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Chatty Child Summer

Published on
August 6, 2010
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Downtown New Moms Support Group starting in Sept.

For Moms with babies up to 12 months


Being a new mom is often overwhelming and these sessions are a great way to help find your way. For six weeks, you will come together with a small, supportive group of women who live downtown to share experiences, ask questions and humorously and compassionately approach motherhood.  The sessions are led by a social worker and fellow mom.  

When I had my kids I found the babybites events a great way to meet  other moms in my neighborhood, learn more about age appropriate classes and looked forward to the social ...


Macaroni Giveaways

Calendula Baby Care Gift Basket

“Check out Weleda’s new parenting website at www.usa.weleda.com/babytip where moms can share baby tips and check out their great line of baby care products and, if you "like" Macaroni Kid on Facebook before August 13th , you could be eligible to win a Calendula Baby Care Gift Basket ($99 value)

Products that will be in the gift basket: 

Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash ($11, 7.2 oz) – Formulated with plant derived, sugar-based cleansing and foaming agents, this shampoo and body wash is gentle on the eyes and ...


Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to my first NYC Downtown Macaroni Kid newsletter.  I am excited to help you find the best things to do in NYC, sorting through all the noise out there to bring you the right events for you and your family.  I know the challenge of being trapped in an apartment with two kids and the benefits of having fun things to do right at your fingertips.  The intention is for every listing to be worth your time, money and effort and I hope my reviews will provide you with a fair and objective take on a product or activity. 

Each week there will be a list of top picks, a complete list of downtown events for this week and some upcoming events to add to your calendar (though from time-to-time I may include noteworthy events in other parts of Manhattan) as well as one or more of the following: a giveaway, product review, activity review, a favorite recipe or craft,  parenting news.  In addition I will use the blog to share information about adventures I have with my kids outside the downtown area, parenting concerns or a response to something in the news. The forum will be a place to share your favorite places in the city, answer contest questions and voice any parenting or resource questions you may have.

I am excited to work with my subscribers to improve and expand to meet your needs so please send me feedback, ideas or events whenever you feel compelled at this address [email protected]. 

Finally, a few words about myself....I have a 4 1/2 year-old boy , a 3 year-old daughter and a wonderful husband.  I have lived in Manhattan for the past 11 years but grew up in a small suburb of Pittsburgh.  I love to run, cook and read. I am always looking for a new adventure with my children or a quiet craft to do with them at home.


Win a copy of "I Have a Restaurant"

This whimsical  book by Ryan Afromsky managed to keep both my 3 year old and 4 year old engaged for the entire story.  Not an easy task!  The younger one liked the pictures while the older one enjoyed the story. Of course their curiosity was peaked the second they saw an enormous hamburger on the cover.  This wonderfully illustrated tale of the day in the life of a busy restaurant kept them asking questions and cracking up at pictures the entire time.  It led us to a conversation about using ...


This Week's Picks:

August 6th through August 12th

Friday, August 6 - Big

Come laugh with the entire family.  RiverFlicks offers free popcorn as well as beverages and snacks for purchase.  Upcoming Movies:  Aug 13 - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur; Aug 20 - Annie
Where: Pier 46, cross street Charles Street, click here for directions and map to Pier 46. 
When: Movies start at dusk, around 8:30PM
Who: Ages 4 and Up
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Bring your own chairs and blankets; http://riverflicks.com/Pier46.html
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Saturday, August 7 - NYC Summer Streets

This event takes a valuable public space - our City's streets - and opens them up to people to play, walk, bike, and breathe.  The city will temporarily close Park Avenue and connecting streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park to motor vehicles and open it up to people on three consecutive Saturdays in August (August 7, 14, & 21).
Where: Park Avenue and connecting streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park
When: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Walk, Bike, Run
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets/html/home/home.shtml
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Saturday, August 7 - West African Family Dance

Your kids will be dancing to the rhythms of Mane Kadang as he performs stirring music from Senegal, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Dances are led by Kotchegna Dance Company.
Where: Battery Park, Esplanade Plaza, Liberty St., at Hudson River
When: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: No reservations required
Cost: Free
For more info: www.bpcparks.org or call (212)267-9700
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Monday, August 9 - Free Trial Mom & Baby Yoga

New moms - here's an opportunity to get back into shape while strengthening the bond between you and your infant. Experience flowing asanas and calm restorative time in a playful and safe environment for babies. Learn baby yoga exercises to aid in digestion, promote better sleeping patterns and help your infant towards the next stage of development. Beginners are welcome.     
Where: Karma Kids Yoga, 104 14th Street, b/w 6th and 7th Avenues
When: 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Who: All Ages 
How: Class is free but call (646) 638 1444 or email [email protected] to register
Cost: Free 
For more info: For more information, visit http://www.karmakidsyoga.com or call (646) 638-1444
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Thursday, August 12 - "Kids in the Square" Yoga and Concert

Union Square Park's Summer in the Square series continues with Mommy & Me Yoga from Yogi Beans at 10am and a performance by Bari Koral Family Band at noon.
Where: Union Square Park.  Yoga class will take place in the playground and Bari Koral Family Band performance will take place in the South Plaza.
When: 10:00 AM (Mommy & Me Yoga at 10am; Bari Koral Family Band at 12pm)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/explore/events/1291-usp-presents-summer-in-the-square
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This Week's Calendar:

August 6th through August 12th

Friday, August 6 - Bike and Roll's Free Bike Fridays

Borrow a bike for free for up to one hour at one of Bike and Roll's two locations on the island.
Where: Governor's Island
When: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Bikes must be returned by 4:30 PM)
Who: Anyone who can ride a bike
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.govisland.com/
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Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8 - Free Art Island Outpost - Prehistoric Times

Help recreate a dinosaur from paper mache bones found on Governors Island at this free family art program.  
Where: Governors Island
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Program information: http://www.cmany.org/pages.php?pn=GovernersIslandOutpost; Ferry schedule: http://www.govisland.com/html/visit/directions.shtml
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Friday, August 6 - Moving Through Art Family Program @ The Rubin Museum

Move your body to interpret lines and shapes. Translate visual art into imaginative poses, movement and sound.  
Where: Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th Street 
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Every Friday)
Who: Ages 3-5 
How: For registration, tickets and box office, call (212) 620 - 5000 x 344
Cost: $10 ($5 for members) 
For more info:  www.rmanyc.org or (212) 620-5000 x 344 
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Friday, August 6 through Thursday, August 12 - Children's Museum of Art Guided Workshops

Try one of the Guided Workshops where children work in small groups with teaching
artists. Upcoming workshops: Friday, Aug. 6 - Sculptural Exploration (Ages 4+) / Saturday, Aug. 7 - Master’s Series: Mark Rothko / Sunday, Aug. 8 - Red Morph (Ages 4+) / Wednesday, Aug. 11- Blind Contour (Ages 6+) / Thursday, August 12 - Printed Snakes (Ages 5+)
Where: Children's Museum of the Arts, 182 Lafayette (between Broome & Grande)
When: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Closed Monday & Tuesday)
Who: Varies based on the workshop
How: No reservations required
Cost: $10 per person for admissions (Admission costs cover all workshops and materials)
For more info: http://cmany.org/ or call (212) 274 - 0986
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Friday, August 6 through Friday, August 20 - Sunset on the Hudson

Enjoy the sunset at Hudson River Park while listening to New York's acclaimed Guitar Man David Ippolito.       
Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 45 at Hudson Street
When: 7:00 PM (Every Friday)
Who: All Ages 
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.fohrp.org; Transportation: By subway, take the  1 to Christopher Street or By bus, take the M8  
 
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Saturday, August 7 - Silhouette of a Skyline

After creating a silhouette of a skyline, learn how ornamentation is used to articulate a building's features. Then, accent your silhouette to give each building it's individual character.           
Where: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place 
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 5 and up 
How: Registration is required by Friday, August 6th  by 5PM. 
Cost: Suggested donation - $5
For more info: http://www.skyscraper.org or call (212) 968- 1961
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Saturday, August 7 - Family Day at the Center for Architecture

After exploring the Center for Architecture's exhibition Our Cities, Ourselves: The Future of Transportation in Urban Life, families will get a chance to try out a pedicab, load a freight bike and drive a bus in ten world cities highlighted in this interactive exhibition.  You'll also look at ten architects' visions for the future of these cities and then create your own designs for greening NYC's future.  
Where: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Pl. b/w Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (a second session will take place from 2pm-4pm)
Who: Ages 5-13
How: Pre-registration required.  Register online at www.cfafoundation.org.
Cost: $20 per family of 4 ($5 for each additional person)
For more info: www.cfafoundation.org
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Saturday, August 7 - Family Art Making - Sculpting a hero

