The Morning Bell

Join NYC Public Libraries for Free Activities for the Whole Family This Summer

This summer, NYC’s three public library systems are offering a wide array of free programs and events for kids and teens to stay engaged with reading and get creative while school’s out. From reading enrichment programs and arts and crafts programs to contests and giveaways, there's so much for families to do—and at more than 200 locations across all five boroughs!

Learn more about what's happening at a library branch near you this summer

Red text that reads Summer at the Library above an illustration of a blue train going by. The background is yellow with a sun.

The Month Ahead (June 2025)

We made it to the last month of the 2024–25 school year! See what's happening in NYC Public Schools in June 2025, including Caribbean American Heritage Month, New York State Regents Exams, Anniversary Day, PRIDE Month , Eid al-Adha, Juneteenth, and the last day of school!

Check June's schedule, and start the countdown for summer!

Two young girls wearing graduation caps. One of the girls is holding up two fingers in a 'V.'

Opportunities for Students (May 2025)

The final full month of the 2024–25 school year is here—time to lock in your late spring and summer plans! Check out all the learning and earning opportunities available for NYC public school students this month and beyond, including scholarships, free access to cultural institutions, and paid internships, and register/apply for them today!

Line up your spring, summer, and fall opportunities TODAY

Two teenaged girls sitting on a set of court stairs.

Pride Month Highlight: Edie Windsor

June is Pride Month! In celebration, we’re highlighting our profile of Edith “Edie” Windsor, a computer programmer and pioneering LGBTQ+ activist best known for her role in the landmark Supreme Court case, United States v. Windsor, that helped lead towards the eventual legalization of gay marriage in the United States.

Learn more about Edie Windsor on Hidden Voices

Thea Spyer (left) sitting with her arm around Edie Windsor (right) outside on some rocks with bare trees in the background.

Caribbean American Heritage Month Highlight: Helen Rodríguez-Trías

In celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month in June, we’re highlighting our profile of Helen Rodríguez-Trías, a doctor and activist who played a pivotal role in the women’s health movement by advocating for the rights and freedoms of Puerto Rican women and other marginalized communities throughout her career.

Learn more about Helen Rodríguez-Trías on Hidden Voices

Black and white photograph of Helen Rodríguez-Trías in a lab coat in front of a blue background.

What We're Reading

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month! These suggestions for students of every grade level feature characters and perspectives that are often not reflected in other popular works. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Early Readers (3K–Grade 2)

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa, by Veronica Chambers
Haiti A to Z, by M.J. Fievre; illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska
Love, Lah Lah, by Nailah Blackman; illustrated by Jade Orlando
Starting Over in Sunset Park, by José Pelaez and Lynn McGee; illustrated by Bianca Diaz
A Story about Afiya, by James Berry; illustrated by Anna Cunha

Elementary (Grades 3–5)

Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle, by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings, by Francie LaTour; illustrated by Ken Daley
Coming Up Cuban, by Sonia Manzano
Nightmare Island, by Shakirah Bourne
Patchwork Prince, by Baptiste Paul

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Behind the Mountains, by Edwidge Danticat
Josephine Against the Sea, by Shakirah Bourne
Rooting for Rafael Rosales, by Kurtis Scaletta
Singing With Elephants, by Margarita Engle
When Life Gives You Mangos, by Kereen Getten

Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)

Analee, in Real Life, by Janelle Milanes
Learning to Breathe, by Janice Lynn Mather
Hold Tight, Don't Let Go, by Laura Rose Wagner
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, by Julia Alvarez
Hurricane Summer, by Asha Ashanti Bromfield

You can find these books and many more great reads on Sora, our Citywide Digital Library, which provides free access to thousands of digital e-books and audiobooks for our students. You can also find even more great recommendations in the Caribbean American Heritage Collection on Sora!

Missed our previous book recommendations?
Check them out in the "What We're Reading" Archive!

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS

Since 2018, the New York City Public School Film Festival has highlighted student filmmakers' creative and diverse works. Check out how this year’s event, now in its seventh year, celebrated the 2024–25 honorees.

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Dates to Remember

All Month Long: Caribbean Heritage Month
All Month Long: PRIDE Month
June 1: Last Day for Families to Submit Notices of Intent for SES for the 25–26 school year
June 5: Anniversary Day/Eid al-Adha (observed); all NYC public schools closed
June 6: Clerical Day; no classes for NYCPS students except for those attending high schools and 6–12 programs in Districts 1–32
June 11: G&T Upper Grade offers released
June 15: Father's Day
June 19: Juneteenth; all NYC public schools closed
June 20: First Day of Summer
June 26: Last day of the 2024–25 school year

New York State Regents Exams will be scheduled June 10–25.

Celebrating Pride Month graphic with rainbow illustrations.

Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month graphic with floral illustrations in bright colors.

Ready to Read: Literacy Resources for Families

NYC Reads is reshaping the way that we teach our students to read, but the learning doesn't have to stop at the classroom door! Whether it's a family book club or a phonics-based 20 questions game, you can bring the "science of reading" home by using any of our helpful resources that will help your children continue to develop their literacy skills, like:

Reading Games
Phonics, Vocabulary, and Storytelling Practice
And more!

A MySchools.nyc Tutorial: Learn the Basics

Throughout any stage of New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) application processes for 3-K, Pre-K, Kindergarten, middle school, high school, and Gifted and Talented (G&T) for grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, you can use MySchools.nyc—learn how to today!