Drop-in storytimes are a parent’s best friend. Free entertainment; a motivation to get out of the house; and exposure to books and stories you might not otherwise know about.
Relax a little while someone else tells your child a nice story with all the voices. Here’s a round-up of upcoming free storytimes in the East Bay.
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Storytime at Mr. Mopps
Location: Mr. Mopps’ Children’s Books & Toys – 1401 Martin Luther King Jr Way Berkeley
Meet in the Mr. Mopps Bookstore for a weekly Storytime! Sing songs, dance around, and enjoy a selection of favorite picture books with our engaging storytellers. Every week at 2pm.
Time: 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Monday, August 25, 2025
Evening Family Storytime
Location: Central Library | Berkeley Public Library – 2090 Kittredge Berkeley
Join family storytime for children 2-5 years old, plus a caregiver. Jump into your jammies and join us for stories, songs, puppets, and more on the 4th Floor of the Central Library in Berkeley. This event does not happen when the library is closed for holidays.
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Itty Bitty Storytime
Location: Richmond Public Library – 325 Civic Center Plaza Richmond
Join in the Main Library for an Itty Bitty storytime. Enjoy this fun, interactive music, movement and storytime with your little one! Â The program includes songs, bounces, fingerplays and books that are designed for families with babies and toddlers but all ages are welcome! Meet in the Madeline F. Whittlesey…
Time: 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Cost: Free
Baby Bounce
Location: Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library – 1687 Mountain Boulevard Oakland
Come to Montclair Baby Bounce every Tuesday morning. The group will sing, dance, and read books all targeted towards 0 to 1 years old. Come and play with your baby and other caregivers.
Time: 11:45 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
Baby Storytime
Location: Albany Library – 1247 Marin Avenue Albany
This interactive lapsit storytime is designed for babies up to 18 months and their adult caregivers. Hear stories, sing songs, participate in lap bounces, and stay after to play with toys and meet new friends.
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Cost: Free
Family Storytime
Location: Kensington Library – 61 Arlington Ave Kensington
Enjoy lots of picture books, songs, rhymes, and fun! Stuffed animals & pajamas welcome. Great for toddlers and preschoolers. Free. No registration required.
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Storytime for Littles
Location: San Pablo Public Library – 13751 San Pablo Avenue San Pablo
Join the San Pablo Library for Storytime on Wednesdays at 10:30 am. Stories and songs for children 0-3 followed by free play time.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
Storytime on the Lawn
Location: North Branch | Berkeley Public Library – 1170 The Alameda Berkeley
Join the North Branch for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! This 30-minute story time is geared towards children ages 2-5. Weather permitting, bring a blanket or mat to sit on. For more information, please call North Branch at 510-981-6250. After storytime on the lawn, stay for playtime with toys, soft…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Toddler Time Storytime
Location: Albany Library – 1247 Marin Avenue Albany
Toddler Time is a storytime at the Albany Library! Come for songs, stories, and movement activities. Children all ages are welcome, but this program is designed for ages 3 and younger. Meet in the Edith Stone room. No registration, but attendance will be limited.Â
Time: 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Cost: Free
Family Storytime
Location: Temescal Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5205 Telegraph Avenue Oakland
Bring your Family to the Temescal Branch for Storytime. There will be activities, stories, songs and more for all ages. *Please plan to park your stroller in the community meeting room downstairs. Strollers will not be allowed upstairs in the Children's Room during Storytime.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
[Photo: Berkeley Public Library R. Friedman]
