We offer a variety of programs for young children. Programs are created around the developmental stages for the ages advertised and are designed to help develop early literacy skills.
For the most up to date schedule, please see our Events & Programs Calendar or subscribe to our newsletters.
Storytime Offerings:
NOTE: Due to the Library's construction project, our preschool programs will be held in various offsite locations, including Estabrook Hall at Cary Hall (lower level) and outdoors (weather permitting).
Please check our events & programs calendar for dates, times, and locations of specific events.
- Music Monday (ages 0 - 5)
Without music, life would b flat! Come sing along to old favorites and learn some new tunes. - Laptime (ages 0 - prewalkers)
A short 20 minute program featuring songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and lap games for babies - Toddler Time (walkers - 24 months)
A short 20 minute program featuring a story, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays for toddlers - Storytime (ages 2 - 5)
A high energy storytime of songs, stories and fun for ages 2 - 5.
Other Preschool Activities:
- Preschool Dance Party (ages 2 - 5)
Come dance with us! - Preschool Crafts (Ages 3 - 5)
Drop in and explore, learn and create! - Sensory Play (Ages 0 - 5)
Drop in and have fun with our interactive sensory stations!
About our Preschool Programs
Preschool programs at the library offer a unique group experience. Our goal is to provide your child a rich and engaging time with music, movement, hands-on activities, appealing stories, all while working on building key early literacy skills. These events are carefully planned presentations that are not school lessons or stage performances but are designed to encourage your child to develop a love of reading.
These programs may be your child’s first group experience. The first few times they come, they may yell, run and scream, or be clingy, quiet, and cry - or display other normal behaviors to indicate discomfort or concern - that’s ok!
Here are some tips to help make this the best possible experience:
- Sit, sing & listen to stories together: Adults should sit with their child and model good audience behavior by being attentive and participating - please put away your cell phones and save your conversations for after the program
- Please be timely: Arriving on time is important. It is a good idea to allow extra time for parking and visits to the bathroom. If the room is at capacity, staff may not be able to allow you to enter if you arrive late.
- If you do arrive late, please wait for a break between stories or songs before joining the group so that you do not interrupt the flow of the program
- It’s ok to leave: Some days children aren’t in the right mood for storytime. If your child becomes upset or disruptive, it’s ok to leave and come back in again when they are comfortable and ready to try again (it’s ok if they aren’t feeling storytime today too!)
- Please put away toys, cell phones and other distractions. Please save toys, cell phones and other distractions for after storytime.
- Please enjoy your snacks after storytime: To keep everyone in the room safe, snacks are not permitted in any preschool programs, or in the Children’s Room. If your child becomes hungry, please step out of the program and head to the designated area in the hallway outside the children’s room to feed your child.
- Be respectful with photos: If you are taking photos, please be respectful of the privacy of other children. Give a heads up to any caregivers of children in the frame before you click so they can move their child out of the photo if they do not want them to be in your picture.