New York Public Library launches host of fall programs, reviews ‘fine’ policy

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has launched a series of new in-person educational programs that took effect Monday, September 20, and are designed to support New York students and their families this fall. They are available at several library branches in the Bronx.
NYPL officials said the diverse set of programs are designed to help students excel in school, instill a lifelong love of reading, encourage curiosity and independent learning, and remind students most vulnerable families that their local libraries provide access to essential, free and quality educational resources. programming.
To verify @NYPLevents for adults, adolescents and children on September 30, 2021 https://t.co/2iqOMpfSpB
– NYPL events (@NYPLEvents) September 30, 2021
Programs, available at select Bronx locations (listed below), include:
- STEAM Discovery Kits: Starting September 20, 400 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Discovery Kits will be available by checkout in 30 branches of the system. Students will have access to five different types of kits: Engineering, Stargazing, Young Coders, and Young Builders. In addition, ten branches of the library will receive Sphero Robotics kits. Used in conjunction with library books and home resources, the kits, which can be borrowed one at a time for three weeks, will help students develop skills in STEAM topics and support creative, scientific and collaborative thinking. .
- NYPL after school: A welcome program in 20 NYPL branches, students aged 6 to 12 can receive homework help from a library tutor or teen reading ambassador through this initiative and offers reading recommendations personalized as well as writing, STEAM and other enrichment activities. The program is offered Monday through Thursday, starting Monday, September 27. To find the closest location, customers can visit: nypl.org/afterschool.
- Youth reading ambassadors: Through this paid internship ($ 15 per hour), teenage bibliophiles have the opportunity to engage, read and interact with young students in the NYPL After School program. Teens also design and produce a magazine for children ages 6 to 12 called Portal. The program, which offers 45 coveted slots, is designed to empower young adults to serve as leaders and role models for young children. The first round of internships is over, with teens starting the program on Monday, September 20. Teens interested in the program can wait until the next round (tentatively scheduled for August 2022) or can speak to their local librarians to find out about openings. .
- College and career paths: Teens can explore various professional and educational avenues through a series of programs organized by the library this fall. Additional opportunities are expected in 2022, including an academic and trade fair, free in-person and virtual counseling, college prep workshops, test prep, resources, and career panels.

Photo by Sile Moloney
The Bronx Library branches participating in after-school programs are:
- Jerome Park
- Kingsbridge
- Mosholou
- Parkchester
- Westchester Place
- Woodstock
- Baychester
- Bronx Library Center
- Francois Martin
- High deck
Celebrate #HispanicHeritageMonth with NYPL! Join us for a month of free programs, resources, and bilingual book recommendations that honor Latinx culture. https://t.co/9SlN4lt3nw pic.twitter.com/1pUr1lrFui
– New York Public Library (@nypl) September 29, 2021
The Bronx Library branches providing STEAM kits are:
- Allerton
- Bronx Library Center
- Clason point
- Eastchester
- Edenwald
- Francois Martin
- High deck
- Kingsbridge
- Mott Haven
- Soundview
- Trémont
- Western farms
- Westchester Place
- Woodstock

Flyer courtesy of NYPL
Sphero kits are available at the following Bronx library branches:
- Allerton
- Bronx Library Center
- Clason point
- Kingsbridge
- Woodstock
Did you know that you can access hundreds of magazines and newspapers for free with your New York Public Library card? https://t.co/7NgUV6csXL
– New York Public Library (@nypl) September 30, 2021
Wednesday August 18, Mosholu Library, 285 E 205e Street, Bronx 10467 held a grand opening to celebrate their new outdoor space and invite local residents to stop by and check it out.
Even though public libraries have now reopened since July, as reported, some elderly Bronx residents who are only now returning to use their local public libraries for the first time since the pandemic began in early 2020. Public libraries have closed initially, as stated, and residents wondered whether they should pay fines for the books they took out before the pandemic. Norwood News contacted NYPL to check the policy in this regard and a NYPL representative told us, “Actually, there are actually discussions about fines. I will have more concrete answers next week. We will therefore keep you posted as soon as we have more information.

Flyer courtesy of NYPL
In the meantime, Bronxites can check out information about all of the library’s new programs, as well as existing offerings and virtual resources, by visiting: nypl.org/backtoschool.