, discover these fiction and nonfiction titles that celebrate where we come from and where we are now.

2020 Bernstein Award Finalist Spotlight: No Visible Bruises by Rachel Louise Snyder

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process for our 2020 Helen Bernstein Award for Excellence in Journalism with this spotlight on finalist Rachel Louise Snyder's No Visible Bruises.

Workout for One: Digital Fitness Videos You Can Do at Home

Try streaming these fitness videos to learn a new skill or get a basic refresher to get your body active and moving.

Kids E-Books That Teach Coding Skills

Young kids can get started with learning Scratch, graduate to Python, and even begin reading about game design with these e-book offerings available on SimplyE.

How to Spot Fake News on Social Media

Here are some tips to help you practice the research and critical thinking skills you need to avoid falling for hoaxes or misinformation that may spread on social media.

Community Projects from the Picture Collection

Researchers and artists who use the Picture Collection are sharing what’s keeping them busy while they’re home. We hope these projects will inspire you to indulge in your creativity!

Movie & Television-Adjacent Reads That Are Always Available

Perhaps you’ve been revisiting some of your favorite movies or TV shows lately while you've been home. If so, here are some related public domain classics to take you even further down the rabbit hole. 
 

Don’t Miss

E-Books & Audiobooks

SimplyE, the Library’s free e-reader app, makes it easy to browse, borrow, and read more than 300,000 e-books with your library card. Plus, New York state residents who don’t have a library card can sign up for one through SimplyE.

Resources for Kids & Teens (ft. Brainfuse)

Get vital digital tools for learners of all ages—including access to free online homework help and one-on-one tutoring, daily from 2 PM to 11 PM, through our partnership with Brainfuse. Find read-alouds, engaging activities, and more.

Expanded Research Collections

Access more than 800 online databases for free—many available for use from anywhere—when you log in with your library card. Discover anything and everything from scholarly journals and historical archives to our Digital Collections.

Sign up for NYPL Connect today and get the latest updates on Library resources available to you during our temporary closure sent straight to your inbox.