NYPL Celebrates Early Learners
The Library is here for families with little ones who are starting school or headed to early education centers for the first time with our latest resources, including educational tablets, personalized book recommendations, printable activities for home, and more!
Both parents and educators can download printable resources, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities with instructions for homemade play materials so you can experiment and learn anywhere! You can find STEAM activities in both English and Spanish here.
Our Shelf Help program delivers personalized book recommendations for readers of all ages. Access Shelf Help by calling 917-ASK-NYPL or filling out the online form here.
Every open branch is equipped with educational tablets called Launchpads. These early educational devices are preloaded with apps, games, and books for children ages 3–7 to explore a variety of early literacy topics. Launchpads are ad-free, do not require a Wi-Fi connection, and are 100% safe to use. Browse our Launchpad collection and use your library card to check one out!
For the latest storytimes and more early childhood programming, visit nypl.org/storytime or see what your local branch offers here.
Plus, find recommended resources for making the transition from preschool to kindergarten, including titles about starting school. Here are just a few titles to help young learners get excited about starting a new chapter:
Click, Clack, Quack to School!
by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
by Robin Wells, illustrated by Isabella Grott
by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
by Yangsook Choi
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean
Best of luck to all the families beginning their educational journey this fall from everyone at the Library!
P.S. Don't have a library card yet? Learn about everything an NYPL library card can offer students, families, and educators, and how you can sign up for one, here.
Read E-Books with SimplyE
With your library card, it's easier than ever to choose from more than 300,000 e-books on SimplyE, The New York Public Library's free e-reader app. Gain access to digital resources for all ages, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, and more.
If you don’t have an NYPL library card, New York State residents can apply for a digital card online or through SimplyE (available on the App Store or Google Play).
Need more help? Read our guide to using SimplyE.