Library Story Times (276 Libraries with Kids’ Programs, by State)
📚 U.S. library guide
Library Story Times for Kids
A story time is a free early-literacy program where a librarian reads picture books aloud and leads songs, rhymes and fingerplays for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It is one of the most popular things public libraries do — no library card or registration usually needed, just show up with your child. Here is how library story times work, what happens at one, and a verified, state-by-state list of libraries that run regular story-time programs.
A library story time (sometimes “story hour,” “lapsit” or “Mother Goose”) is a short, free program — usually 20–40 minutes — built around reading picture books aloud, plus songs, nursery rhymes, fingerplays and simple movement. Libraries often split them by age: baby/lapsit (0–18 months), toddler (18 months–3 years), preschool (3–5 years) and mixed-age family story time. They are designed to build the early-literacy skills — vocabulary, letter and sound awareness, print motivation — that get children ready to read, and to connect caregivers with each other. Most are drop-in and free, with no library card or sign-up required. Because exact days and times change with the season and by branch, the schedule below points you to each library so you can check its current calendar.
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How it works
- Find a library near you that runs story times. Use the state-by-state list below to find a participating library, then open its website or events calendar for the current schedule.
- Pick the right age group. Many libraries run separate baby, toddler and preschool sessions, plus a mixed-age family story time. Choose the one that fits your child — or start with family story time if you are unsure.
- Check the day, time and whether sign-up is needed. Most story times are weekly and drop-in, but some popular or special sessions ask you to register or pick up a free ticket. Confirm the current day and time on the library’s calendar, since schedules shift between the school year and summer.
- Just show up — a caregiver stays. Story time is free and open to the public; you do not usually need a library card to attend. A parent or caregiver stays with the child and joins in the songs and rhymes.
- Stay for play and browse afterward. Many libraries leave out toys, puzzles or a craft after story time so children can play and socialize — a good moment to pick up picture books to take home and keep reading.
Good to know
Story-time schedules change often — libraries pause or move sessions for holidays, staffing and the summer reading program, and swap between the school-year and summer calendars. This directory confirms which libraries run regular story times; always check the library’s own events calendar for the current day, time and any registration before you go.
Libraries with story times, by state
Every library below has this service verified on its official page. We add more as we confirm them — browse the full U.S. library directory for everything else.
Alabama · 27 libraries
Adelia McConnell Russell LibraryALEXANDER CITY, Alabama · +1 256-409-7001318 CHURCH STREETMamie's Place Children's Library: dedicated youth wing with story time and early-literacy programming →Carrollton Public LibraryCARROLLTON, Alabama · +1 205-367-2142225 COMMERCE AVENUEWednesday Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. for children — a recurring free program →Brent-Centreville Public LibraryCENTREVILLE, Alabama · +1 205-926-473620 LIBRARY STREETStory Time (children) →
Alaska · 5 libraries
Dillingham Public LibraryDILLINGHAM, Alaska · (907) 842-5610141 Main StreetFriday Storytime at 10:30 a.m. weekly; summer reading program for youth →Chugiak-Eagle River LibraryEAGLE RIVER, Alaska · (907) 343-153012001 Business Blvd #176Children's area with picture books, early-reader collections, and storytime programming →Tri-Valley Community LibraryHEALY, Alaska · +1-907-683-2507400 SUNTRANA STREETYear-round programs including Book Club, Story Hour, Writing Group, and Summer Reading →
+2 more Alaska libraries with this service — see the full Alaska directory.