Make art together at these weekly workshops.  Explore intriguing paintings, sculptures and objects in the museum's exhibition and let them inspire your works of art.  This week hear the story of a prince who went into the forest to look for truth and became a superhero for so many people.  Scult your own superhero figure and share your story.
Where: Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th Street 
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Saturday Workshop)
Who: Ages 6 and up 
How: For registration, tickets and box office, call (212) 620 - 5000 x 344
Cost: $10 ($5 for members)
For more info: www.rmanyc.org or (212) 620-5000
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Saturday, August 7 - Swim! Swim!

Take an imaginary journey under water as we host story time with the new book Swim! Swim! Kids will enjoy this delightful tale of everyone's favorite fish, Lerch on his journey to make a new friend. For craft fun, kids will get to create a giant pretend aquarium!
Where: Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway b/w Prince and Spring Streets
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and up
How: Just show up
Cost: Free 
For more info: www.scholastic.com  or call (212) 343 - 6166. Events hotline (212) 343 - 6166 Option 4
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Sunday, August 8 - Preservation Detectives at The Museum at Eldridge Street

Hunt for history in the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue in a fun-filled family program. Become a Preservation Detective and use a magnifying glass, binoculars and notepad, along with your ingenuity and imagination. Families will sleuth their way through our historic landmark and discover the past through interactive activities and art making. This month features All of a Kind Family Fun Wlking Tour.
Where: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street
When: 1:00 AM (Every Sunday)
Who: Ages 5-10
How: Purchase tieckets at the Museum's gift shop
Cost: $15 per family
For more info: http://www.eldridgestreet.org/family-programs.html or call (212)219-0302
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Sunday, August 8 - Songs for Seeds Summer Concert Series

Songs for seeds is a rockin' music class that encourages kids to sing, play instruments (from drums and guitars to pianos and accordions) along with a live, three-piece band, as well as dance and move as much as possible.
Where: Apple Seed at 10 W 25th St
When: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Every Sunday until Aug 29th)
Who: Ages 0-5
How: Just show up
Cost: $20/adult, $10/child (non-members); $10/adult, $5/child (members)
For more info: http://www.appleseedsnyc.com or call (212) 792-7590; Price includes an all-day play pass to apple seeds, a 15,000 square food indoor playspace
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Sunday, August 8 - Jazz for Kids with Amy Cervini

Play percussion instruments, listen to kid-friendly jazz songs and learn about jazz.
Where: 55 Bar at 55 Christopher Street (at 7th Ave)
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Every Sunday)
Who: Ages 2-8
How: Just show up
Cost: $5 per person
For more info: http://www.amycervini.com/jazz-for-kids
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Monday, August 9 - Clinton Concert Series - Old Silver Band

At the end of the work day, head down to Hudson River Park's Pier 84 (44th Street), the perfect site for you to take in a sunset and listen to this beachgrass band.
Where: Pier 84 at 44th St
When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.fohrp.org/
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Tuesday, August 10 - Stargazing on the High Line

Join friends of the High Line and the Amateur Astronomers Association (AAA) of New York for Astronomy on the High Line. Here's the chance to use the AAA's high-powered telescopes, and get a lesson from the experts on the celestial wonders of New York's night sky. 
Where: Under the Standard Hotel, between Gansevoort and 14th Streets 
When: Telescopes will be set from dusk to 9:30PM
Who: Ages 4 and up 
How: No reservations required
Cost: Free 
For more info: In the event of rain, Stargazing will be cancelled. For updated information on weather-related changes, visit www.aaa.org
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Tuesday, August 10 - Everyone Gets a Song Workshop

Sing-alongs, storytelling, puppet shows and playtime. Using themes from kids’ own worlds as the source material, this class organically builds language skills and developmental connections.
Where: Moomah at 161 Hudson Street
When: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM (Mixed Ages; 10:30 - 11:15 for up to 12 months)
Who: up to 3
How: Call 212-226-0345 to register
Cost: $40/drop-in
For more info: www.moomah.com or call 212 226 0345
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Tuesday, August 10 through Friday, August 13 - Summer Dance at NMAI with Cetiliztli Nauhcampa

