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It may not be in person, but storytime is still happening - whenever and wherever you want it. 

From mini-storytime to singalongs, wev'e collected all our programs in one place for you to enjoy.

VIEW VIRTUAL CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS on Youtube

Lead, Read, and Succeed

Favorite stories read aloud by Columbus community members.

View Lead, Read, Succeed Story Series

Happening this Month

Week 1: Baby/Toddler Storytime on Facebook

Week 2: Preschool Storytime on Facebook

Week 3: Baby/Toddler Storytime on Facebook

Week 4: Preschool Storytime on Facebook

All recorded storytimes will be available on the BCPL YouTube channel after their premiere on Facebook - so you don't have to worry about missing a thing!

Upcoming Storytimes
Pop Up Halloween Song & Rhyme Time
Sat, Oct 31, 10:30am - 11:00am
Columbus
Join us for a socially distanced, Halloween-themed pop-up preschool song and rhyme time at 10:30a.m. on the library plaza. Masks required, costumes optional (but encouraged)!
Personalized Storytime-Toddlers, Preschoolers, and kids
Wed, Nov 04, All day
Columbus
We are so thankful for you!
A Storytime Thanksgiving-Toddlers & Preschoolers - Via Facebook
Wed, Nov 25, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Facebook
We'll have a food and gratitude filled storytime to get us in the mood for giving thanks.
See all events

Follow along with virtual storytimes

Starting in September 2020, you will be able to check out one of our "Follow Along" kits, complete with shakers, scarves, and song lyrics - everything you need to follow along with our virtual storytime programs! See our curated list of follow-along storytimes here. 

Follow-Along Storytime Playlist

Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you have storytimes?
We offer public storytimes 4 days a week, 3 weeks per month. We also schedule special storytimes on weekends or for special events, so be sure to keep an eye on our calendar!
Who can attend storytime?
Anyone, so long as they are accompanied by a child! We offer age-appropriate storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and mixed-age groups, so you can choose which storytime session best meets the needs of your child.

We do ask that you limit adult attendance to 2 adults per child in order to maintain a comfortable amount of space for participants.
Can older or younger siblings attend storytime, too?
Yes! However, we do ask that younger and older siblings be respectful of participants from the intended age group, and allow them to select seats, props, and/or toys first so that everyone can participate and have a good time.
Can my child attend a storytime for a different age group than their own?
Of course! It is ultimately up to you to determine which storytime session is the best fit for your child. Please do keep in mind, however, that we plan stories and activities according to children's developmental stages, so what we do in one session may or may not match what we do in other sessions (for instance, we do a lot more getting up and moving in our 1s-2s storytime than we do in our Just for Babies sessions).

In particular, the stories selected for our 3s-5s (PreK) storytimes are much longer than those used in our 1s-2s (toddler) storytimes, so please be mindful of your child's attention span when choosing which storytime sessions to attend.
What kinds of storytime programs do you offer?
We offer age-appropriate storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and mixed-age groups. Read more about our weekly storytime programs below.
Just for Babies
“Just for Babies” is specifically designed to cater to the interests and abilities of our tiniest patrons. We read two or three short stories - just right for baby’s limited attention span. We sing, rhyme, bounce, and clap. Sometimes we play with scarves, or with shakers. We ALWAYS spend the last 15 minutes just playing and socializing (that includes parents, too)! The program lasts about 30 minutes.

“Just for Babies” meets three Thursdays a month from 11:00 - 11:30a.m. in the storytime room.
1's and 2's Storytime
“1's and 2's” is our toddler storytime program. We read two or three short stories, we sing, rhyme, move, and clap, and sometimes we play with scarves or with shakers.

“1's and 2's” meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. in the Storytime Room, and lasts about 20 minutes. Both sessions are the same.
3's-5's Storytime
“3's -5's” is our public preschool-age storytime program. We read three stories, we sing, rhyme, move, and clap, and sometimes we play with scarves or with shakers. We always conclude with a craft or activity.

“3's -5's” meets on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the Storytime Room. Both sessions are the same.
Starlit Storytime and Starlit Storytime Jr.
"Starlit Storytime” and "Starlit Storytime Jr." are our weekday evening storytime programs for 3-8 year olds and 0-3 year olds, respectively. We read 2-3 stories and eat a fun snack under the twinkle lights in the storytime room.

Starlit Storytime Jr. (0-3 yr olds) meets from 6:00-6:20.
Starlit Storytime (3-8 yr olds) meets from 7:00-7:30.

Both programs meet on Monday evenings in the storytime room.

What if my child cannot sit still or is disruptive?
Every child is different, and almost all of them go through a storytime learning phase, during which they observe, participate, and figure out what it is they are supposed to do during storytime. We expect this! It generally lasts just a few weeks. We do our best to accommodate and redirect children when necessary. If your child is being exceptionally disruptive (screaming, throwing a tantrum, etc), you may always step out of the storytime room for a break and rejoin us if and when your child is ready.

Keep in mind that you as the caregiver set the most powerful example for your child, and so we highly encourage you to sit quietly during stories and participate in songs and rhymes with us to model appropriate behavior. You'll probably have more fun if you participate, too!
Other kids are misbehaving during storytime!
Yes, sometimes children do misbehave during storytime. And it often takes children a few weeks to learn what to expect AND what is expected of them at storytime. However, our goal is to make sure that anyone who wants to participate in storytime CAN.

While we may redirect children at times (particularly if they are obstructing other children's view or verbally interrupting the story), we understand and are accepting of developmentally appropriate behaviors from childen, including difficulty sitting still or keeping completely quiet. It is extremely rare that we will ask a child/caregiver to leave storytime (although we do reserve that right in the case of severe disruption).

Ultimately, it is caregivers who are responsible for their children's behavior.
Do you offer storytimes in languages other than English?
Yes! We offer French and Spanish storytime every month in conjunction with community partners. If you would like to see a storytime offered in another language, or if you or someone you know would be interested in offering a storytime in that language, please reach out and contact us.
How do I sign up for storytime?
You don’t need to register in advance to attend storytime - all you need to do is show up. If you have the time, you can pick up a nametag for your child at the circulation desk, but this isn’t required (although it does help us to learn our young friends’ names).
Do you offer any virtual or other distanced storytime options?
Yes! You can view virtual children's programs, including storytimes, online on our Facebook page and on our YouTube channel (both linked below).
BCPL on Facebook
BCPL YouTube channel
Do you have any tips for beginning readers?
Yes! Visit our early literacy page to learn more about Every Child Ready to Read and other practices we promote in our storytime programs, and to find additional resources related to early reading instruction. You can also ask library staff members for additional assistance.
Promoting Early Literacy at BCPL