Arizona · 9 libraries
Benson Public LibraryBenson, Arizona · (520) 586-9535300 S. Huachuca StreetYear-round programs including weekly Wednesday Storytime & Crafts, Coloring Club, Dungeons & Dragons Club, and a monthly Adult Speaker Series →Black Canyon City Community LibraryBlack Canyon City, Arizona · (623) 374-586634701 S. Old Black Canyon HighwayWeekly Tuesday Tales storytime (Tuesdays 10:00–10:30 AM) for preschoolers featuring books, songs, and a craft activity →Chino Valley Public LibraryChino Valley, Arizona · (928) 636-26871020 W Palomino RoadDedicated Children's Library with its own phone line (928-636-9115) and programming — weekly storytimes indoors Tuesdays and outdoors in Memory Park on Fridays →
Arkansas · 3 libraries
Washington County Library SystemFayetteville, Arkansas · (479) 442-62531080 W. Clydesdale DriveYouth programming: preschool storytime and children's activities at branch locations →Craighead County Jonesboro Public LibraryJonesboro, Arkansas · (870) 935-5133315 West Oak Avenue2022 Children's Library expansion added ~2,000 sq ft of new storytime and early-learning space →Columbia County LibraryMagnolia, Arkansas · (870) 234-19912057 N Jackson StChildren's services: baby/toddler, preschool, home-school & after-school story times →
California · 20 libraries
Alturas Main Library — Modoc County LibraryALTURAS, California · (530) 233-6358212 W. Third StreetPreschool Story Time on Thursday mornings and a summer reading program →Buena Vista Branch LibraryBURBANK, California · (818) 238-5620300 N. Buena Vista StreetDedicated children's department with story times, STEM activities and summer reading programs →Borrego Springs LibraryBorrego Springs, California · (760) 767-57612580 COUNTRY CLUB ROADBilingual storytimes, digital-literacy classes and a local writers-and-poets group →
Colorado · 8 libraries
Cortez Public LibraryCortez, Colorado · (970) 565-8117202 N Park StreetDedicated children's storytime room →Central Library — Denver Public LibraryDenver, Colorado · (720) 865-111110 W. Fourteenth Ave. PkwyChildren's Library with storytimes and youth collections →Eloise May LibraryDenver, Colorado · (303) 542-72791471 South Parker RoadDedicated children's area, expanded in 2017–2018, with storytimes and youth programming →
Connecticut · 1 library
Florida · 7 libraries
Altamonte Springs City LibraryAltamonte Springs, Florida · (407) 571-8830281 Maitland AvenueChildren's Library with Sensory Play Area and Storytime space →Fort Myers Beach Public LibraryFort Myers Beach, Florida · (239) 765-81622755 Estero BoulevardChildren's Library with Storytime area →Indian Rocks Beach LibraryINDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Florida · (727) 596-18221507 Bay Palm BoulevardFlorida Explorers Storytime: monthly Saturday nature-literacy program funded by a $10,000 McDonald's Golden Grants award →
+4 more Florida libraries with this service — see the full Florida directory.
Georgia · 7 libraries
Buckhead LibraryAtlanta, Georgia · (404) 613-7350269 Buckhead Avenue NETeen center and children's story time room →Evelyn G. Lowery Library at CascadeAtlanta, Georgia · (404) 613-70003665 Cascade Road SWFamily programming including storytimes, yoga, craft workshops and grief support in a welcoming neighborhood setting →Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De LeonAtlanta, Georgia · (404) 613-7310980 Ponce de Leon Avenue NEDiverse year-round programming: yoga, teen D&D, toddler storytimes, book clubs, LGBTQ events and seasonal craft workshops →
+4 more Georgia libraries with this service — see the full Georgia directory.
Hawaii · 4 libraries
Honoka'a Public LibraryHonokaa, Hawaii · (808) 775-888145-3380 Mamane Street, Building 3Active Keiki Storytime every Tuesday morning for families with children ages 0-5 →Mānoa Public LibraryHonolulu, Hawaii · (808) 988-04592716 Woodlawn DriveSeparate programming room for storytimes, movies & crafts →Kailua Public LibraryKailua, Hawaii · (808) 266-9911239 Kuʻulei RoadChildren's storytime and programming area →
+1 more Hawaii library with this service — see the full Hawaii directory.
Idaho · 7 libraries
Ada Community Library, Victory BranchBoise, Idaho · (208) 362-018110664 West Victory RoadActive program calendar: Baby Rhyme Time, bilingual storytimes, STEAM, Teen Meetup, D&D nights, Yarnia crafting →Bovill Community LibraryBovill, Idaho · (208) 826-3451310 1st AvenueChildren's storytime programming (seasonal) →Deary Community LibraryDeary, Idaho · (208) 877-1664304 2nd AvenueChildren's storytime programming (seasonal) →
+4 more Idaho libraries with this service — see the full Idaho directory.
