Castle Hill Library

A Delightful Library Experience for Kids and Parents

I recently had the pleasure of taking my children to our local library, and I can confidently say it's one of the best experiences we've had. The standout star of our visits is undoubtedly Arlene, a dedicated librarian with glasses who goes above and beyond to create a fun and engaging environment for kids.

Every Tuesday from 11 am to 12:30 pm, Arlene hosts a session filled with storytelling, singing, dancing, and more. She seamlessly blends reading time with interactive activities, keeping the children thoroughly entertained throughout. With her infectious enthusiasm, Arlene reads not one, not two, but three books, captivating her young audience with each tale.

But it doesn't stop there. Between the stories, we get to sing and dance along to lively tunes, adding an extra layer of joy to the experience. And just when we think it can't get any better, Arlene surprises us with a bubble machine and the infamous dance freeze game, much to the delight of the children.

After the last book is read, Arlene seamlessly transitions to arts and crafts, where this Tuesday, we had the pleasure of making chicks headbands. It was one of the cutest crafts I've seen, and my children thoroughly enjoyed the creative activity.

What truly sets this library experience apart is the sense of community and camaraderie it fosters among the children. My boys eagerly look forward to each visit, not only for the fun activities but also for the chance to spend time with their friends and unwind after a busy day.

In summary, our time at the library with Arlene has been nothing short of fantastic. Her dedication, creativity, and genuine love for children shine through in every session, making it an unforgettable experience for kids and parents alike. If you're looking for a place where your children can learn, play, and make cherished memories, look no further than our local library.

Ms. Arlene creates a welcoming and inclusive environment every week at our homeschool storytelling event. She goes above and beyond to ensure every child entering the library is felt, seen, and heard. Ms.Arlene captivates young imaginations with her storytelling and with the fun crafts she puts together. We feel grateful for her invaluable role in our community.

Castle Hill library is a great neighborhood library. The staff is very friendly and we always receive a warm welcome when we arrive. This branch provides lots of resources for toddlers and programs for children. Children’s storytime helped my daughter develop her love for reading. Ms. Soto, the children’s librarian, is doing an amazing job at this branch. She engages children through storytelling, songs, and play. Ms. Soto is very good at suggesting books my daughter may like to read. She is also very helpful when we need to find multiple books for school summer reading logs. Thank you to all the staff at this branch for providing a valuable resource to our neighborhood.

The Castle Hill Library is our favorite library due to the staff attention. Every time we go to the library, the staff greets us by name and are super helpful. Last summer, we attended so many children’s library events and had so much fun. Arlene, the children’s librarian, is incredibly helpful and caring. Our family is bilingual, and Arlene always informs us on the bilingual events happening at the branch. My son loves to visit the library because of her. Arlene would sit with him and ask him about his day and about his Lego creations.

We’ve had a fantastic experience at the library so far. It’s great to see that kids have the freedom to run around and enjoy themselves. 😄 The story times on Tuesdays with Miss Arlene are engaging, and the activities afterward add to the fun. I also love the fact that this library supports homeschooling so efficiently—it’s been incredibly helpful.

I been having the pleasure of bringing my children here every Wednesday for almost 2 years now. What can I say I ABSOLUTELY love the way Ms. Arlene takes the time to do a hands on activity with the kids every week or even more when they have their special guests and events she always makes sure to have something stimulating and creative ready for them to do which has helped us alot as well as it helps the children to learn consideration more due to the environment I honestly wish all the libraries in our borough not only had a program like this but also staff like theirs

We visit the Castle Hill library weekly for their homeschool meet up led by Ms. Arlene, the children’s librarian. When I reached out to the library about hosting a weekly event for the local homeschoolers, Ms. Arlene jumped on the idea. She has been consistently showing up with love, support and new ideas for the kids for over a year. The group has grown from one family to ten or more. We found a community through the librarian and I have Ms. Arlene to thank for that.

I will be back next year . The atmosphere was comfortable. The people were beyond helpful.

Always come here to get my books they are so understanding if I’m late to return my books very kind and generous very quiet I love this library

Small, local library but with a great selection of children’s books. My kids love visiting. I like the reserve and pick up option but we always peruse the stacks as well. The children’s librarian is really friendly and knows the kids by first name basis. They always have a coloring page or giveaway to hand out to the children and it makes them feel special. They are doing a great job.

Everyone there is so nice and helpful. I had just moved to the neighborhood and they were good to me. So thanks.

The Castle Hill library is my favorite branch in the Bronx ! Despite the changing staff over the years ( my son and I have been going there since 2007) the staff is always professional, patient and kind. They expect and gently enforce ( by example) a quiet and reverent atmosphere. Its their behavior that sets the tone for exploring the joys of reading for the young and old alike. My hope would be that someday they could expand, add a second floor ( like they did in parkchester). As a child , I was taught to revere learning institutions . This branch is elite. The staff at Castle Hill provide a welcoming and non " stuffy" vibe but still is the quietest branch in comparison to the surrounding branches. I love it there.!

Modest, but well kept supply of exactly what I needed there - books! I enjoyed my time there and the staff were extremely helpful in assisting me with my library card issue. Would definitely recommend!

The Castle Hill Library is excellent. The have a wide varieties books reading materials and services. The staff is always excellent and professional. I always look forward to going to the Castle Hill Ave Library.

The staff is super nice, especially the children’s librarian.

It was clean, quiet and empty. I needed the computer to print something. Everything worked well

Staff very kind and personable. Even security is very courteous.

Very friendly staff and always willing to assist you.

I love this place everyone is nice

Clean