NYPL Connect: Recreate an Iconic Book Cover, Find Activities for Kids, and Discover Your Next Great Read! by Alana Mohamed, CommunicationsApril 29, 2020

The New York Public Library offers many tools for learning, research, and finding critical resources that we hope can serve you during these challenging times. In addition, we're here to remind you that reading can be fun! We've been proud to partner with WNYC on a new virtual book club that culminates this week in a live event with "All of It" host Alison Stewart and author James McBride. We hope you can make it! This week, we're also sharing an array of fun resources, like family-friendly activities, a Parks and Recreation–themed reading list, and a book cover challenge on social media. Check out all the ways you can experience the Library from home.

In the Spotlight

Headshots of James McBride and Alison Stewart

Hear from James McBride During a Special Live Stream Event with WNYC

Thousands of New Yorkers are already participating in NYPL's joint book club with WNYC and reading James McBride's new book, Deacon King Kong, currently our top checkout on SimplyE. Join us on Thursday, April 30 at 7 PM for a live stream event and audience Q&A with McBride and "All of It" host Alison Stewart. Find out how you can participate and stay tuned for our upcoming May book club announcement!

Lion in front of the Library.

We Want to Hear from You

As we continue to expand our remote offerings, the Library values your feedback. Tell us which online services and resources you've found most helpful during the temporary closure of our physical locations, and let us know how we might be able to serve you better.

Resources for Kids & Teens

Triptych of three art projects using materials from home.

At-Home Play Activities

Play is a fundamental part of childhood and an important way that kids learn. Our online guide has creative activities and helpful prompts to engage little ones and encourage them to make predictions, experiment, and enhance their vocabulary while learning new concepts. For grades Pre-K–2.

Books to Make Independent Reading Time Fly By

If your kids are having trouble sitting still for independent reading on top of remote learning, here are some recommendations from Jefferson Market Library's own children's librarian, Rebecca Schosha. For grades 3–6.

Graphic Novels, Literacy Help & More Just for Teens

Looking for a new graphic novel? Need help with a school project? Or just want to relax with an e-book? TeenBookCloud is here to help. Part of our popular TumbleBookCloud service, TeenBookCloud features a wide range of engaging and educational resources for teens, including Enhanced Novels—a curated selection of YA novels, classics, and foundational texts that offer professional narration and line-by-line highlighting to help you follow along. For grades 6–12.

More Digital Resources

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Need a New Book, but Don't Know Where to Begin?

From our Staff Picks Book Finder to our array of new book lists, the Library has tons of book recommendations to help you. For personalized recommendations, tune in to NYPL Recommends on Facebook every Wednesday at 12:30 PM or join the NYPL Recommends office hours on Twitter on Mondays from 3 PM to 4 PM and Fridays from 10 AM to 11 AM. Find out more about how to join and check out our curated book lists for even more titles.

Webinar: Need a Side Gig? Making Money Online

Thursday, April 30 | 6 PM
If you're in need of extra income, our experts can help. This webinar will teach you about several trusted online platforms you can use to build on your income without having to front any cash. All you need is a computer or mobile device. Limited spots available.

Webinar: Learn How to Shop Online

Thursday, April 30 | 1:30 PM
This TechConnect workshop will teach you how to navigate the world of online shopping, tackling everything from taking advantage of bargains to best practices for shopping safely. Limited spots available.

New & Noteworthy

Gif of several book cover recreations

Join NYPL's #BookCoverDouble Challenge!

Reading is twice the fun when you join our #BookCoverDouble Challenge. Whether you are staying home alone, with family, friends, roommates, or furry friends, we hope you'll join us and recreate a book cover you love. You'll do a double take when you check out some of our favorites.

If the Parks and Rec Crew Loved the Library: A Reading List

In honor of the Parks and Recreation reunion this Thursday, April 30, here's a reading list we think Leslie and the Parks Department would love—if they weren't sworn enemies of the public library system, that is.

#PocketPoems for Poem in Your Pocket Day

Help us celebrate the power of poetry on Poem in Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 30 by carrying a poem with you—physically or digitally! All April-long we've celebrated National Poetry Month—and our 125th anniversary this year—by releasing a new poem every day inspired by our Digital Collections. Take a look back at some of our highlights, and don't miss the new, portable poems we'll be featuring on April 30.

How Y'all Doin'? The Librarian Is In Podcast, Ep.162

Join Frank and Rhonda as they discuss how they've been holding up and what books they've been reading while at home. Plus, find out which title from our anniversary book list, 125 Books We Love, they'll be featuring for their next book club.

Post a Sticky Note: How Is the Library Supporting You?

From online storytimes to job search resources, NYC libraries are striving to support New Yorkers and keep our city strong. What Library resources are helping you most during this challenging time? Post a note about your favorite offerings and check out what remote resources your fellow library patrons are using.

Thanks for reading! 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.

View all posts by Alana Mohamed