Storytimes

  • Finding the best-fit storytime for your child means maximum fun and learning! Our storytimes are designed for specific age and development levels. And many of our libraries offer storytimes in evening and weekend times for families who are busy during weekdays.

    Upcoming dates are listed below. Most of our regular storytimes are held weekly, with occasional two- or three-week breaks throughout the year. For a detailed schedule refer to our Events Calendar. You can also pick up a printed schedule of weekly storytimes at your library, or download and print one yourself below.

  • Age-specific Storytimes

  • Lapsit Lambs

    (Newborns, pre-walkers)

  • Mother Goose

    (6-24 months)

  • Toddler

    (24-36 months)

  • Toddler Music

    (24-36 months)

  • Preschool

    (3-5 years)

  • Toddler & Preschool

    (24 months-5 years)

  • Rock 'N' Read

    (24 months-5 years)

  • All-ages Storytimes

  • Family Storytime

  • Pajama Storytime

    Pajamas Welcome!

  • Twlight Tales

  • Cuentos Bilingües

    (Bilingual Storytime)

  • Sensory Storytime

  • Sensory Storytime engages children through movement, music, stories, sensory activities and play. This welcoming, encouraging and supportive program is smaller and more adaptive than other storytimes. An early intervention professional will assist.

  • Sensory Storytime

    (1-5 years, all abilities)

Storytimes

  • Finding the best-fit storytime for your child means maximum fun and learning! Our storytimes are designed for specific age and development levels. And many of our libraries offer storytimes in evening and weekend times for families who are busy during weekdays.

    Upcoming dates are listed below. Most of our regular storytimes are held weekly, with occasional two- or three-week breaks throughout the year. For a detailed schedule refer to our Events Calendar. You can also pick up a printed schedule of weekly storytimes at your library, or download and print one yourself below.

  • Age-specific Storytimes

  • Lapsit Lambs

    (Newborns, pre-walkers)

  • Mother Goose

    (6-24 months)

  • Toddler

    (24-36 months)

  • Toddler Music

    (24-36 months)

  • Preschool

    (3-5 years)

  • Toddler & Preschool

    (24 months-5 years)

  • Rock 'N' Read

    (24 months-5 years)

  • All-ages Storytimes

  • Family Storytime

  • Pajama Storytime

    Pajamas Welcome!

  • Twlight Tales

  • Cuentos Bilingües

    (Bilingual Storytime)

  • Sensory Storytime

  • Sensory Storytime engages children through movement, music, stories, sensory activities and play. This welcoming, encouraging and supportive program is smaller and more adaptive than other storytimes. An early intervention professional will assist.

  • Sensory Storytime

    (1-5 years, all abilities)

Every Child Ready to Read

Our storytimes are designed to help young children acquire the skills they need to start school ready to learn. We emphasize pre-literacy skills at storytime and use research-based best practices to help children learn them through fun activities. Learn more about early literacy and the Five Early Literacy Practices.

Expectations for Caregivers and Children

Help everybody get the most out of storytime by following these guidelines!

Come Early

Space is limited due to room capacity. Show up early to make sure you find a spot. We are unable to accommodate group visits at storytimes. Please call your library to arrange something special for your group.

Join In

We encourage caregivers to sing, clap, and play along! Young children learn by doing, and you are your child's best role model.

Model Good Listening

Sit close to your child, turn off cell phones and wait until storytime is over to chat with other parents.

Health and Safety First

If the room is full, please park strollers outside. Leave toys and snacks outside the story room. Constant coughing and runny noses mean it's time to stay home. If your child is having a hard time, being aggressive or disruptive, please feel free to take a break and come back when everybody is ready.

Do-It-Yourself Storytime

When storytime is on break you can continue to enrich your child's life in literature with some of these free resources.

At the Library

  • You are always welcome to keep your library routine by visiting the library. You can present your own storytime by reading with your children at the library or check out materials to take home and share. While visiting you and your children can play with materials in our early literacy centers.
  • ABCMouse.com - With 3,500+ interactive books, educational games, puzzles and other learning activities, ABCMouse.com's award-winning online curriculum is free for use at our library locations for young learners (ages 2-6+). From Age of Learning, Inc.
  • Check out one of our Read-To-Me Kits. These preschool "discovery packs" contain a theme in an easy to carry book bag. There are many themes to choose from, including seasons, holidays, trains and concepts such as alphabet, counting, colors and shapes. Each bag contains a mix of books, simple toys and DVDs that focus on the bag's theme. They are available at many libraries and can be placed on hold.

Online

  • VA Lit Day by Day provides early literacy activities for every day. You will find topic-specific songs, app recommendations, stories and suggestions of simple activities to reinforce the day’s concept.
  • Our Librarians have reviewed lots of fun educational apps.
  • Check our events calendar for special activities likes crafts and Family Fun!

Quick Links