Storytimes

Reading aloud is a great way to increase your child's chances of success at school.

It will entertain and delight them. It will strengthen the bonds between you and your child and is virtually free.

Sound too good to be true? Research has proven that this simple technique is among the most effective parenting tools.

Children who are read aloud to by parents get a head start in language and literacy skills and are more prepared to go to school.

In other words, reading that bedtime story may not only entertain and soothe your child, but it will also develop vocabulary, improve the ability to learn to read, and—perhaps most important of all—foster a lifelong love of books and reading

A printable version of this Storytimes Schedule is also available.

Stay and Play

Research shows the importance of unstructured play for children. After some storytimes (marked “Stay and Play“) we invite children and caregivers to play with our developmental toy collection. This time also provides the opportunity for grownups to socialize while they keep an eye on their little ones.

Babies
For children birth to 18 months. An interactive parent-child time.
Eiseley Branch: Mondays, 10:35–10:55 a.m.
Gere Branch: Mondays, 10:05–10:25 a.m.
Tuesdays, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
Walt Branch: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:00-11:20 a.m. Stay and Play for Babies, 11:20–11:45 a.m.

Toddler Time
For children ages 18-36 months. An interactive parent-child time.
Anderson Branch: Mondays, 10:30–10:50 a.m. Stay and Play 10:50-11:30 a.m.
Bethany Branch: Tuesdays, 10:30–10:50 a.m.
Eiseley Branch: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:35–10:55 a.m.
Gere Branch: Mondays, 10:40-11:00 a.m.
Walt Branch: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:15-10:35 a.m.

Preschoolers
For children ages three, four, and five.
Anderson Branch: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Bethany Branch: Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Eiseley Branch: Tuesdays, 7:00-7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Gere Branch: Thursdays, 10:45–11:15 a.m.
South Branch: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Walt Branch: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Families
For children birth to age five.
Bennett Martin Public Library: Fridays, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Walt Branch: Saturdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Williams Branch: Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play 11:00-11:45 a.m.

Music and Movement
For children 18 months to 5 years old and their caregivers. Dance, sing, play, wiggle and learn with our storytellers during this interactive parent-child storytime.
Gere Branch: Tuesdays, 10:05-10:35 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10:05-10:35 a.m. and 10:45-11:15 a.m.
Thursdays, 10:05-10:35 a.m. and 6:30-7:00 p.m.

Wee Work Outs
For children two to five years old. Kids move, exercise and interact while experiencing the joy of books.
Eiseley Branch: Tuesdays, 10:35-10:55 a.m.

Mindful Movements
For children ages three, four, and five. This storytime uses mindfulness techniques and yoga to develop and hone social and emotional skills. A limited number of mats are available, but personal mats and blankets are welcome.
Walt Branch: The first and third Thursdays of the month; 2:00–2:30 p.m.

Full STEAM Ahead
This activity-based storytime for preschoolers will challenge critical thinking and problem-solving. Read, sing about and experience Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
Walt Branch: The second and fourth Thursdays of the month; 2:00–2:30 p.m. (starting September 12)

Sensory Storytime
For children ages three to eight. This storytime is for children who may need a little extra attention or a more controlled environment.

Gere Branch:
Saturdays, 9:15–10:00 a.m. 
2024: September 7 through October 12, and November 2 through 23
2025: January 4 through February 8; March 1 through April 5; and April 26 through May 17