When children participate in Storytime from a young age, they benefit in so many ways.  Children learn vital school readiness skills -- sitting still for a period of time, how to pay attention to an adult other than a parent, taking turns and sharing, and how to be reasonably quiet.  Children and caregivers learn songs and rhymes that  support their child’s learning, while meeting and connecting with others. Our Storytime  curriculum focuses on literacy and language development, integrates S.T.E.A.M. activities and concepts, music, body awareness, and confidence in movement.  Our library staff are highly skilled in working with young children to help you set the foundation for lifelong learning and a love of reading.

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Enroll in Little Seeds, Sprouting Up or Branching Out by selecting a class from the list beneath the calendar.  You only need to register once for an entire series.  Storytime classes are for residents only. 

Updated Rules for Covid-19 Safety

• Only one adult may accompany a child 
• Space is limited for social distancing purposes

Learn about our Storytime Classes & Play Groups

Little Seeds Storytime Class
We help you plant the seeds for lifelong learning.  Designed for children aged 6 – 23 months, the Little Seeds storytime class consists of books, music, finger plays, rhymes, and movement.  Children and caregivers participate in a curriculum that encourages vocabulary, social skills and confidence in movement.

• Classes meet weekly on Mondays at 9:30 am  

Sprouting Up Storytime Class
Your little one is growing up fast.  Building on the foundation set in Little Seeds, your toddler will engage in weekly activities that encourage language development, body awareness, sharing and social interactions, and following directions. For children aged 2, with a caregiver. 

• Classes meet weekly on Thursdays at 9:30 am

When registering, please use your child's name and information. You only need to register once for the entire series. 

Branching Out Storytime Class
It’s time to explore the world!  Your 3-5 year old is ready to Branch Out and participate in this “on my own” storytime class.  Science, art, math, and stories come together to encourage language and literacy skills, sharing and making friends, and learning many vital school readiness skills.
Glen Ridge residents only. A parent/caregiver must remain in the library during the class.

• Classes meet weekly on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm

When registering, please use your child's name and information. You only need to register once for the entire series. 
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​Baby & Toddler Play Group
These drop-in play groups encourage socialization among children.  The library will provide age appropriate toys and books for babies and toddlers to play with while here.  Caregivers are required to stay with their children while participating in the group.  

• Baby Play Group meets Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am (ages 0-23 months)
• Toddler Play Group meets Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am (age 2)

​Family Evening Story Time
​This evening story time is for children of all ages and features stories, songs and finger plays.  Children are welcome to wear pajamas to the program.  Sometimes, we feature special guest authors, visiting pets, and other surprise guests.  Check the calendar to see who might be joining us next time.  

• Evening Story Time meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm

How can a parent or care giver make the most of Storytime?

• Arrive early.  Allow yourself time to hang up your coats, use the restroom and get ready for the program. Storytimes start promptly at their scheduled time.
• We understand young children like to explore, but they should not prevent others from enjoying their story time.  We request that you encourage positive behaviors like good listening, following directions and being respectful of people and things in the room.
• We want everyone to enjoy Storytime.  If your child's behavior is affecting the enjoyment of the stories, please feel free to step out of the room briefly and return when they are ready.
• There is plenty of time to socialize after Storytime is over and please keep your conversations for the end of the program.
• Refrain from bringing toys and food into the room. 
• Consider this a sharing time for you and your little one.  Participate along with your child, they learn by watching you.  Don't be afraid to look silly, they love it and it encourages them to participate as well!
• Attend class each week.  Since space is limited, missing two consecutive classes may open your spot to others on the waiting list.  Please call the library and notify the children's department if you will miss a class.  If your child is not feeling well, plase stay home and rest up!