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.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Free Admission Day
Location: Ruth Bancroft Gardens – 1552 Bancroft Rd Walnut Creek
On Giving Tuesday, November 29th, Ruth Bancroft Gardens will be offering FREE Garden admission from 9am-4pm. At 10am and 2pm, these will be bilingual storytime in Spanish and English in the Garden! As a local non-profit, the garden relies on the generosity of our sponsors and donors to thrive in…
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
Sponsor
Baby Bounce: Songs and Playtime
Location: Golden Gate Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5606 San Pablo Avenue Oakland
Bring your babies to the library for songs, socializing, and playtime! Best for parents and caregivers with babies from birth to 18 months. Every Tuesday at 10:15 am. See you there!
Time: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Cost: Free
Storytime and Playtime in the Library
Location: Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library – 4805 Foothill Blvd Oakland
Families are invited to a Storytime with rhymes, books, and songs! It will be followed by playtime and toys. All kids welcome, but program is especially for those 18 months to 4 years old. *Indoor events still require masks for everyone over two years old.
Time: 10:15 am - 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Sponsor
Toddler Storytime
Location: Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library – 80 Echo Avenue Oakland
Songs, active rhymes, and stories especially for ages 18 months to 3 years. Every Tuesday at 10:15 am. This storytime will take place outdoors weather permitting.
Time: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Cost: Free
Spanish Bilingual Storytime/Hora De Cuentos Bilingüe
Location: Main Branch | San Leandro Public Library – 300 Estudillo Avenue San Leandro
Join for stories, songs, and other interactive, fun activities in a bilingual environment (English & Spanish)! This program is designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their families/caregivers, but all ages are welcome. ¡Vengan a acompáñarnos con cuentos, canciones y otras actividades interactivas y divertidas en una ambiente bilingüe…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Cost: Free
Toddler Storytime
Location: West End Branch | Alameda Free Library – 788 Santa Clara Avenue Alameda
Toddler Storytime is a 20-30 minute program that uses stories, songs, fingerplays, and movement to help young children ages 1-3 years old develop word and sound recognition, gain background knowledge of how the world works, and encourages families to build social connections with other parents and children. *PLEASE NOTE: There…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: FREE
Family Storytime
Location: West Oakland Branch | Oakland Public Library – 1801 Adeline St Oakland
Family storytimes are great for all ages. Bring the whole family to enjoy these stories and activities! This storytime will take place indoors. For your safety and the safety of others, masks are required for everyone over 2 years old.
Time: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
Preschool Storytime
Location: Main Branch | San Leandro Public Library – 300 Estudillo Avenue San Leandro
Get ready for kindergarten with preschool storytime, featuring books, songs and rhymes, flannel stories, and lots of movement, followed by a craft activity. Perfect program to strengthen early literacy skills, creativity, letter knowledge, social skills, and have fun! This program is designed for children ages 3-5 and their families/caregivers.
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Cost: Free
Family Storytime
Location: Kensington Library – 61 Arlington Ave Kensington
Families are invited to join for lots of picture books, songs, rhymes, and fun! Stuffed animals & pajamas welcome.
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Story Time on the Lawn
Location: North Branch | Berkeley Public Library – 1170 The Alameda Berkeley
Join the librarians on the lawn for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! This 30-minute story time is geared towards children ages 2-5. Social distancing practices are in place. Bring a blanket or mat to sit on. Heavy rain or poor air quality will cancel event.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
[Photo: Berkeley Public Library R. Friedman]