Illinois · 2 libraries
Danville Public LibraryDanville, Illinois · (217) 477-5220319 North Vermilion StreetSecond-floor teen space open weekday afternoons, plus weekly storytimes, writing and craft clubs, and a Starbooks used bookstore →Marion Carnegie LibraryMarion, Illinois · (618) 993-5935206 S. Market StreetPrograms for all ages: Book Club, Story Hour, Teen Craft, StoryWalk, Project Next Generation, and Lawyer in the Library consultations →
Indiana · 1 library
Iowa · 3 libraries
Ankeny Kirkendall Public LibraryANKENY, Iowa · +1-515-965-64601250 SW District DrChildren's programming and story times →Lost Nation Public LibraryLost Nation, Iowa · (563) 678-2114410 Main StreetStorytime and youth programming →Sigourney Public LibrarySigourney, Iowa · (641) 622-2890720 E. Jackson StreetChildren's storytimes and literacy programs →
Kansas · 7 libraries
Coffey County Library — Burlington BranchBurlington, Kansas · (620) 364-5333410 Juniatta StreetOutreach: storytimes to daycares, books to jail and nursing homes →Glasco City LibraryGLASCO, Kansas · (785) 568-2313206 E. Main StreetPre-K story time for children ages 3 and up →Kansas City, Kansas Public Library — Main LibraryKansas City, Kansas · (913) 295-8250625 Minnesota AvenueYouth literacy programs and storytimes →
+4 more Kansas libraries with this service — see the full Kansas directory.
Kentucky · 2 libraries
Jackson County Public LibraryMcKee, Kentucky · (606) 287-8113338 Main StreetLily Pad storytime every Friday for children ages 1–5, supporting early literacy in a rural community →Clark County Public LibraryWinchester, Kentucky · (859) 744-5661370 South Burns AvenueNew bookmobile unveiled May 3, 2026 — first in ~15 years — bringing story times and books to rural Clark County residents unable to reach 370 South Burns Avenue →
Louisiana · 6 libraries
Belle Chasse Branch LibraryBelle Chasse, Louisiana · (504) 394-35708442 Highway 2335 community programs per year spanning storytimes, STEM, digital literacy, job skills, and cultural events →LaPlace Library (St. John the Baptist Parish Library)LAPLACE, Louisiana · (985) 652-68572920 HIGHWAY 51Children's and youth storytimes and programming →Algiers Regional LibraryNew Orleans, Louisiana · (504) 596-26413014 Holiday DriveChildren's storytimes and youth programming →
+3 more Louisiana libraries with this service — see the full Louisiana directory.
Maine · 3 libraries
Blue Hill Public LibraryBlue Hill, Maine · (207) 374-55155 Parker Point RoadWeekly community programs: chess evenings, knitting group, French conversation, and Spanish-language children's storytime →Hubbard Free LibraryHallowell, Maine · (207) 622-6582115 Second StreetWeekly in-person story-and-craft time for children every Wednesday at 10:30am and Saturday virtual storytime via Facebook →Portland Public LibraryPortland, Maine · (207) 871-17005 Monument SquareChildren's Library with story times, early-literacy programs and a Family Remote Workspace (stroller parking, family restrooms and a lactation pod) →
Maryland · 4 libraries
Light Street BranchBaltimore, Maryland · (410) 396-10961251 Light StreetDedicated children's and teen sections with storytimes, crafts, and youth programming →Dorchester County Public LibraryCambridge, Maryland · (410) 228-7331303 Gay StreetYouth services and storytime programs →Noyes Library for Young Children (Kensington)Kensington, Maryland · (240) 773-957010237 Carroll PlaceChildren's storytimes, lap-sit programs, and early literacy events (at Kensington Park Library during renovation) →
+1 more Maryland library with this service — see the full Maryland directory.
Michigan · 10 libraries
Allendale Township LibraryAllendale, Michigan · (616) 895-41786175 Library Lane1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program and weekly storytimes for young children →Schultz-Holmes District LibraryBlissfield, Michigan · (517) 486-2858407 South Lane StreetChildren's storytime and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program →Escanaba Public LibraryEscanaba, Michigan · (906) 789-7323400 Ludington StreetYear-round programs including Tech Tuesdays, summer reading, and Delta County Family Coalition storytimes →
Minnesota · 4 libraries
Mabel Public LibraryMabel, Minnesota · (507) 493-5336110 East Newburg AvenueChildren's Story Hour programming →Preston Public LibraryPreston, Minnesota · (507) 765-4511101 St. Paul Street NWBiweekly storytime (2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 11 am) →St. Charles Public LibraryST. CHARLES, Minnesota · (507) 932-3227125 W. 11th StreetChildren's story time programs →
+1 more Minnesota library with this service — see the full Minnesota directory.
