The One, the Only…Winnie-the-Pooh
And Friends

City-Kid Review:

Piglet’s my favorite.

It is easy to forget that Winnie-the-Pooh began life as a real-life, actual teddy bear.

His son’s bear inspired the story which has brought pleasure to millions all over the world.  A dear friend of mine grew up running all around in the original One Hundred Acre Wood in England. How wonderful to then stumble upon the original stuffed animals in their permanent home. Eeyore is there, Kanga as well, along with Tigger, Piglet and, of course, Edward Bear, Mr. Winnie-the-Pooh himself.

These are the original toys which inspired A.A. Milne, purchased from  Harrods for his son, Christopher Robin, back in the 1920s.

Now I’m about to share the secret location with you. You can see see the originals, not in England but here is in New York City.

You can simply wander into the children’s library at the main library in New York – you know, the iconic one with the lions at Bryant Park – and you will see them.
No fanfare.
No lines.
And you know the best part?
It’s free.

The library itself is a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The children’s library also has the library lions made out of legos (to look at and not touch) and a ton of books. There is a separated room at the back where they have optional soft flooring and they have regular children’s events.

Need to Knows:

This library is free
It is open every day. Check the website for different times – it varies from day to day. They have various different activities on their schedule, including the occasional puppet show.

Location: 5th Avenue, between 40th and 42nd streets. Entrance to the Children’s library is easiest to access using the museum entrance on 42nd street, closer to 5th Avenue.

There is no food or drink allowed in the library.

Top-Tip

Did I mention that it is free?
Check out the entire building. It is truly beautiful, especially the Reading Room.
Plenty of places to eat along 42nd or 40th street including our favorite place for bread (and chocolate bark), Maison Kayser on 40th Street. But there are plenty of great places all around there, including Wholefoods on 6th Avenue, directly opposite Bryant Park’s West entrance. If the weather is nice, check out the bijou Bryant Park Carousel or the park’s free library.

There is a Maison Kayser on 40th street, which we really love.

I would love to hear from you and your City Kid. Have you visited the Children’s library at the Stephen A  Schwarzman building?  Do you have a favorite NYC library? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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