Spring Learning Ideas from the New York Public Library

Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy all New York City has to offer, and there are lots of great ways to make the season both educational and fun. Take advantage of these exciting programs from the New York Public Library.

Homework Help Online!
Recently, NYPL created a new service for students in New York City called www.homeworknyc.org. Live chat with New York City teachers is available Monday through Thursday, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm (except during school holidays). Ask for help with tough math problems, writing a research paper, doing a science project and much more.

Parenting Seminar on April 5
On Saturday, April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, The New York Public Library will offer a program for parents and educators called "The Hurried Child in a Digital World: Technology's Impact on the Growth and Development of Young Children." The speaker will be David Elkind, child psychologist and author of The Hurried Child and The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally. For more information, contact the NYPL Office of Children's Services at 212-340-0977.

Celebrate Immigrant History Week!
April 14 at 4pm - Bloomingdale Branch
"Little Red Riding Hood (La Caperucita Roja)." A bilingual musical retelling of the classic fable leads audiences on an exciting journey full of dance, song and music. Presented by The Society of Educational Arts, Inc. in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Week. Recommended for children ages 4 and older.

April 15 at 6pm - Belmont Branch
April 16 at 4pm - Westchester Square
"Martina, The Little Roach (La Cucarachita Martina)." A Latin rock 'n' roll musical based on a popular Cuban and Puerto Rican children's tale of  a little roach who learns many lessons on her journey to find true love. Presented by The Society of Educational Arts, Inc. in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Week. Recommended for children ages 4 and older.

April 15 at 4pm- George Bruce
April 17 at 4pm - Riverside
April 18 at 4pm - Yorkville
"Chinese Ribbon Dance Workshop." Come learn the Chinese ribbon dance! In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Week, Margaret Yuen, Director of the Red Silk Dancers will demonstrate the dance and show you how to wave a long silk ribbon to create rainbows, dragons and waterfalls. No previous training required and all materials will be provided. Recommended for ages 4 to 12. Preregistration is required.

April 14 at 4pm - West New Brighton Branch 
April 15 at 4pm - Richmondtown Library 
April 17 at 4pm - Epiphany
April 18 at 3:30pm - Chatham Square
April 19 at 2pm - Bronx Library Center
"Monkey Steals the Heavenly Peaches." The story of the adventures of the fabulous Monkey King, Sun Wu Kung, from the classic 16th century novel, "Journey to the West." This Peking opera for children is presented by the award-winning Chinese Theatre Works in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Week. For children and their families.

April 14 at 4pm - Edenwald Library
April 15 at 4pm - Melrose Library
April 17 at 4pm - Parkchester
April 18 at 4pm - 115th St
April 19 at 2pm - Soundview
"Latin Music Voyage: A Journey South Through the Spanish Speaking World."
The magic of Latin Music Voyage is a geographical exploration of traditional music through song, dance and puppetry. Dancing flamenco and singing traditional Spanish songs. Recommended for ages 4 and older. Presented by Urban Stages in celebration Immigrant Heritage Week.

As always, NYPL’s 89 sites (in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island) offer many more wonderful programs all year long. Best of all, they’re free! Check out the schedule here.