Library Early Literacy programs

Awesome Things to Do at the Library with Toddlers and Preschoolers

By Last Updated

Arrrgh you looking for a free adventure to enjoy with your bitty buccaneer this Gasparilla season? 

Aye know just the place. Point your sails in the direction of your local library and sally forth!

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

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With five types of early literacy programs being offered in-person, you’re sure to find a story time that fits your needs. We can’t wait to sea you there!

Library Early Literacy program mom and baby

Baby Time

Bond with your baby through books, bounce rhymes and songs in this lap-sit program that introduces early literacy skills. It’s also a great place to meet and connect with other new parents in your neighborhood.
For children ages 0‐18 months and their caregivers.

Toddler Time

Is your mini matey walking and talking? Toddler Time is where it’s at! Build language skills while enjoying books, songs and movement activities. In this program, we start working towards letter recognition.
For children ages 18-36 months and their caregivers.

Story Time

If you’re ready for longer books, check out this program for preschoolers. We still do plenty of songs and dancing, so you don’t have to worry that you’re missing out by choosing this over Toddler Time!
For children ages 3-6 years and their caregivers.

Family Story Time

This program is perfect for families with kids of varying ages. We tailor this program to have a bit of everything, and it’s always a lot of fun!
For children ages 2-7 years and their caregivers.

Library Early Literacy programs mom and baby

Bilingual Story Time

Does your small swashbuckler want to hear stories in both English and Spanish? This is the one for you! Fluent or learning, this is a program that everyone can enjoy.
For children ages 2-7 years and their caregivers.    

Don’t forget—you can always set sail with story time virtually! Check out the library’s YouTube channel where we upload story time videos every week.

In addition to Baby Time and Family Time, we offer Evening Stories with books and songs to help you and your little one wind down after a full day of swashbuckling around Tampa Bay.

 

Find a library story time near you at: hcplc.org/StoryTime

Join us online at https://www.youtube.com/user/TampaHillsLib.

Check out these Pirate picture books to celebrate Gasparilla: bit.ly/StoryTimePirates.

Originally published in January 2024 of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine