Welcome to The Downtown Express Online

SUMMER READING The New York Public library is currently distributing information via the Internet and by phone about their Statewide Summer Reading Program for Kids from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Go to summerreadingnys.org or call your local Public Library branch for information on what books are on the official lists for children of all ages to tackle this summer. It’s never too early of too late for your child to pick up a good book so get them involved in the program or just get them a book you remember enjoying way back when! www.summerreadingnys.org

BATTERY PARK CITY
PARKS CONSERVANCY

2 South End Ave., 212-267-9700: Free weekly recreation, sports & art programs for kids, all activities through October 31 unless otherwise indicated, call for specific info for future programs:

Nelson A. Rockefeller Park, Chambers St.: June 2, 9, 16 23 & 30-Amateur Naturalists Club, for first, second & third graders, 3:30-5 p.m., free; Tue.-Children’s Gardening, for grades two through five, 3:45-5 p.m., through Oct. 28, free; Thu.-Art & Play, Preschool art, 10:30 a.m.-noon, free; Mon.-Advanced Art, ages 10-18, 4-5:30 p.m., free; Mon.-Children’s Basketball, 3:30-5:30 p.m., for kids of all sizes, free; Mon.-Chess Lessons, from a master, beginners, 3:30-4:45 p.m., intermediate & advanced, 4:45-6 p.m., $56 for two months; Mon.-Afternoon Backgammon, 3:30-5:30 p.m., free; Tue.-Children’s Soccer, 4 year olds, 2:30-3:15 p.m., 5-8 years, 3:30-4:15 p.m., 9-12 years, 4:30-5:30 p.m., free; Tue.-Play as you please, children play group games, 3:30-5:30 p.m., free; Tue.-Teen Drumming, 4-5:30 p.m., free; Thu.-Art & Games, for children 5 years & older, 3:30-5:30 p.m., free; Thu.-Afternoon Chess, 5-6:30 p.m., free.

Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, Battery Place & West Side Highway: Mon.-Wed.-Art & Play for preschoolers, 10 a.m.-noon, free; Sun.-Art & Play, Preschool family play, 2-4 p.m., free; Wed.-Games & art for children 5 years & older, 3:30-5:30 p.m., free; June 20-Swedish Midsummer Festival, celebrate the longest day of the year the Swedish way, 5-8 p.m., free; June 20, Sept. 14-Family Dances at Battery Park City, free evening fun for the whole family, call for information;

FAITH EXCHANGE FELLOWSHIP
30 Wall St., 6th Fl., 566-4085: Mon.–Explore your hidden artistic talents with numerous mediums, free class, 6-8 p.m., 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month, free, call for more information.

MANHATTAN YOUTH
Various locations, 766-1104: MY Art Therapy, K-2nd Grade, Sat., 11 a.m.-noon, 3rd-5th Grade, 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. manhattanyouth.org.

Museum of jewish heritage
18 First Place, 212-968-1800: June 8-”Battery Park City in Bloom: A Family Shavuot Program,” family friendly tour of the flower parks of BPC, 2:30 p.m., free.

New york city , urban experience
85 South St., 212-514-5700: “The City as I See It,” a youth art event exhibition based on student impressions of the city within the context of installation, spoken word & writing, through June.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY:
New Amsterdam
9 Murray St., 732-8186: Mon.–Picture Book Hour, 4 p.m., free.

Tompkins Square
331 E. 10th St., 228-4747: Mon.–Picture Book Hour, ages 3 to 7, 4 p.m.

Remote lounge
327 Bowery, 212-777-9774: “Cool for Kids: A Celebration of East Village Children,” brunch, music & silent auction, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $5-$20.

SEA @ LOS KABAYITOS PUPPET & CHILDREN’S THEATER
107 Suffolk St., 2nd Fl., 212-260-4080: May 31-”Mi Chivita Magica,” 3 p.m., $9-$11; call for current children’s shows.

TADA! YOUTh Theater
15 W. 28th St., 2nd fl., 212-252-1619: call for current Children’s Theater productions.

Washington market
community park
Washington Market Park, 212-964-1133: Mon., Wed., every other Sat.-Let’s Explore & Art for Tots, with Sarah Murphy, 3:15-5:30 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., ages 2-7, free.