Drop-in story times 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.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Play Cafe
Location: 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library – 1021 81st Ave. Oakland
Join the 81st Avenue Branch for stories, songs, and playtime! Fun for families with children ages 0-5 years old. Snacks provided for kids & caregivers.
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Cost: Free
Storytime
Location: El Cerrito Library – 6510 Stockton Ave El Cerrito
Join the El Cerrito Library for Storytime and get your wiggles out with fun songs, finger play, movement, and a couple of good books. Best suited to children ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver.
Time: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Cost: Free
Mr. Elephant Music and Puppets
Location: Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library – 4805 Foothill Blvd Oakland
Mr. Elephant is an Oakland-based speech therapist who makes music for little language learners (and big ones too!) alongside his hilarious gang of puppets! Award-winning music for little language learners (and big ones, too!) alongside a hilarious gang of puppets!
Time: 11:00 am - 11:45 am
Cost: FREE
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Family Story Time
Location: Central Library | Berkeley Public Library – 2090 Kittredge Berkeley
Join Berkeley Public Library for fun stories and songs in the Central Children's Room on the 4th Floor of the Central Branch! Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and their families are all welcome. Saturday at 10:30 AM
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
Rockridge Family Storytime
Location: Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library – 5366 College Avenue Oakland
Family Story Time at Rockridge Branch Library Children of all ages are welcome; content geared toward ages 1 to 5 years. They usually meet indoors in the Upstairs Meeting Room. Occasionally they meet outdoors, in the Staff Parking Lot behind the library - weather permitting! After storytime, they invite you…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Location: Main | Alameda Free Library – 1550 Oak St Alameda
Are you ready for some Summer Reading fun? Kick off Summer Reading at AFL with stories and crafts! The Summer Reading 2026 theme is Plant a Seed, Read. 10:30am–11:00am | Summer storytime 11:00am–12:30pm | Crafts for kids, teens, and grownups: Make and decorate your own cardboard container for seeds, or create…
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Free
Pride in the Park
Location: Tilden Nature Center – 1500 Central Park Dr Berkeley
Kick off LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with a day in the park. Bring a picnic and enjoy family-friendly crafts, activities, and nature in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. All are welcome. FREE!
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Sunday Storytime
Location: Tilden Regional Park – Wildcat Canyon Road Berkeley
Gather ‘round for a wonderful children’s book read aloud. Meet at the front desk of the Environmental Education Center . No registration required; Drop-in Program.
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost: Free
Monday, June 8, 2026
New Book Storytime
Location: Main | Alameda Free Library – 1550 Oak St Alameda
A 20-30 minute storytime for children in Kindergarten through third grade featuring picture books new to their collection. PLEASE NOTE: Date and time are subject to change. There are no children's programs in August. If you need accessibility accommodations to participate, or information translated or in other formats, please contact ada@alamedaca.gov or fill…
Time: 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Monday Evening Storytime
Location: Central Library | Berkeley Public Library – 2090 Kittredge Berkeley
Jump into your jammies and join BPL for stories, songs, puppets, and more! Family storytime for ages 2-5 at the Central Library, 4th Floor  2090 Kittredge St in Berkeley Questions? Give a call, 510 981-6223
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
[Photo: Berkeley Public Library R. Friedman]
