New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan-Photo via WikiCommons
Free storytimes, performances, and events across NYC libraries
The New York Public Library’s World Literature & Arts Festival returns April 15–30, and this year’s lineup makes it especially easy to bring kids along.
Now in its sixth year, the festival celebrates storytelling from around the world through books, performances, food, and more. It also lines up with Immigrant Heritage Week, highlighting the many cultures that make up New York City.
The best part: everything is free. With more than 90 library branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, chances are there’s something happening close to home in your neighborhood.
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What the New York Public Library’s World Literature & Arts Festival Has for Kids
This celebration goes way beyond just books. It’s a great chance for kids to see how stories show up in different languages, cultures, and art forms. It also helps reframe the library as a place that is a little more active and way more fun than they might have thought.
Branches across the city will host bilingual storytimes, where librarians read, sing, and share early literacy tips in languages like Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Hebrew, and Japanese.
Highlights Events
Japanese Drumming – April 16
The OMNY Taiko Takeover at the Richmondtown Library brings high-energy taiko drumming that’s loud, physical, and very engaging for kids.
Indian Music and Dance – April 15
The opening event at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library features live Indian classical music and dance, and is great for older kids who are into performing arts.
Community Baking Event – April 30
“Finding Community in Baking” at the Bronx Library Center wraps things up with pastry chefs sharing how food connects to culture and storytelling.
Free Books To Check Out At Home
Library cardholders can also access 12 international fiction titles with no wait times during the festival, plus some audiobooks. Most are geared toward older readers, but still work well for teens or when reading together at home as a family.
Plan Your Visit
Events run April 15–30 and are mostly free, though some require registration. You can browse the full schedule on the library’s website and filter by age or location.
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