Blog

For even more ideas, see our previous posts.

FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

BOOMbox at Home: Slime

All sorts of wild animals use slime to defend themselves or mark their territories. Take inspiration from the great outdoors and make homemade slime.

Be the Artist: Egg Carton Owl

Turn your empty egg cartons into cute birds with this cute craft.

How High is That Tree?

Do you have a favorite tree in your neighborhood? It’s probably too tall to climb! Use this activity sheet to learn how to measure how tall it is with just a few basic materials.

Rise & Shine Storytime: Bark, George

Join Ms. Mary in our latest storytime video for a fun song about all the different ways animals say hello, perfect for pairing with the book Bark, George by Jules Feiffer.

STEAM Engines: Sound Waves

Explore how sound is like killer bees (really!) in this video as Ms. Caitlin and Desi demonstrate a way to "see" sound waves using items from your kitchen.

BOOMbox at Home: Mae Among the Stars

As a little girl, Mae Jemison dreamed of dancing among the stars. After much hard work, she became the first African American woman to travel in space. Enjoy this video reading of Mae Among the Stars, written by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington, and copyrighted by Harper Collins in 2018.

BOOMbox at Home: Make Your Own Origami Rocket

Watch this video to learn how to turn an ordinary square sheet of paper into a space rocket which runs on imagination.

BOOMbox at Home: Make Your Own Space-Themed Ice Cream

Learn to make asteroid ice cream with simple ingredients in this how-to video.

Read & Play with Math: Number Sense

Number sense is the ability to understand the quantity of a set and the name associated with that quantity. Even babies are able to compare quantities, but the idea of associating a specific number to a group of items is a concept you can help your children learn over time. Use these number sense activities to get started.

Be the Artist: Tube Puppets

With a little imagination, you can use supplies around your home to turn leftover cardboard tubes into fun puppet friends.

BOOMbox at Home: Far-Out Dreams

Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, had big dreams and persisted despite facing barriers along the way. Think about your own dreams with our BOOMbox at Home activities.

STEAM Engines: Nephology (the Study of Clouds)

Enjoy learning about clouds with Ms. Caitlin and Desi. Watch this video to explore clouds and create your own cloud identification chart in a fun art project.

Take It, Make It: Doodle Art

Many of us naturally doodle when we have a pencil or pen in our hands and anything to write on. Doodling is also a great way to relax and reduce stress. Get started doodling with this activity sheet.

You can also find resources and recommendations from our staff.

For ALL AGES

BOOMbox at Home: Eating Insects--Chocolate Chirp Cookies

Some experts speculate that in the future, people everywhere will be consuming insects as part of their regular diet. Explore the issue of eating insects with taste test recipes.

FOR TEENS

Banned Books Week 2020

During Banned Books Week, we celebrate the right to make our own choices about what to read and what to think. In a democracy like ours, all ideas and books should be available to everyone. Censorship--removal of a book so no one can read it--should be opposed. Learn more about your freedom to read in this video playlist with librarian Mary, and take a look at a video of the ten most challenged books from 2019--some of which may be your favorites.

FOR ADULTS

Food Science for the Win: Make Gazpacho

As autumn begins, it's a perfect time to use our vegetable roasting technique to make a simple vegetable soup. In this video, Amy H. walks you through preparing a simple gazpacho.

Navigating the Job Search: Informational Interviewing

Get an edge on the competition by networking your way to your next career. In this recording from our August 27 Zoom event, Martin Gahbauer of Elmhurst University provides a guide to take control of your job search by conducting a series of directed interviews that will develop your network and help you land a good job.

Book Chat Chapter 9: Dangerous Women for Dangerous Times

Perry and Monica join librarians Becca and Allyson for the latest chapter of Book Chat, our video series where we talk about the books we're most excited about right now. This discussion features titles with really great female characters.

Food Science for the Win: Simple Vegetable Soups Resource Guide

Explore the science of making simple vegetable soups using this resource guide. The kitchen is an ideal lab for experimenting and being curious while embracing your inner scientist.

Navigating the Job Search: Interviewing in the Virtual Age

During the pandemic, most interviewing is done on the phone and by computer. Watch human resources professional Frances Price explain techniques for looking and sounding your best in an online interview.

Navigating the Job Search: Resumes and Marketing Material

Career professionals Jerry Donahue and Joan Neumahr share the best ways to market yourself during the pandemic by creating an effective resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, and more.

PERFORMANCES

Russian Folks Songs for the Piano

Library staff member Luba plays a medley of Russian folk songs on the library's Steinway grand piano in this online concert video.

Table of Silence Project 9/11

Buglisi Dance Theatre and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, in partnership with Dance/NYC, present a reimagining of the Table of Silence Project 9/11, an annual free public performance ritual for peace. The site-specific work was first presented on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on the Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center. The choreography is based on ancient labyrinths, mandalas, and sacred geometry, drawing on patterns associated with harmony and the belief that every being in the cosmos is connected. This year’s performance will be streamed on Lincoln Center’s website and Facebook Page. The video will be available on-demand following the premiere.