The 2026-2027 School Year is here, and QPL has got you covered!
Learn about our Back-to-School Guide, checklists, programs, library resources, book recommendations, and more.
Back-to-School Guide
Queens Public Library is here for kids, parents, caregivers, and educators with our extensive Back-to-School Guide!
This year's Back-to-School Guide includes:
- Back-to-School checklists for PreK & Kindergarten, Elementary & Middle School, and High School
- Library Resources and Databases for Students
- Early Learning, School-Aged, and Teen Booklists (also see the links below)
- College Readiness for Teens
- Upcoming Volunteering Info Sessions
- The 2026-2027 NYC Public School Calendar
- and more!
You can download QPL’s 2026-2027 Back-to-School Guide in three languages:
- Our Back-to-School Guide in English
- Our Back-to-School Guide in Bengali (বাংলা)
- Our Back-to-School Guide in Spanish (Español)
- Our Back-to-School Guide in Chinese (中文) - coming soon!
Back-to-School Checklists
Download our checklists in English, Bengali, and Spanish for PreK & Kindergarten, Elementary & Middle School, and High School. Record your notes as you work through your list!
English
Bengali
Spanish
Chinese Back-to-School Checklists - coming soon!
Back-to-School Programs
Join us at the Library for fun events for kids and families, backpack giveaways at select locations, and school supplies at all locations, while supplies last!
Kickoff to Kindergarten & Toddler Learning Centers
You’re never too young to start your educational journey!
Our Fall 2026 season will be starting soon; visit our Kickoff to Kindergarten (K2K) and Toddler Learning Centers (TLCs) webpages for updates.
QPL’s Kickoff to Kindergarten (K2K) program enables young children (ages 3-4) to develop their early literacy skills—and begin a lifelong love of reading! Meanwhile, their parents and caregivers will receive guidance to become confident in their ability to support their child’s development. Classes are offered virtually and in-person, with translation support in Spanish.
Designed to serve the needs of toddlers (ages 1-3) and their caregivers, QPL’s Toddler Learning Centers (TLCs) are hosted at approximately 30 QPL locations across the borough, twice a year (in the spring and fall). While your children play in a safe, nurturing environment and participate in guided activities, early learning professionals will offer you advice about speech development, nutrition, early literacy, gross motor development, and much more.
Brainfuse HelpNow: 24/7 Online Tutoring and Writing Lab
Brainfuse HelpNow offers personalized academic and homework help, in both English and Spanish, for children in Grades K-12 with their 24/7 online tutoring and writing lab!
Find expert support in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science), a Language Lab for language learners, SAT prep and practice tests, and much more.
All you need to access Brainfuse HelpNow is your library card!
College Readiness
College Readiness at QPL is a one‑stop resource for prospective college applicants and their families.
In‑person and virtual workshops provide practical tools for college admissions, financial aid, and career planning.
One‑on‑one coaching is available virtually and in‑person at Cambria Heights Library, Central Library in Jamaica, and Flushing Library.
You can view upcoming College Readiness programs on the QPL Calendar, learn more on our College Readiness webpage, or contact the College Readiness team at college.readiness@queenslibrary.org.
Teen Centers
QPL’s five Teen Centers are safe, supportive spaces for young people.
Teens are invited to work on homework and conduct research, participate in educational programs and leadership initiatives, prepare for college admissions, explore creativity through art, crafts, manga, comics, and more, and learn health and life‑management skills.
Learn more at our upcoming Teen Center Open Houses!
Volunteering at Queens Public Library
It’s never too early to become an engaged and involved civic citizen! Volunteering helps kids and teens gain admission to honor societies or college, academic club participation, and early career skill‑building. Learn more on our volunteer website.
Join us at these upcoming virtual info sessions to learn about volunteering at QPL, including volunteer opportunities, the application process, eligibility, service requirements, hour tracking, service recognition, and more. Bring your questions!
Tuesday, September 22, 6:30pm
Register: queenslib.org/Sep22
Wednesday, October 7, 6:30pm
Register: queenslib.org/Oct7
Back-to-School Booklists
Use the links below to browse our curated booklists for early learners, school-aged children, and teens, plus selected kids' books in Chinese, Bengali, Korean, and Spanish!
English Booklists
International Languages Booklists