If you’re looking to find some new reads this summer, or maybe pick up a new hobby or perfect a new skill, New York City’s libraries have you covered.<\/p>\n
The city’s three library systems \u2014 the Brooklyn Public Library; the Queens Public library; and New York Public Library, which serves Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island \u2014 are a treasure trove of ongoing classes in things like language and job skills, or computer and financial literacy<\/p>\n
They also offer packed calendars of free events. Here are some of the highlights for July:<\/p>\n
The big stuff<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot of focus this month on America 250, and the World Cup. One branch in Brooklyn is even giving away 3D-printed top hats in red, white and blue<\/a>.<\/p>\n At its main brand, the New York Public Library is hosting a viewing of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence<\/a>. It’s what’s called a “fair copy,” handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, after the original draft had sections removed before it was ratified, including a long condemnation of the slave trade.<\/p>\n In Queens you can celebrate the World Cup in a number of ways: Kids can learn to code soccer-playing robots<\/a> in Woodhaven, Ozone Park, or Bayside; you can make your own World Cup pinata<\/a> in Flushing; or you can even learn to design a soccer stadium<\/a> in Long Island City.<\/p>\n And the Brooklyn Public Library is partnering with the Center for Brooklyn History<\/a> in Brooklyn Heights for two talks. One, on July 9th, focuses on the history and future of disability rights<\/a>, and the other, on July 22, looks at mass incarceration and democracy<\/a> in the US.<\/p>\n If you’re looking for more of a summertime, party vibe, the New York City samba band Os Clavelitos<\/a> is marking Brasil Summerfest<\/a> with a performance at the Central Library on July 15th.<\/p>\n Branch events<\/p>\n In Brooklyn, every Tuesday, the Arlington Library in Cypress Hills<\/a> does what they call the “People\u2019s Kitchen<\/a>,” where people gather to cook and share food and organize around food insecurity in East New York.<\/p>\n The Queens Public Library is hosting an event called Flavors of Home<\/a> at the Queens Village Library on July 10th. That’s a monthly gathering for older adults who are New Americans to share recipes and food and just connect with each other.<\/p>\n The Francis Martin library branch in Morris Heights has “Hamilton” karaoke for teens. And yes, you are invited to dress up as your favorite character from the play.<\/p>\n For kids<\/p>\n All three offer tons of meetups and sing-alongs and story times, and the Brooklyn and New York Public libraries also have regular opportunities for kids to read to a therapy dog. If you’re looking for something more one-of, however, there are plenty of other offerings.<\/p>\n In Yorkville, NYPL is kicking off the month with a kids dance party feature the hip-hop artist Fyutch<\/a> who performs songs about social justice and the environment.<\/p>\n Brooklyn Public library is holding an event<\/a> at the Jamaica Bay branch for kids to learn about carnivorous plants, led by Jonathan Kui of Midtown Carnivores<\/a>. Kids will go home with seeds or another related giveaway.<\/p>\n