Information from the New York Public Library

With New York City temperatures expected to hover around 100 degrees this weekend, the Library has decided to open seven additional branches on Sunday, July 21, to help New Yorkers stay cool and safe. 

With the seven additional branches, The New York Public Library—which serves the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—will offer service at 14 locations this Sunday, July 21; public library locations are considered City cooling centers. 

The additional libraries, which will be open from 1 PM to 5 PM, are:  High Bridge Library, West Farms Library, Mott Haven Library and Soundview Library in the Bronx Morningside Heights Library and Harlem Library in Manhattan Stapleton Library in Staten Island The Library will also offer planned Sunday service at the following locations on July 21:  Bronx Library Center, Melrose Library, Parkchester Library in the Bronx 53rd Street Library, Inwood Library, Hudson Park Library in Manhattan Todt Hill–Westerleigh Library in Staten Island Below are a few ways you can enjoy the Library's many offerings while staying out of the heat.

Borrow E-Books from Your Phone

SimplyE is The New York Public Library's free e-reader app that makes it easier than ever to borrow 300,000+ e-books, from bestsellers to classics. It is available on the App Store and Google Play.

Learn a Language or Skill

Online learners can take part in courses on their own time, at their own pace, and in any location. That is why The New York Public Library provides access to a wide range of online learning tools, take a look at what we have to offer—all you need is your library card!

Help Kids Avoid the "Summer Slide" with Summer Reading

Blast off into a universe of stories this summer! Books can transport you to the far reaches of the cosmos without ever leaving your home. Learn about all the ways the Library can help you take your reading to infinity and beyond this summer—and all year long.

Summer Reading: Not Just For Kids

Summer is a great time for adults to mix up their reading, too! Whether you're hunting down a classic beach read (even if you're stuck in the city) or finally cracking open that giant biography you've been meaning to get to for ages, it’s a great time to read. We've borrowed the theme from this year’s kids' program to bring you nine space-centric books, from a funny space opera to a scientific guide to alien life.

Find a Book Recommended by Our Librarians

Our newest round of Staff Picks—more than 100 titles that we're excited about right now—is ready for summer! Stay cool with the recommended reads on this list, handpicked by our expert staff.

Sign up for Culture Pass

Looking for local adventures this summer? NYC libraries are making it easier for you to explore museums, public gardens, and more! Library cardholders can use Culture Pass and get free admission to dozens of cultural attractions in all five boroughs. Participating institutions include MoMA PS1, Museum of the City of New York, the New York Botanical Garden, and more. Log in with your library card and sign up for a pass.