Visit the museum Tuesdays through Fridays for interactive dance programs with different Native American artists each week.
Where: American Indian Museum Heye Center Rotunda at One Bowling Green
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=events#/?i=8 or call 212-514-3700
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Wednesday, August 11 through Friday, August 13 - Wee-Arts at the Children's Museum of the Arts

This popular program develops a young child's familiarity with art-making materials, including playdough, paints, glue and a variety of drawing tools.  Wee-Arts encourages the process of experimentation, exploration and creative thinking. Music and story time with singing and drumming concludes each session.
Where: Children's Museum of the Arts, 182 Lafayette Street between Broome and Grand
When: 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 1 to 3 1/2 years
How: Just show up
Cost: $22 per family (group of 3)
For more info: www.cmany.org or (212) 274-0986
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Thursday, August 12 through Thursday, September 9 - Live at the Tenement - An Interactive Tour

The Tenement Museum presents a fun, limited-time only, interactive 60 minute tour where you can meet the residents who once lived at 97 Orchard Street. See how they made a home in the historic tenement house. Visitors will be able explore how working-class apartments differ from what you might have in mind when you think of the word tenement. You will learn how the culture and the community affected  how people lived and what resources they had available in the new country.     
Where: The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, 108 Orchard Street. Click here for directions. 
When: Thursdays Nights Only @ 6:00PM, 6:30PM & 7PM
Who: Ages 5 and Up 
How: For tickets, call 866.606.7232 or purchase online. 
Cost: $20 Adults; $15 Children/Students/Senior 
For more info: For more information: http://www.tenement.org/
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Thursday, August 12 - Yak Packers

Children and their adult friends will build and play with blocks, visit an exhibition in the galleries, create an artwork inspired by the pieces your have looked at, and listen to a story read aloud.
Where: The Rubin Museum,  150 W. 17 St.
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $10 per person; $5.00 for members
For more info: http://www.rmanyc.org or call 212-620-5000
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Plan Ahead:

August 14th through August 24th

Saturday, August 14 - Nature Printing: A Family Printmaking Workshop

Join teaching artist and printmaker Ann de Vere to discover and explore the process of printmaking. Use materials found in nature to make unique prints inspired by the High Line.
Where: 14th Street Passage on the High Line.
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 4 and up
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.thehighline.org/events/all/2010/8/nature-printing-a-family-printmaking-workshop-with-ann-devere
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Saturday, August 14 - "By Little Hands" Art Program: T-Shirts & Necklaces

Join By Little Hands instructor Elyse Rosati to create a hand-painted mermaid or fish and a sand dollar necklace made from clay. Children will get to work on their fine motor skills while making items that are special enough for keeping or giving.  Please bring a smock.
Where: City Treehouse, 129A W. 20th St. b/w 6th & 7th Aves.
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 2 1/2 to 6 with parent/caregiver (adult participation required)
How: Pre-registration suggested.  Call (212) 255-2050 to reserve your spot.
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door
For more info: www.citytreehouse.com
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Sunday, August 15 - SalsaBaby Brunch at Ideya

Get the family together for an amazing brunch at Ideya Latin Bistro featuring performances by Jose Conde and his band!  The kids will have fun dancing while you  enjoy some delicious food and drinks.  
Where: Ideya Restaurant, 349 W. Broadway b/w Broome & Grand
When: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Who: All Ages
How: Call (212) 625-1441 for reservations.
Cost: Only the cost of your food & drinks - No cover charge. 
For more info: www.ideya.net
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Tuesday, August 17 - Cupcake Kids Summer Open House

Come see the first kitchen studio in Manhattan designed just for budding chefs, and make a special treat to take home!  Cupcake Kids owner Jessi Walter is passing on a family favorite - her dad's secret Oatmeal Pancake Recipe - and you'll get to make your own Pancake Mixes in a Jar to take home so the whole family can enjoy! Just add milk & eggs and get cooking.  
Where: Cupcake Kids Kitchen, 109 W. 27th St., 10th Floor
When: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (half-hour sessions)
Who: Ages 2 and up
How: Pre-registration required.  Email [email protected] or call (212) 242-2248 to reserve your spot.
Cost: No charge for Open House.  There is a $5 per jar charge for the Pancake Mix (which my kids loved)
For more info: www.cupcakekids.com
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Tuesday, August 24 - Wild Wednesday:Weed Wars! : Uninvited Guests on the High Line

