Introducing reading to your kids at an early age is very important! Why not make it even more exciting with a storytime?
Luckily, Chicagoland is filled with storytimes for every day of the week. Here are our top picks of libraries, book cafes and other fun places with some unique storytimes. Note: Due to the pandemic, some of the events have switched to virtual for now.
In-person events
Little Learners Story Time
Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
- Address: Chicago Public Library, West Loop Branch, 122 N. Aberdeen St., Chicago
Ms. Casey at the West Loop Branch will bring a fun, winter-themed story to children ages 2-5. She will incorporate songs, rhymes, fingerplays and movement. Registration required.
Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays March 2-30, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
- Address: Chicago Public Library, Jefferson Park Branch, 5363 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
Bring your children ages 3-5 to this in-person story time event. Kids will hear songs, stories and rhymes. Plus, a craft to complete at the library or to take home. Register for the series of five sessions.
Bilingual Preschool Story Time/La Hora De Cuento
Thursdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
- Address: Chicago Public Library, West Lawn Branch, 4020 W. 63rd St., Chicago
Kids ages 3-5 will enjoy a fun story time at the West Lawn Branch. It will be in English and Spanish. Registration required.
Book Buddies Story Time
Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
- Address: Chicago Public Library, South Chicago Branch, 9055 S. Houston Ave., Chicago
Kids ages 2 and up and their caregivers will come to the South Chicago Branch for a story time that supports early literacy development. Registration required.
Preschool Story Time
Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Address: Chicago Public Library, Blackstone Branch, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago
Librarians Antonia and April from the Blackstone Branch will share stories, songs and rhymes with kids ages 3-5. Registration required.
Virtual events
Baby Story Time
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. (Through April 26, 2022)
- Hosted by: Chicago Public Library, Rogers Park Branch
Ellie from the Rogers Park Branch will bring story time for the little ones. Babies will enjoy hearing songs, stories and more at the virtual event. For ages 0-24 months. Register for the series of nine sessions.
Mother Goose on the Loose
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
- Hosted By: Chicago Public Library, Chinatown Branch
A story time tailored to your toddler. Great for ages 0-3. The event takes place over Zoom and is brought to you by Miss Rebecca from the Chinatown Branch. Registration required.
Wilmette Public Library
Tuesdays and Wednesdays (10:30 a.m.) and Thursdays (9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
- Address: 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette
They offer story times for babies, big kids and for the family as a whole. Check their website for the complete schedule.
Rhyme and Story Time
Wednesdays, 11:30-noon
- Hosted by: Chicago Public Library
A story time over Zoom tailored to ages 2-5. Ms. Leslie from the Brainerd Branch will bring a story time that emphasizes adult-child interaction. Registration required.
Preschool Story Time with Ms. Jessie
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- Hosted by: Chicago Public Library
Join Ms. Jessie from the Rogers Park Branch via Zoom for a story time tailored to your preschool-aged child. Recommended for ages 2-5. Register for the series of eight sessions.
Dime Un Cuento Bilingual Story Time
Fridays, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Hosted by: Chicago Public Library
Mrs. Vicky will bring a bilingual story time via Zoom for ages 3-5. You will receive a list of supplies you will need beforehand and can stop at the Mount Greenwood Branch to pick up materials if needed. The story time will feature songs, books, rhymes, movement and a craft. Registration required.
Friday Citywide Story Time
Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m.
- Hosted by: Chicago Public Library
Children ages 0-5 will enjoy a story time via Zoom that will feature librarians from all over Chicago. There will be stories, songs, rhymes and suggestions for family-friendly activities to do at home. Registration required.
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