Hit Your Local Seacoast Libraries: Don’t Miss Out!
There are several Seacoast-area libraries and each features unique classes, special movie times, and even Lego clubs. If you’re not already a frequent visitor, start visiting! With tons of free activities for kids of all ages, your local library can be a real lifesaver throughout the year. While this post delves children’s offerings, rest assured that these libraries have plenty to offer parents, as well.
Some of the Perks Offered by Seacoast-Area Libraries:
- You may purchase discounted museum passes for everywhere from the New England Aquarium to the Seacoast Science Center.
- Enjoy free story times and activities for babies and toddlers.
- Get homework help for school-age kids.
- Munch on popcorn on special movie afternoons/nights.
- Join various clubs geared for kids.
Dover Public Library
73 Locust Street
Dover, NH 03820
603.516.6050
This lovely library offers a ton for babies and toddlers. With classes like “Mother Goose on the Loose,” programs here place a special emphasis on music and fun interaction. There is also plenty of support for teens including homework help and college information.
Durham Public Library
49 Madbury Road
Durham, NH 03824
603.868.6699
Durham’s library is beautiful. From Lego Club to a toddler story time (appropriately named “The Zoo”), there is something for everyone here. The library even boasts a Gundalow that kids can climb and play on!
Exeter Public Library
4 Chestnut Street
Exeter NH 03833
603.772.3101
Located in the center of Exeter right on the Squamscott River, the Exeter Public Library hosts an excellent children’s room. Check out upcoming activities on the library’s Facebook page, complete with calendar and special events. You’ll find a story time daily from Monday through Thursday and opportunities for arts and crafts on Mondays and Fridays. There are even book groups tailored for students in grades one through five that meet once a month.
Greenland – Weeks Public Library – Greenland
36 Post Road
Greenland NH 03840
603.427.0913
Family story time takes place every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Kids in grades 5 and up can also take part in an after school weaving workshop. Having undergone a recent and impressive expansion, Weeks provides tremendous resources for Greenland families.
Hampton – Lane Public Library
2 Academy Avenue
Hampton NH 03842
603.926.3368
The Lane Public Library in Hampton offers a ton of options for kids. From hip hop yoga (ages nine through 12) to story time geared from babies to preschool, kids can choose from a wide variety of programs. Be sure to check the calendar on early release days because there just might be a movie showing!
Hampton Falls Free Library
7 Drinkwater Road
Hampton Falls NH 03844
603.926.3682
While this library has story times for babies and toddlers like the other Seacoast libraries, it also offers Kindergarten Club and after-school story time for kids in grades one through four.
Kittery – Rice Public Library
8 Wentworth Street & 2 Walker Street
Kittery ME 03904
207.439.1553
One of the smallest and oldest libraries on the Seacoast (1888!), this library is beloved by its community. While it doesn’t stay open as long as some of the other Seacoast-area libraries, it is still a gem. There is story time for wee ones and even a tiny yoga story time that doesn’t have an age limit. You can find the children’s room in the Taylor Annex.
North Hampton Public Library and Cultural Center
237A Atlantic Avenue
North Hampton NH 03862
603.964.6326
School bus #6 will take kids age 10 and older straight to this library after school! They’ve got Minecraft clubs, toddler story times, and a Saturday 10 a.m. family story hour (which is pretty rare to find on a Saturday)! Such a great spot in North Hampton.
Portsmouth Public Library
175 Parrott Avenue
Portsmouth NH 03801
603.427.1540
The Portsmouth Public Library is a powerhouse on the Seacoast. Try using its up-to-date Facebook page for events and many programs. It offers plenty of story time options and a beautiful kids and teens section; families can expect to spend a lot of time here. We love this gem in Portsmouth.
Rollinsford Public Library
3 Front Street, Suite 2B
Rollinsford NH 03869
603.516.2665
This library functions just as much as a community center as a local library. Offering yoga (for adults) and a baby and toddler playgroup Thursdays at 10 a.m., this is a great spot for families to connect with one another. Yes, there is story time and more, just like all of the other amazing Seacoast libraries.
Rye Public Library
581 Washington Road
Rye NH 03870
603.964.8401
This library in Rye hosts “Mother Goose on the Loose” programming on Fridays at 10:30 a.m., in addition to its regularly scheduled story time that takes place on Thursdays at 10 a.m. There are also opportunities for teens to take a leadership role on the advisory board and earn community service hours.
Stratham Wiggin Memorial Library – Stratham
10 Bunker Hill Avenue
Stratham NH 03885
603.772.4346
This library offers some very special programming including Book Buddies, a program in which elementary school age children practice reading to dogs. Like many other Seacoast libraries, there is a Lego club and even a club for kids who want to learn to knit! A great spot to know in Stratham for kids.
