St. George Library Center

Perched atop a hill behind Borough Hall, the stately library—Staten Island's largest—unveiled its expanded children's room in 2010. Reading circles take place in a cozy spot for toddlers that's stocked with bean bags and a huge selection of picture books and early readers. In the sunny, laid-back bigger kids' area are blond-wood book shelves at just the perfect height for kids and eight bright-purple Knoll Womb chairs. The two north-facing windows give kids a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline during the winter months, when foliage isn't blocking the view. 5 Central Ave between Hyatt St and Slosson Terr, Staten Island (718-442-8560, nypl.org).