Manhattan has some of the world’s best museums for art, history, and even television. But with “suggested admission” fees as high as $20, most of us think twice before going, especially with kids in tow.
The Hoboken Public Library has a solution in the form of free family membership passes that can be checked out at the front desk, thanks to the Friends of the Hoboken Library. You can even reserve your pass the day before you want to pick it up, and you can keep it for 24 hours. (There’s a $5 a day fee for late returns.)
Free choices include:
The American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at 79th St.; www.amnh.org)
The New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West; www.nyhistory.org)
Children’s Museum of Manhattan (212 West 83 St.; www.cmom.org)
The Frick Collection (One East 70th St.; www.frick.org) Note: Children under 10 are not admitted.
The Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Ave.; www.mcny.org)
The Paley Center for Media, formerly The Museum of Television & Radio (25 West 52 St.; www.paleycenter.org)
That’s six “field trips” – with the only cost being transportation. Alas, we can’t help with that, but if you’re not inclined to leave town, there’s a lot going on at the library’s own 500 Park Ave. home base.
Free in town – special events at the library
Chair Yoga, May 21 at 5 p.m. Yes, you read that right—it’s a yoga class where you don’t even have to stand up, let alone stand on your head. Local instructor Julia Hough leads beginners, seniors, and anyone else who’d like a good stretch but doesn’t have the flexibility to assume pretzel positions.
Book Discussion: The Eyre Affair, May 26 at 6 p.m. If you love mysteries, sci fi, or classic novels (have we covered just about everyone there?) you’ll enjoy reading Jasper Fforde’s first novel and joining in a conversation about it.
“When the Income Decreases, But the Bills Don’t,” May 27 at 5 p.m. This workshop will help you deal with your expenses in the face of financial setbacks. Call (201)420-2347 to register.
Gardening 101, May 28 at 6 p.m. You’ll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed to grow plants and vegetables in your house or apartment – and plant a flower to take home. Call (201) 420-2347 to register.
Magician John Carlson, June 6 at 2 p.m. This performance is courtesy of the Friends of the Hoboken Public Library.
Weekly programs (through June) for the younger set
Baby and Me, every second and last Monday of the month at 11 a.m. Simple stories, songs, nursery rhymes, and fingerplay for Hoboken resident children ages 6-18 months. A library card is required.
Toddler Story Time 1, every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. This one’s for Hoboken resident kids, ages 18-30 months. Space is limited to the first 15 patrons to show a child’s or their parent’s library card. (A babysitter can show the card.) Youngsters may attend either weekday, but not both.
Toddler Storytime 2, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Hoboken resident children ages 31 months-4 years old are invited to this session. As with Toddler Time 1, space is limited to the first 15 patrons with a library card, and a babysitter can show the card.
After School Story Time, every first and third Thursday at 3:15 p.m. Children 5-7 years of age are invited.
Playstation Game Time, every Friday at 3 p.m. Kids in grades 6-12 can play Rock Band and Singstar, or bring their own PS2-compatible sports games.
On the horizon….
Summer Reading Programs begin July 6 for children entering grades 1-5 and tweens and teens entering grade 6 and up. These programs are open to Hoboken residents only and require advance registration. Call (201)420-2348.
Weekly Game Days and Stories in the Park begin the week of July 6 for school-age kids. Call (201)420-2348 or check http://hoboken.bccls.org/html/Events_kids.htm for schdules.
Cupcake Decorating, Crafts, Singalongs, Seashell Painting and more… are all in the works for July and August. Stay tuned.
Current Library Hours
Monday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: Closed.
Children’s Room and Young Adult Department Hours
Monday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: Closed.
This column is brought to you by The Friends of the Hoboken Public Library, a non-profit group of volunteers dedicated to assisting the Library. For more information about the Friends and the activities we sponsor and to join the group, visit our website at www.hobokenfol.org. Membership brochures are also available at the Library.