Mississippi · 8 libraries
Coffeeville Public LibraryCOFFEEVILLE, Mississippi · (662) 675-882214432 Main StreetChildren's programming including Read for the Record and storytime →Northeast Regional Library — CorinthCorinth, Mississippi · (662) 287-24411023 North Fillmore StreetStory Time and youth programming →Orange Grove LibraryGULFPORT, Mississippi · +1 228-832-692412135 OLD HIGHWAY 49Active children's programs: Baby & Me, Preschool Storytime, and weekly computer classes →
Missouri · 8 libraries
Appleton City Public LibraryAPPLETON CITY, Missouri · +1 660-476-5513105 W FOURTH STChildren's Story Hour every Monday at 11:00 AM for ages 5 and under →Dallas County LibraryBuffalo, Missouri · (417) 345-2647219 West Main StreetChildren's Story Time programming →Desloge Public LibraryDESLOGE, Missouri · (573) 431-5506209 N Desloge DriveThursday Story Time program (September–May, ages birth–10, 10:00–10:45 am) →
Montana · 4 libraries
Henry A. Malley Memorial LibraryBROADUS, Montana · (406) 436-2812102 South LincolnStorytime for school-age children every Tuesday morning at 10:30 during the school year →Belgrade Community LibraryBelgrade, Montana · (406) 388-4346205 East Main StreetActive youth programs including Preschool Storytime and STEAM Art Club for children and teens →Choteau/Teton Public LibraryCHOTEAU, Montana · +1406-466-205217 Main Avenue NorthWeekly story time every Thursday at 10 a.m. for young children, plus reading challenges and book kit lending →
+1 more Montana library with this service — see the full Montana directory.
Nebraska · 2 libraries
Gering Public LibraryGering, Nebraska · (308) 436-74331055 P StreetYear-round youth storytimes plus after-school programs (Sep–May) and a summer reading program for children and adults →Lied Imperial Public LibraryImperial, Nebraska · (308) 882-4754703 BroadwayWeekly Friday Story Hour (ages 3–6), Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for children birth–5, and summer Lawn Chair Theatre outdoor movies →
Nevada · 5 libraries
Elko MybraryELKO, Nevada · 775-738-3066720 COURT STREETChildren's and teen areas with dedicated collections, story times, and after-school programs →Mesquite LibraryMesquite, Nevada · (702) 507-4080160 W First North StK-12 homework assistance and storytimes →Douglas County Public LibraryMinden, Nevada · (775) 782-98411625 Library LaneActive STEM workshops, 3D printing classes, story times, Pokémon events, and free retirement-planning seminars →
+2 more Nevada libraries with this service — see the full Nevada directory.
New Hampshire · 2 libraries
Elkins Public LibraryCanterbury, New Hampshire · (603) 783-43869 Center RoadSeed Library for gardening patrons, plus a children's wing with weekly Story Time and Tunes Tales & Tumbles →Holderness Free LibraryHOLDERNESS, New Hampshire · +1603-968-7066866 US ROUTE 3Community programming includes bridge, senior fitness, crafting circles, children's storytimes, book clubs, tabletop RPGs & writing workshops →
New Jersey · 9 libraries
Bayonne Free Public LibraryBayonne, New Jersey · (201) 858-6971697 Avenue CChildren's Room with youth programming and storytimes →Belleville Public LibraryBelleville, New Jersey · (973) 450-3434221 Washington AvenueActive multilingual programming: ESL classes, Spanish-language storytimes and Hispanic Heritage Month events →Dover Free Public LibraryDover, New Jersey · (973) 366-017232 E. Clinton StreetBilingual storytime (English/Spanish) for children ages 2–5 with caregivers →
New Mexico · 5 libraries
Artesia Public LibraryArtesia, New Mexico · (575) 746-4252205 W. Quay AvenueExceptionally active community calendar for a city of 12,000 — weekly Storytime, STEM, D&D, Teen Tuesday and Mother Goose programs running year-round →Hobbs Public LibraryHobbs, New Mexico · (575) 397-9328509 North Shipp StreetStory Hour programming for children →Thomas Branigan Memorial LibraryLAS CRUCES, New Mexico · +1-575-528-4000200 E PICACHO AVENUESummer reading programs running continuously since 1972; children's storytimes since 1937 →
+2 more New Mexico libraries with this service — see the full New Mexico directory.
