Brooklyn Public Library The Brooklyn Public Library’s summer programmes help keep children reading all season long. Alongside a huge selection of books, families can enjoy free events, workshops, and activities designed to encourage a lifelong love of reading. https://www.bklynlibrary.org/ Queens Public Library Serving communities across the borough, Queens Public Library offers reading challenges, family events, and access to thousands of books for every age and interest. It’s an excellent resource for families looking for free summer activities. http://www.queenslibrary.org/ Bronx Library Center The largest public library in the Bronx, Bronx Library Center offers extensive children’s collections, free family programming, storytimes, and summer reading activities, making it a fantastic resource for local families. https://www.nypl.org/locations/bronx- library-center
Books Are Magic This beloved Brooklyn bookstore has become a neighbourhood favourite thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, excellent children’s section, and regular family events. It’s the kind of place where young readers can browse at their own pace and leave with a stack of new discoveries. https://www.booksaremagic.net/ Book Culture With locations across Manhattan and Queens, Book Culture offers a fantastic children’s department and regularly hosts storytimes, author visits, and family- friendly events. It’s a great place to find both classics and new releases. https://bookculture.com/ The Strand Famous for its “18 Miles of Books,” The Strand has locations in Union Square, the Upper West Side, and Lincoln Center, plus seasonal kiosks. Families will find extensive children’s sections packed with picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and young adult favourites. https://www.strandbooks.com/ New York Public Library No summer reading list would be complete without the New York Public Library. Families can borrow books for free, attend storytimes and children’s programmes. Many branches also offer cool, quiet spaces to escape the summer heat while encouraging children to read. https://www.nypl.org/
NYC’s Best Children’s Bookstores and Libraries for Summer Reading
Summer is the perfect time to help children discover a love of reading. Whether they’re diving into chapter books on a long flight, enjoying picture books in the park, or taking part in a library reading challenge, New York City is packed with places that make reading fun. From iconic children’s bookstores to beautiful library branches, these are some of the best spots to inspire young readers this summer. Books of Wonder A New York institution, Books of Wonder in Chelsea has been delighting young readers for generations. The store is dedicated entirely to children’s books, with everything
from board books and picture books to middle-grade fiction and young adult favourites. Throughout the year, it hosts author events, storytimes, and special activities for children. https://booksofwonder.com/ McNally Jackson With several locations across the city, McNally Jackson is a favourite among New Yorkers. While not exclusively for children, its family-friendly stores feature excellent children’s sections and regular events. The Rockefeller Center location makes a great stop during a day exploring Midtown. https://mcnallyjackson.com/
Make Reading Part of the Adventure
Reading doesn’t have to happen at a desk. Bring books to the beach, read together during a picnic in the park, or let children choose their own summer reads from a bookstore or library. Giving kids ownership over what they read is one of the best ways to help build a lifelong reading habit.
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New York Loves Kids | Summer Family Guide 2026 | 47
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