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 begins September 17th and runs through December 21st!

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

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, 10 am

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, 10 am

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, 10 am

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, 11 am; Fridays at MacKay Library, 10:30am

Merrily we Sing Along (all ages)

Drop in for a lively morning of movement and song for the whole family! Enjoy favorite tunes and discover new songs you will love in English and a variety of world languages. Wednesdays at 11 am

Peace Out Pajama Storytime (all ages)

Join Lindsay for a mindful pajama storytime. Stories, rhymes, guided meditation and breathing games & techniques to help relax before bedtime! All ages welcome, wear your PJs and bring a stuffed friend, if you wish! Thursdays at 7pm

Preschool Yoga Storytime with Nicole (3 – 5 years)

Nicole returns for a yoga storytime that blends books with creative movement; combining young children’s love of stories with their need to move their bodies. An active storytime featuring yoga poses, music, mindfulness, and more! Wednesdays at 10 am

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)

Storywalk has been on vacation! We’re hoping to have a new & improved Storywalk available by October 1st. Stay tuned for more information!