New York · 13 libraries
Boston Free LibraryBOSTON, New York · +1716-941-35169475 BOSTON STATE ROADCommunity meeting room for 50 people, plus preschool story time, Ukulele Club, Mahjong & Chess clubs →Adams Street LibraryBROOKLYN, New York · 718-230-22649 ADAMS STREETChildren's collections and storytimes →Bay Ridge LibraryBROOKLYN, New York · 718-748-57097223 RIDGE BOULEVARDChildren's collections and storytimes →
North Carolina · 2 libraries
Pasquotank County LibraryELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina · +1 252-335-2473100 E COLONIAL AVEChildren's and teen programming including storytimes and summer reading →Wake Forest Community LibraryWake Forest, North Carolina · (919) 554-8498400 East Holding AvenueStorytimes and community programming for children and families →
North Dakota · 6 libraries
Dickinson Area Public LibraryDickinson, North Dakota · (701) 456-7700139 3rd Street WestActive programming calendar: storytimes (ages 0–5), youth crafts, teen programs, adult craft club, family movies, and Pokemon & LEGO clubs →Ellendale Public LibraryEllendale, North Dakota · (701) 349-385267 1st Avenue SouthSummer Story Hour program meets weekly, and the library holds free book giveaways from its fiction, non-fiction, and children's sections →Kindred Public LibraryKindred, North Dakota · (701) 428-3456330 Elm StreetMonthly "Breakfast with a Book" discussion, children's "Picture This" storytime, and "Crafting Connections" craft group →
+3 more North Dakota libraries with this service — see the full North Dakota directory.
Ohio · 1 library
Oklahoma · 3 libraries
Southern Oklahoma Library System — Champion Public LibraryArdmore, Oklahoma · (580) 223-3164601 Railway ExpressRobust youth programs: Wiggle Worms storytime, D&D Game Night, teen Anime & Manga Book Club →Beaver County Pioneer LibraryBEAVER, Oklahoma · +1580-625-3076201 Douglas AvePreschool story time program keeps the youngest Beaver County readers engaged year-round →Lawton Public LibraryLAWTON, Oklahoma · 580-581-3450110 SW 4TH STREETBright Beginnings story times, LEGO Coding Club, and FIRST LEGO League Challenge Team for youth STEM →
Oregon · 12 libraries
Eugene Public LibraryEUGENE, Oregon · 541-682-5450100 W 10TH AVENUEExtensive programming: bilingual story times, sensory story times, teen events, adult book groups, creative workshops →Forest Grove City LibraryForest Grove, Oregon · (503) 992-32472114 Pacific AvePreschool Storytime, ESL classes, and Library of Things borrowing (board games, 3D objects) available to cardholders →Happy Valley LibraryHappy Valley, Oregon · (503) 783-345613793 SE Sieben Park WayYouth services with regular storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers →
Pennsylvania · 5 libraries
Charles Santore LibraryPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · (215) 686-1766932 South 7th StreetChildren's room with dedicated storytime programming →David Cohen Ogontz LibraryPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · (215) 685-35666017 Ogontz AvenueRegular programming for all ages including Baby/Toddler Storytime & Toddler Construction Club (Thursdays), Homeschooler Hangout (Tuesdays) and Kids & Teens Chess Club (Tuesdays) →Ramonita G. de Rodriguez LibraryPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania · (215) 686-1768600 West Girard AvenueWeekly Toddler Storytime every Friday at 11am, plus Junk Journal Workshops for ages 5–18 and Spin & Go free laundry for unhoused neighbors every Wednesday →
+2 more Pennsylvania libraries with this service — see the full Pennsylvania directory.
