Programs for Young Children

Weekly Drop-in Programs

Ages below are guidelines. Not sure which storytime is right for your child? Ask a children’s librarian! Storytime is on break until January 22nd, 2018!

See all Storytimes on the event calendar

Baby Storytime (Birth – pre-walking)

Open to babies not yet walking (no older siblings, please), this storytime is a wonderful introduction to early literacy. Caregivers share parenting experiences with one another and bond with their babies through lap bounces, nursery rhymes, songs, and board books. Fridays, 10am

Baby Yoga (Birth to pre-walking)

Bond with baby through yoga, massage, meditation, and music! This half-hour yoga class focuses on the child’s body, not the adult’s. We’ll do some light baby massage, assist baby into developmentally supportive movements, then wind down with meditation and/or music. At the end, caregivers and babies socialize. No experience necessary. Mats provided but please bring along a blanket for comfort. No older siblings, please. Wednesdays, 10am

Stay and Play (12 months+)

Listen to a story, do a craft, and spend some time in free play with a variety of toys. Unlike PlaySpace, there will not be specific activities tied to the story. Tuesdays, 10am

Toddler Rhyme Time (1 & 2 years)

A lively time sharing rhymes, songs, and one or two books, this program is geared toward walking toddlers. Children should attend this program until they can sit quietly and listen to several stories before moving on to Preschool Storytime. Mondays, 10am & Fridays, 11am

PlaySpace (2 & 3 years)

Help bring books alive! Caregivers and children listen to a favorite story and then do a number of connected activities. Thursdays, 10am

Check out our activity sheets below for some ideas to try at home:

Select Activity SheetThe 3 Little PigsGoldilocks and the 3 BearsLittle Red Riding HoodChicken LittleThe Little Red HenThe TurnipThe Gingerbread Man3 Billygoats GruffThe Snowman, by Raymond BriggsBrown bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Bill Martin, Jr.Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise BrownThe Very Hungry Catepillar, by Eric CarleThe Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear, by Don and Audry WoodsWe’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael RosenGo Away, Big Green Monster!, by Ed EmberleyI Went Walking, by Sue WilliamsFeatured Authors:Byron BartonSandra BoyntonLois EhlertLaura Vaccaro SeegerMo Willems

 

Preschool Storytime (3 – 6 years)

Designed for children who are ready to sit quietly and listen to longer stories, this program features several picturebooks interspersed with fingerplays, action rhymes, and songs. Mondays, 11am; Fridays at MacKay Library, 10:30am

Yoga Storytime (3 – 6 years)

Books, songs, & movement come together in this fun drop-in program for preschoolers and kindergartners. We’ll get energized with breathwork, do yoga poses while reading picturebooks, move to music, and end with relaxing coloring. No experience necessary. Mats will be provided. Wear comfy clothes so you can move! Wednesdays, 11am

PJ Storytime (2 – 6 years)

Led by our talented StoryTeens, this evening family storytime is held on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7pm.

 

Special Storytimes

Dads and Donuts Storytime (2+ years)

Join us on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10:30am for a special storytime. All caregivers are welcome, not just dads! We read stories, sing songs, and end with refreshments.

Storytime TV (2+ years)

Airing nightly at 7pm on Chelmsford Telemedia (Comcast channel 22; Verizon channel 36). View the Storytime TV Archive.

StoryWalk (2+ years)

A self-guided nature trail with picturebook pages along the way at Sunny Meadow Community Garden. Visit between dawn and dusk from May 1 – November 1.