For many of us, summer is the time when we have more time for ourselves. No classes, no rushed schedule of school, kids and work. Things move at a slower pace, maybe it’s the heat of a NYC summer, but maybe it’s just all of us taking the time to slow down a little, a change from the busy-ness of the rest of the year. What’s better to do with this found time than read a book? Or read several books?
First things first! Get a library card!
If you’re 13 or older, and live, work, attend, or pay property taxes in NY State, you are eligible for a card. Your card can be physical or digital.
If you prefer to complete the application for a physical library card in person, please visit an NYPL location with proof of ID and address. Find a location near you.
The New York Public Library even has a special card for this year!
With thanks to the New York Times, University Settlement has prepared a reading challenge list:
📖 ☐ Read a really short book. 📘 ☐ Read a really long book. 🕵️ ☐ Read a mystery book. 🎬 ☐ Read a book that’s been adapted for a movie. ☀️ ☐ Read a book that takes place in the summer. 🎧 ☐ Listen to an audiobook.
Oasis, n. – some place that provides refreshing relief
Tranquility, n. – peacefulness, calm
Maintain, v. – to take care of
Stumble, v. – to trip or to find something unexpectedly
Distinctive, adj. – something which stands out from its surroundings
Flora, n. – plant life
Contemplation, n. – deep thought or meditation
Drown out the noise, expression – to cover up noise
New York City has plenty of pavement, but did you know there are also little pockets of green space? Nature turns up in unexpected places and we’re providing a list of secret gardens that will be fun to explore this summer.
First up, the Creative Little Garden, “an oasis of tranquility in New York’s East Village.”
Located at 530 East Sixth Street, between Avenues A & B, the Creative Little Garden has been a “community backyard,” maintained by volunteers from the neighborhood since 1978. You can sit and relax, have your lunch, or just enjoy the landscaping.
Heading north and west, we stumble into the Jefferson Market Garden, now celebrating 50 years in Greenwich Village. This garden welcomes everyone, and drinks are permitted, but not food. They have a “blooming guide” on their website, https://www.jeffersonmarketgarden.org/bloom-guide so you can plan to visit your favorite flowers. Open from April to October, this garden is located on Greenwich Avenue, between 6th Avenue & West 10th Street.
The gardens at St. Luke-in-the-Fields are special and extensive. You are welcome to visit “some of the most distinctive and admired gardens in New York City, comprising more than two-thirds of an acre of walks, lawns, and a fine collection of garden standards…and native American flora.” These gardens are open for quiet contemplation; cell phone use, smoking, and pets are not allowed.
Another lovely urban green space can be found on the east side of Manhattan, at Tudor City (between First and Second Avenues, just south of 42nd street). Tudor City Greens is open to the public daily between 7 am and 10 pm. They also host events, from Halloween parades to Afternoon Teas.
Finally, we recommend a visit to Greenacre Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With plenty of seating to enjoy the sound of the waterfall (and drown out the noise of the city!) this beautifully landscaped pocket park is at 217 East 51st Street, between Second and Third Avenues.
circadian rhythm – n., our internal clock that keeps time by tracking light and darkness
biological – adj., relating to life or living things
rhythm – n., a regular pattern of movement or sound
protein – n., the building blocks of body tissue
hormones – n., chemical substances that act like messengers in the body
regulate – v., to control something
cluster – n., a group of things that are close together
hypothalamus – n., part of the brain that controls many bodily functions
genes – n., the basic units of heredity that carry your traits
organism – n., a living thing
sensitive – adj., showing a strong response to chemicals or other things in the environment.
blue light – n., the light that comes from sunlight and digital devices
miraculous – adj., something that is very surprising or lucky, like a miracle
Biological Clock Day is celebrated on April 28th. It’s a day to recognize the body’s natural ability to keep track of time, also known as the biological clock or circadian rhythm.
The biological clock is related to more than just aging.
For a start, both men and women have a biological clock, and all of this is celebrated by Biological Clock Day!
The biological clock acts as a sort of inner schedule by which a person lives that can often affect their behavior as well as their mood. Also known more formally as the ‘circadian rhythm’, this internal clock controls a sleep-wake pattern that fits in with the light and dark of a day according to the rhythms of the planet.
Proteins and hormones regulate the biological clock. Scientists are just now discovering exactly what makes us sleepy or wide-awake.
This internal clock is located in a tiny cluster of cells known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. Throughout the day, internal clock genes in the SCN send signals to control the activity throughout your body. The SCN is sensitive to light.
A biological clock is the body’s internal system that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other rhythms.
It’s made up of proteins that are turned on and off by thousands of genes.
A master clock coordinates all the biological clocks in the body.
The biological clock keeps working even when an organism is not exposed to natural light.
How can you support your biological clock?
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Avoid naps that make it hard to fall asleep at night.
Stop eating and exercising a few hours before bed.
Avoid caffeine and nicotine before bed.
Wear glasses that block blue light.