Puerto Rico · 2 libraries
Mayagüez Children's LibraryMayagüez, Puerto Rico · (787) 834-1745Calle Santiago Méndez VigoStorytime and read-aloud sessions for toddlers and early readers →San Juan Community LibrarySan Juan, Puerto Rico · (787) 789-46002105 Calle TopacioActive STEAM workshop series, children's storytime and annual Back to School Book Fest →
South Carolina · 3 libraries
Richland Library — MainColumbia, South Carolina · (803) 799-90841431 Assembly StreetChildren's Room — storytimes, puppet stage, Montessori manipulatives, Kimi Maeda Shadow Play Tunnel (Garden Level, 803-929-3434) →Marion County LibraryMarion, South Carolina · (843) 423-8300101 East Court StreetFamily literacy programming year-round — storytimes, summer reading, and teen events →Calhoun County LibraryST. MATTHEWS, South Carolina · +1803-874-3389900 F.R. HUFF DRIVEDiverse youth programming from Mother Goose on the Loose for toddlers to teen events and chess challenges →
South Dakota · 4 libraries
Dell Rapids Carnegie Public LibraryDELL RAPIDS, South Dakota · +1605-340-1670513 N ORLEANS AVENUEFall Storytime every Monday and Tuesday at 9 am — stories, songs, and crafts for young readers →Hurley Public LibraryHURLEY, South Dakota · (605) 238-5680603 CENTER AVENUEChildren's storytime →Viborg Public LibraryViborg, South Dakota · (605) 326-5481114 North Main StreetMonthly preschool storytime on Wednesdays during the school year builds early literacy for the youngest community members →
+1 more South Dakota library with this service — see the full South Dakota directory.
Tennessee · 2 libraries
Richland Park Branch LibraryNashville, Tennessee · (615) 862-58704711 Charlotte AveActive programming: French conversation groups, yoga, book clubs and preschool story time →King Family LibrarySevierville, Tennessee · (865) 453-3532408 High StreetMore than 400 programs a year for all ages, from children's storytime to adult literacy and cultural events →
Texas · 11 libraries
Little Walnut Creek BranchAustin, Texas · (512) 974-9860835 W. Rundberg LaneServes Council District 4 — one of Austin's most linguistically diverse corridors — with bilingual programming including Talk Time / Hora de práctica (adult language-exchange, Monday evenings) and Spa →Ruiz BranchAustin, Texas · (512) 974-75001600 Grove BoulevardBilingual programming hub for Council District 3: ESL/Clase de Inglés classes (morning and evening), Practiquemos Español adult conversation group, and Spanish-language storytime for families →University Hills BranchAustin, Texas · (512) 974-99404721 Loyola LaneRegular bilingual programming including Cuentos con Señora Lili (Spanish storytime) for children ages 0–10 →
U.S. Virgin Islands · 1 library
Utah · 6 libraries
Whitmore LibraryCottonwood Heights, Utah · (801) 943-46362197 E Fort Union BlvdRobust programming for all ages including coding classes (Fiero Code), adult lectures, children's storytimes, and summer reading →Eagle Mountain City LibraryEAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah · +1-801-789-66231650 E STAGECOACH RUNChildren's story times and youth programs →Hyrum LibraryHYRUM, Utah · (435) 245-641150 W MAIN STREETChildren's story time and art programs →
+3 more Utah libraries with this service — see the full Utah directory.
Vermont · 2 libraries
H. F. Brigham Free Public LibraryBAKERSFIELD, Vermont · +1802-827-4414104 MAIN ST.Community meeting space and programs for all age groups, from youth storytimes to adult technology training →Essex Free LibraryEssex Junction, Vermont · (802) 879-03131 Browns River RoadStorytimes and play groups for young children →
Virginia · 4 libraries
James L. Hamner Public LibraryAmelia Court House, Virginia · (804) 561-455916351 Dunn StAnnual Summer Reading Challenge, after-school art studio for teens, chair yoga for adults, and storytime for children →Caroline County Library — Bowling Green BranchBowling Green, Virginia · (804) 633-545517202 Richmond TurnpikeDial a Story telephone storytime service →Blackwater Regional Library — Smithfield BranchSmithfield, Virginia · (757) 357-2264255 James StreetActive community program calendar: Little Explorers Storytime, Full STEAM Ahead, Mahjong, Musical Movie Mondays, and BRL Threads crafting →
+1 more Virginia library with this service — see the full Virginia directory.
