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.
Monday, November 17, 2025
Jump and Shake Time
Location: Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch | Berkeley Public Library – 1901 Russell Street Berkeley
Join the Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch for marching, jumping, shaking, dancing and stories! Â This is an active, movement program with a few book breaks!
Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Cost: Free
Learn and Play Storytime
Location: Weekes Branch | Hayward Public Library – 27300 Patrick Ave. Hayward
Sing, dance, shake and read. This storytime has about 15-20 minutes of circle time and 15-20 minutes of playtime with toys. This storytime is recommended for ages birth to 3 years. All storytimes help children develop early literacy skills through talking, reading, singing, writing, and playing.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Cost: Free
Preschool Storytime
Location: Bay Farm Branch | Alameda Free Library – 3221 Mecartney Road Alameda
Preschool Storytime is a 30-45 minute program geared toward children ages 3-5 years old. Creating a language-rich environment through books, music, and movement, this program also offers children an avenue toward Kindergarten readiness by asking them to take turns, share, and follow simple directions.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
Toddler Storytime
Location: Main Library | Oakland Public Library – 125 14th St Oakland
Songs, active rhymes and stories especially for ages 18 months to 3 years. Every Monday morning at 10:30am. Stay and play after Storytime with fun age-appropriate toys.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
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, November 18, 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
Storytime and Garden Play
Location: Elmhurst Branch | Oakland Public Library – 1427 88th Avenue Oakland
Join the Elmhurst Branch for stories, songs, and play! Storytime at 11 am followed by free play in the community garden with the library chickens. For ages 0-5 but all ages are welcome! Snacks provided for kids & caregivers.
Time: 11:00 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, November 19, 2025
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
[Photo: Berkeley Public Library R. Friedman]