Biological Clock Day was established to celebrate the natural rhythms of the body and show appreciation for the miraculous way the human body is formed. The day is meant to raise awareness for the need that people have to pay more attention to what their bodies and brains are telling them.
Americans talk about food, think about food, and eat food – a lot. It’s not surprising that so many expressions in American English are centered on food. Here are a few you will hear frequently:
Let’s start with our title – “It’s a piece of cake” means that something is easy to do. You might also hear the similar, “it’s easy as pie.”
Desserts are always good – eating them is a piece of cake!
“Spill the beans.”
Shhhh – don’t tell anyone you’re learning these idioms! “Spill the beans” is another way to say you’re telling a secret or giving away a surprise.
We didn’t want Luis to spill the beans about the surprise party for Dmitri.
“Cool as a cucumber.”
This means that someone is very relaxed and confident in a situation.
Maria went into the interview as cool as a cucumber.
“Bring home the bacon.”
This means you’re going to work and earning money, or you’re competing and win a prize.
Xiting worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for her family.
“Go bananas”
We use this idiom when we want to describe someone getting very excited about something – even acting a little crazy.
The crowd went bananas when Beyonce stepped onto the stage.
And let’s finish with another ‘sweet’ expression: “the icing on the cake.”
We say, “that’s the icing on the cake” when something good becomes even better when added to.
Ekaterina was happy to ice skate at the Olympics; winning the gold medal was the icing on the cake!
If you can use all these idioms, you’ll be the Big Cheese in your English class!
(“Big Cheese” means the most important person in a group.)
President’s Day is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of February. It honors two of the most respected leaders in American history: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both were born in February and are remembered for their strong leadership and lasting impact on the country.
George Washington was the first president of the United States. He led the American army to victory in the Revolutionary War and helped create the new government. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president. He led the country during the Civil War and worked to end slavery. His famous speech, the Gettysburg Address, is still studied today.
George Washington 1732-1799Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865
Reading biographies is a great way to learn about these presidents. For English learners, books like Who Was George Washington? (ISBN-139780448448923) and Who Was Abraham Lincoln? (ISBN-139780606040068) are excellent choices. These books use simple language and include helpful illustrations and timelines. They show how each man grew up, faced challenges, and became a leader.
Biographies help us understand history and the values of honesty, courage, and service. They also improve reading skills and vocabulary. On President’s Day, take time to explore the lives of Washington and Lincoln. Their stories can inspire us to be better citizens and lifelong learners.
📚 Tip: Try reading with a friend or writing a short summary after each chapter. It’s a fun way to practice English and learn about American history!
Winter is a special season. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and in many places, it is cold and snowy. Around the world, people celebrate different winter holidays with family, friends, food, and traditions. Let’s look at some of the most popular winter holidays.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in many countries. People decorate a Christmas tree, hang lights, and give gifts. Families often eat a big meal together. In some traditions, children wait for Santa Claus to bring presents. Popular Christmas colors are red, green, and gold.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that usually happens in December. It lasts for eight nights. Families light a special candleholder called a menorah. They eat foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Children often play with a small toy called a dreidel.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is celebrated in the United States from December 26th to January 1st. It honors African traditions and culture. Families light candles in a holder called a kinara. Each day represents a different value, such as unity, creativity, or faith. Music, dancing, and storytelling are also part of Kwanzaa.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
All around the world, people celebrate the New Year on December 31st and January 1st. Many people stay up until midnight to welcome the new year. Fireworks, parties, and special foods are common. People also make resolutions—promises to themselves about things they want to do in the new year.
Vocabulary to Remember
Tradition – something people do again and again over many years
Celebrate – to enjoy a holiday or special event
Candle – a stick of wax with fire at the top for light
Meal – food eaten together at one time
Resolution – a plan or promise for the future
✨ Winter holidays bring light, joy, and warmth during the cold season. Even though traditions are different, the message is often the same: spending time with loved ones and sharing happiness.
— The New York Public Library features more than 6 million items in its circulating collections. You can find everything from books, e-books, and audiobooks to music and movies.
— The Library has a free e-reader app, SimplyE, that you can download and then read e-books on your mobile device.
— Explore local museums & attractions with Culture Pass! If you have a library card from the Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library, or New York Public Library (serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island), you can reserve free passes to 100+ cultural institutions across NYC.
— You can print documents at the Library from your mobile device. Black and white printing is available for 20 cents per page.
— NYPL offers free internet access. With your library card, you can reserve a computer to use at almost any location.
— In the summer months, many NYPL locations are official “Cooling Centers.” Some of these are even pet-friendly!
— Many locations have free yoga (in Spanish), film screenings, as well as sewing and craft groups.
Get your library card now!
If you’re 13 years old or older and live, work, or attend school in New York State, you can apply for a free library card right now using this online card application—then visit your nearest NYPL location to receive your physical NYPL card. A physical library card is your key to checking out physical books and materials, signing up for Culture Pass, and more.
