Storytime Classes for Kids in Harlem, NYC

14 upcoming · 5 local studios

Harlem has six upcoming storytime sessions spread across five venues, ranging from free library programs to paid workshops. Most offerings target infants and toddlers under five years old, though the NYPL Countee Cullen Branch hosts a free reading and writing workshop on themes of nature and Black life for adults and older teens. Check the full list below to find sessions by age group and venue.

Looking wider? Free Story Times for Kids in Manhattan · Free Story Times for Kids in NYC

Upcoming classes

Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)storytimeFrom $38

Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 18 mo–3 yr15-week course
Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)storytimeFrom $38

Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 3–615-week course
Contemporary 1From $20

Contemporary 1

Greenhouse Arts Center – New York City · Harlem

Contemporary 1 introduces the basics of Contemporary dance as a fusion of ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques with an emphasis on self expression and storytelling. Contemporary helps dancers feel more in tune with their bodies and move more mindfully. Students can wear jazz shoes or dance barefoot.

Ages 6–7Course
Spooky Storytime on the FarmstorytimeFREE

Spooky Storytime on the Farm

Harlem Grown 131st Street Farm · Harlem

Harlem Grows 131st Garden will host a spooky themed storytime partnering with NYPL!

Special Needs Reading GroupFREE

Special Needs Reading Group

QPL Kew Gardens Hills Branch · Harlem

Children with limited verbal abilities and reasoning skills are invited to join us as we read stories and play musi

SWANA Storytelling Seriesstorytime

SWANA Storytelling Series

Sugar Hill Children's Museum · Harlem

The SWANA Storytelling Series is a drop-in storytime at Sugar Hill Children's Museum, drawing on stories from Southwest Asia and North Africa.

Drop-in
Contemporary 1From $20

Contemporary 1

Greenhouse Arts Center – New York City · Harlem

Contemporary 1 introduces the basics of Contemporary dance as a fusion of ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques with an emphasis on self expression and storytelling. Contemporary helps dancers feel more in tune with their bodies and move more mindfully. Students can wear jazz shoes or dance barefoot.

Ages 6–7Course
Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)storytimeFrom $38

Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 18 mo–3 yr15-week course
Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)storytimeFrom $38

Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 3–615-week course
SWANA Storytelling Seriesstorytime

SWANA Storytelling Series

Sugar Hill Children's Museum · Harlem

The SWANA Storytelling Series is a drop-in storytime at Sugar Hill Children's Museum, drawing on stories from Southwest Asia and North Africa.

Drop-in
Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)storytimeFrom $38

Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 18 mo–3 yr15-week course
Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)storytimeFrom $38

Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 3–615-week course
Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)storytimeFrom $38

Morning Story Studio w/ Brooke (18 months - 3 yrs)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 18 mo–3 yr15-week course
Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)storytimeFrom $38

Afternoon Story Studio w/ Brooke (3 -6 Years)

JCC Harlem · Harlem

13 Wednesdays; except Nov 11 + Nov 25 Embark on a journey inspired by the enchanting world of children's literature in our storytelling maker and play space. This thoughtfully curated class invites children, families, and caregivers to explore a vibrant environment filled with engaging, open-ended materials designed to make connections, spark creativity, and encourage play. Each session begins with a carefully selected book that introduces a unique theme, fostering connections between literacy and creativity. Following this literary exploration, children will be welcomed with imaginative invitations in a captivating play and maker space. Developed in collaboration with BeSpace Creativity Studio, known for its impactful, process-driven experiences for children and families, this class is led by veteran educator Brooke Desir, founder of BeSpace and BeBox Kids. Join us to discover the magic of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of creativity! It is of deep importance to us that our programs be financially accessible for all. If your family would like to discuss financial assistance for any of our programs, please email lenora@jccharlem.org.

Ages 3–615-week course

Local studios

Frequently asked

What ages are storytime sessions for in Harlem?

Most storytime sessions in Harlem run for ages infants through 5 years (most sessions are split by age band). Specific age bands are listed on each class page so you can filter by what fits your child.

How much do storytime sessions cost in Harlem?

Prices in Harlem range from almost always free — most sessions are run by NYC public libraries. Free events and drop-in pricing are flagged on each class card.

Do I need to register in advance for storytime sessions?

Most studio-run storytime sessions require advance registration through the studio's booking page. Library and city-park storytime programs are typically drop-in, though some popular sessions release a limited number of tickets in advance.

Nearby neighborhoods