The branch is very family-friendly, with the entire first floor dedicated to young people.  The space includes a new story-hour room and two separate reading areas decorated with funky, bright colored cushions to read or play on. The children's section has 12 computers and a great collection of new books and dvds.  The regular storytime schedule is set to begin in March.  There are some children's reading and song events planned for February. Check the branch calendar for details.

An afternoon of free community events is taking place at the library this Thursday, February 11th to celebrate the reopening.  There will be a magic show, music performances, and story time as well as face painting and balloon animals.  Visitors can also enjoy tours and a neighborhood history talk.  Here is the celebration schedule:

St. Agnes Library Reopening Celebration
444 Amsterdam Avenue (between 81st and 82nd Streets)
Thursday, February 11th
11am - 4pm
Free

11 a.m.
Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting
 
12:30 p.m.
Magic Show, with Evan Paquette
Upper West Side Odyssey, a talk by Jim Mackin, Park West Neighborhood History Group

1 p.m.
Center for Reading and Writing, an overview with staff and students

2 p.m.
Children Sing and Celebrate Around the World, a singing program for preschoolers
Get Noticed in 2010: Networking Made Simple, a workshop for job seekers
Center for Reading and Writing, computer demonstrations

3 p.m.
World Beat and Percussion with Dale Gordon, visitors participate in drumming performance
Face Painting and Balloon Animals

We're grateful for this beautiful new kid-friendly library branch, another great Indoor Place for Kids in NYC. And one to add to our list of story times!