New York Public Library Launches Story Line: A Dial-In Storytime Service

The NYPL has launched “Story Line,” a weekly storytime that can be accessed over the phone for all young readers, including those without internet access. Children can once again experience the joy of storytime over the phone. It’s as simple as dialing-in and then hearing a librarian’s voice recording of a new children’s story.

Pssst….do your kids need help with homework? Check out “AOC’s Homework Helpers Program is Free and Ready to Help.”

How to Access NYPL Story Line

New recordings will be released every Monday via the Library’s virtual support and reference desk (917-ASK-NYPL or 917-275-6975). The recordings will also be available in three languages — English, Spanish and Mandarin! Each storytime will run shorter than five minutes.

If your young reader is interested in reading along with the books chosen for “story line,” the books will be available for checkout at the library’s grab and go locations or via the library e-reader app Simply E.

Some of the books to look forward to include:

English: New York Baby illustrated by Ward Jenkins, read by Teresa from City Island branch
Spanish: Pequeno Elliot read by Jessica Agudelo from the Bronx Library Center
Mandarin Chinese: The Six People & the Elephant read by Ching Yi Lau from Chatham Square Branch

Other virtual resources offered at the New York Public Library include: digital library cards and over 300,000 e-books to borrow, and read via the e-reader app SimplyE; weekly video storytimes; on-demand, 1-on-1 virtual K-12 tutoring via Brainfuse; educational tools and tips to support families engaged in remote learning.

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

Elf the Musical

They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer. Start decking the halls, people &ndash; it's Elf The Musical! After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you&rsquo;re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic. A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, Elf The Musical follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award&reg; nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award&reg; nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen &ndash; known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" &ndash; as the hilarious store manager. Called &ldquo;a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show&rdquo; (Time Out), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!