Discover the powerful plants that grow their own secret garden on the High Line. Take the “pesky plant challenge,” and make your own pop-up book.  
Where: High Line Park -  14th Street Passage on the High Line.
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Last Wednesday of the Month)
Who: Ages 5 and Up 
How: No RSVP required
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.thehighline.org
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Story Times

BOOKSTORE & CAFE STORY TIMES:
Barnes & Noble Union Square, 33 E. 17th St. (212) 253-0810
Story Time on Sundays at 2:30pm for all ages

Birch Coffee (in the Gershwin Hotel), 5 E. 27th St. b/w 5th & Madison Aves. (212) 686-1444
"Miss Nina Sings" on Fridays at 10am for ages 2-7 ($5/child)

Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St. (212) 989-3270
Story Time on Sundays at 12pm for ages 0-7

Borders, 576 2nd Ave. at 32nd St. (212) 685-3938
Story Time on Thursdays at 3:30pm  and Saturdays at 11am for ages 0-6

Giggle Soho, 120 Wooster Street b/w Prince & Spring (212) 334-5817
Story Time on Tuesdays at 4pm for ages 0-4

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby St. (212) 334-3324
Story Time on Mondays at 11:30am for ages 0-3

McNally Jackson Books, 52 Prince St. b/w Lafayette & Mulberry (212) 274-1160
Baby Story Time on Fridays at 4pm for ages 0-2
Story Time with crafts on Saturdays at 12pm for ages 3-7

The Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway b/w Prince & Spring Sts. (212) 343-6166
Story Time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11am for all ages

LIBRARY EVENTS:
Battery Park City Branch, 175 North End Avenue
Mondays at 4:00pm - Picture Book Time! for ages 3-5
Tuesday at 2:00om - The Mouse that Barked & Other Delighful Tales of Good Deeds and Second Chances for all ages
Wedensdays at 10:30 am - Toddler Story Time in Teardrop Park South! for ages 18-36 months

Chatham Square Library, 33 E Broadway (near Catherine St.) (212)964-6598
Fridays at 11:00am - Reading Aloud for ages 5-12
Friday at 2:00pm - Pinocchi for ages 4 and up
Saturdays at 11:00am - Reading Aloud for ages 5-12

Epiphany Branch Library, 228 E. 23rd St. near 2nd Ave. (212) 679-2645
Mondays at 3:00pm - Story and a Craft for ages 3-12
Tuesdays at 11am - Toddler Story Time for ages 18 months to 3 years
Wednesdays at 3pm - Reading Aloud for ages 3-5
Thursdays at 11am - Baby Story Time for ages 0-18 months

Kips Bay Library, 446 Third Avenue at 31st St. (212) 683-2520
Wednesdays at 11:00am - Toddler story time
Thursdays at 3:30pm - Reading Aloud for ages 3-8

New Amsterdam Library, 9 Murray Street (b/w Broadway & Church St), (212)732-8186
Thursdays at 10:30 AM - Baby Story Time for birth to 18 months
Thursdays at 11:30 AM - Baby Story Time for birth to 18 months

Ottendorfer Library, 135 2nd Ave. at 8th St. (212) 674-0947
Mondays at 10:30am - Baby Story Time for ages 0-18 months
Mondays at 1:30pm - Baby Story Time for ages 0-18 months
Tuesdays at 4pm - Story time and crafts for ages 5-12
Wednesdays at 10:30am - Toddler Story Time for ages 18 months to 3 years
Wednesdays at 11am - "Bop 'Til You Drop" dance party for ages 18 months to 3 years
Wednesdays at 1:30pm - Toddler Story Time for ages 18 months to 3 years
Thursdays at 4pm - Preschool Story Time for ages 3-6

Seward Park Library, 192 E Broadway (at Jefferson) (212)477-6770
Mondays at 2:00m - Reading Aloud for ages 5-12

Tompkins Square Library, 331 E. 10th St. at Avenue B (212) 228-4747
Tuesdays at 11:15 - Baby Lapsit for ages 1-18 months
Wednesdays at  11:00am - Toddler Time for ages 18 months to 3 years 


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