Bank Street Bookstore

 A Visit to the Bank Street Bookstore

The other day I as was walking on the upper west side of New York City when I came upon the Bank Street Book Store. Readers of this blog know that I cannot pass an opportunity to visit a book store-whether they sell new or used books. But here I found A TRUE GEM. While most independent booksellers have gone out of business due to competition from chains and online sellers, this store was unique. This store sells exclusively children’s books, as well as educational toys and games.  The two story store situated on the corner of Broadway and W 112th street housed more children’s books than I have ever seen in any bookstore!

What makes this shop even more unique is that is part of a college.  Bank Street College of Education has been in existence since 1916 and although it is just down the street from the more well known Columbia University School of Education, it has a rich tradition and reputation of its own. Bank Street provides professional development courses for teachers in the New York City Public Schools. It also offers Masters Degree programs and on line courses. Since its focus is on early education and literacy it is not surprising that the book store specializes in books for young children, from wonderfully illustrated picture books to chapter books for more advanced learners.

One of the unique activities of this store is its summer reading program for children. The store prints out playing cards each week with recommended books. (The week of July 14-20 the topic was “Animals and Monsters’) When the student completes the activity on the card, the results are then validated by a parent or guardian and approved by a member of the bookstore staff. The student is then entitled to a free Dover mini-activity book of his or her choice from the store (limit one per week).

As resourceful classroom teachers, I am sure you can modify this and similar projects for use in your classroom for the upcoming school year. For information about the bookstore visit their website at www.bankstreetbooks.com. You can contact the store at 1-800-724-1486.

For more information about Bank Street College of Education, check out their web site at http://www.bnkst.edu/m.  Be sure to check out their Center for Children’s Literature.

 Don’t forget to look for area retailer “Teacher Appreciation Days”. There will lots of giveaways, discounts and coupons for teachers.  Take advantage of these offers as you prepare for “Back to School.”