Washington · 3 libraries
Bellingham Public Library – Fairhaven BranchBellingham, Washington · (360) 778-71881117 12th StreetWeekly storytimes taught by childhood education specialists — part of 19 storytimes offered across the Bellingham Public Library system →Harrington Public LibraryHARRINGTON, Washington · +1509-253-437011 S 3RD STREETFriday Story Time (10 am) and Lego at the Library (11 am) are free weekly programs for children →Port Townsend Public LibraryPort Townsend, Washington · (360) 385-31811220 Lawrence StreetPrograms include weekly storytimes, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Fiber Arts Night, Book Lovers' Cafe, and Community Read →
West Virginia · 1 library
Wisconsin · 6 libraries
Cambridge Community LibraryCambridge, Wisconsin · (608) 423-3900101 Spring Water AlleyActive makerspace, regular storytime, book club, Friday Flick film screenings, and teen craft events →Hartland Public LibraryHartland, Wisconsin · (262) 367-3350110 E. Park Ave.Approximately 365 programs per year — storytime for toddlers through job-search workshops for adults →Kimberly Public LibraryKimberly, Wisconsin · (920) 788-7515515 W. Kimberly Ave.Over 227 programs a year ranging from Baby Story Time to job-search workshops for adults →
+3 more Wisconsin libraries with this service — see the full Wisconsin directory.
Wyoming · 5 libraries
Big Horn County LibraryBasin, Wyoming · (307) 568-2388430 West C StreetFriday storytimes for preschool (10:30am) and elementary-aged children (11:30am) — crafts and stories every week →Sweetwater County Library — Green RiverGreen River, Wyoming · (307) 875-3615300 North 1st EastChildren's storytimes and toddler programs →Niobrara County LibraryLusk, Wyoming · (307) 334-3490425 South Main StreetCommunity programming including storytime, art classes for youth, and movie events →
+2 more Wyoming libraries with this service — see the full Wyoming directory.
FAQ
How much does library story time cost?
Nothing — library story times are free, and you usually do not need a library card or any sign-up to attend. A few special or high-demand sessions ask you to register or grab a free ticket, but the regular weekly story times are open to everyone at no charge.
What age is library story time for?
Story times run from birth through the preschool years. Many libraries offer separate sessions — baby or lapsit (0–18 months), toddler (about 18 months to 3 years) and preschool (3–5 years) — as well as a mixed-age family story time that any age can attend with a caregiver.
Do I need to register or bring a library card?
Usually no. Most story times are drop-in — you just show up — and no library card is required to attend. Some libraries ask you to register for special events or when space is limited, so it is worth checking the branch’s calendar first.
What happens at a library story time?
A librarian reads one or more picture books aloud and leads songs, nursery rhymes, fingerplays and simple movement between books, often with puppets, a flannel board or musical instruments. Sessions run about 20–40 minutes and frequently end with free play, a simple craft or time to browse and borrow books.
How do I find the story-time schedule for my library?
Find your library in the state-by-state list below and open its website or online events calendar, where the current story-time days, times and age groups are posted. Schedules change between the school year and summer and around holidays, so check the library’s calendar — or call the branch — before you go.
Is there a story time near me?
Very likely — most U.S. public libraries run free weekly story times, so the nearest one is usually your local branch. Use the state-by-state list below to find a participating library near you, then open its page and events calendar for the current days, times and age groups. Most sessions are drop-in and free, with no registration needed.
Do libraries have baby and toddler story times?
Yes. Many libraries split story times by age — a baby or lapsit session (birth to about 18 months), a toddler session (around 18 months to 3 years), a preschool session (3–5 years), and a mixed-age family story time. If you are not sure which fits, family story time welcomes all ages. Check your library’s calendar for which ones it offers.
New to libraries? Learn how to get a library card in any U.S. state, or find a branch near you in the public library directory.
By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com
Looking for libraries elsewhere? Browse the full directory — public libraries by state · all U.S. public libraries.