The Central Libraries > Donnell Library Center > Central Children's Room

Historic and reference children’s materials will be available in the Rose Main Reading Room. Circulating children’s materials and Winnie the Pooh and Friends will move to the Humanities Library in the fall.

dch@nypl.org

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

Winnie-the-PoohOriginally housed in The New York Public Library's landmark Central Research Library on Fifth Avenue, the Central Children's Room is a national leader in childrens services. Today, over 100,000 volumes provide a wealth of material for children of all ages, and for adults.

The Central Children's Room features non-fiction and reference books for children on all topics, as well as a literature collection rich in current and retrospective works. A noncirculating collection of 18th- and 19th- century children's books is available by appointment. The Central Children's Room also features a range of materials for adults about children's literature.

In addition, the Central Children's Room regularly holds such programs as films, story hours, and guest appearances by authors and illustrators. Mary Poppins's umbrella, and other unique items are on permanent display, and special exhibitions--often featuring original art by children's book illustrators--are scheduled regularly. Class visits may be arranged by appointment.

Please note that service for closed stacks items in the Central Children's Room is available only Monday through Saturday. We are unable to retrieve closed stacks items on Sundays.


Hours

New Locations of Donnell Collections and Services (except where noted), new service begins June 2008
The NYPL will be closed
Tuesday, 11/11 for Veterans Day

Collection highlights include:

  • Picture books on low, easy-to-reach shelves
  • 5,000 musical and spoken-word audiocassettes
  • Picture book audiocassette sets
  • Folklore and fairytales
  • Backfiles of periodicals for and about children
  • 9,000 books in languages other than English
  • Literary reviews, history, and criticism of children's literature
  • Biographies of children's book authors and illustrators