This summer’s events and activities at the City Island Library

The City Island Library is chalked full of summer events.
The City Island Library is chock full of summer events.
Photo courtesy Getty Images

Here are the events taking place at the City Island Library this summer.

July and August children’s programs

Stories in the Shade: Join us at Pelham Bay Park for stories and fun as part of the New York Public Library’s (NYPL) Summer at the Library Under the Gazebo at the Playground for All Children. Along Bruckner Boulevard near Middletown Road every Thursday at 11 a.m.  

Family Storytime: This event will take place in person at City Island. Join us for a live program with songs, rhymes, and favorite read-aloud books as we show you that story time is fun for the whole family. Limited to 15 children and caregivers per session. Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m.  

Start with Art: Promote early literacy through art, while getting creative! Young artists will explore colors, shapes, and more while working on motor skills — and creating some fun crafts along the way. Limited to 12 children and caregivers per session. First come, first serve. Mondays at 11 a.m. 

City Island Summer Kick-Off Party: Monday, July 10 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Bilingual Storytime: This event will take place in person at City Island. Join us for a live program with songs, rhymes, and favorite read-aloud books in Spanish and English, as we show you that story time is fun for the whole family. Limited to 15 children and caregivers per session. Monday, July 10 at 3 p.m.

July and August teen and tween programs

Teen Unwind: Celebrate the end of the week every Friday at 3 p.m. 

Get Moving for Your Mental Health: Come move and relax! An hour of optional physical movement, where teens stretch, meditate and dance while listening to quintessential hip hop music. July 5, 19 and 26; Aug. 2, 9, and 16 at 3 p.m. 

Be Your Own DJ: Want to be a DJ? Come to the library to learn the basics of mixing and looping and get the party started! No instruments required or experience required — we’ll set you up with a computer, some basic gear, and get you started! With a quick tutorial, the rhythm in you can shine. July 10 at 1 p.m. 

DJ Royalty: Create portraits of Hip-Hop royalty — the original Bronx DJs! July 7. 

Warhol & Basquiat in the City: Watch an interview with legendary NYC pop artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, then try your hand at their unique styles. July 14. 

Express Yourself! Creative Writing Workshop: We want to hear from you! NYPL’s Teen Voices Magazine Contest is accepting submissions of writing and art. Twenty-five winners will be published in our Teen Voices magazine and awarded $100. Come to this session to get started on your entry and make it the best it can be! July 21. 

Mondrian’s Stained “Glass“: Make stained “glass” — tissue paper — in the style of abstract artist Mondrian. July 28. 

DJ Your Day: A good playlist is a magical thing. It has the power to get the party started, motivate you to get the job done, help you concentrate, lift your mood when you’re down and so much more! In this program, teens will learn tips and tricks to make their playlists pop no matter the occasion. Aug. 4. 

Picasso Self Portraits: Paint, draw, or collage yourself in the famous cubist style of Pablo Picasso. Aug. 11. 

Create Your Own Tag: Come create your own signature tag! We’ll briefly discuss the history of tagging and graffiti before creating and designing your own tag. Aug. 18. 

Music Critique 101: What makes a good song good or timeless? What makes a certain specific cover so much better than the original track? Let’s talk about it! If you are passionate about music and love nothing more than sharing that love with your peers, this is the program for you! Join us in the library to discuss everything music. Aug. 25. 

July and August adult programs

Introduction to Computers; Resume and Job Search: Subjects will include job search and resume help. All work will be conducted on our library computers. Call us for details and more information. Every Thursday at 11 a.m.

Island WritersDo you have a passion for writing? Join us for our Island Writers, a creative writing group. This group is for writers of different levels and expertise. We are here to help one another on the journey of self-expression and creativity! Every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Origami for Adults: Origami — the art of paper folding — originated in southeast Asia, and has been used for both ceremonial and recreational purposes for over 1,000 years. According to numerous experts, origami is both mentally and physically therapeutic because it “engages the mind, cultivates concentration, and develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.” Plus, it’s fun! Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.  

City Island Book Club: Every month, a new title will be chosen and copies will be available for pickup on a first-come, first-served basis. Call us for details on what we’re reading next. July 10 and 24; Aug. 7 and 21 at 5 p.m. 

Movie: Bend It Like Beckham: July 29th at 2 p.m.

Bronx History in Books: A literary smorgasbord highlighting the library’s collection of Bronx-themed books, which include novels, mysteries, memoirs, poems, photo books, films, and more! Please register at www.nypl.org/locations/city-island. Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. 

Title to be announced: Aug. 26 at 2 p.m.


For more things to do in the Bronx, visit our Bronx Times Events page.