Duration: 1:33

ANCHOR: The New York Public Library has just started offering children's services again for the first time in almost 40 years. Our very own Sarah Matheson visited the historic building last week to see what was on offer. let's take a look. STORY: Special programs, plays, and performances are just some of the things now on offer at the New York Public Library. [Margaret Tice, New York Public Library]: Well today is our first round of childrens programs at our new childrens centre at 42nd Street. The library has not provided childrens services since 1970. And the parents enjoy the new centre as much as the children. [Marcy Wallis, Odenton, Maryland, USA]: We are visiting friends in the city and we are on our way to see a play. And Stephanie here really enjoys the library, so we thought we would stop in. This library draws visitors from all over the United States. [Joanne Paradise & Olivia Bates, Connecticut]: We have travelled here for the holiday. We are here just to come and walk around and do a little shopping. And we are going to Rockefeller Centre to see the decorations on the tree. The childrens centre also has a computer suite, more than 25,000 books, DVDs and audio books. [John Edward Peters, New York Public Library]: I have been the supervising librarian at this library for 10 years. So have been here, well, to see it go through many changes and I am just very pleased that we are able to open in this historic building. Parents can also bring their children along for preschool story time and the new after school program. Sarah Matheson, NTD New York.