Are you looking for story time options to keep your kids entertained and exposed to literacy outside of school? Then you’ve come to the right place! We have rounded up a list of story time options on the Seacoast. Between libraries, bookstores, other local businesses — we’ve got it covered!
And did you know that you don’t have to be a member of each library to participate in story times and youth activities? Even if the library isn’t located in your town, your kids can still join in on the fun. Don’r forget to double check each location for possible changes to the schedule before you head out the door.
Portsmouth Public Library
Wednesdays at 9:30am, recommended for ages 0-18 months.
Wednesdays at 10:30am, recommended for ages 2-3 years old.
Select Tuesdays at 10:30am, recommended for ages 2-5 years old.
Thursdays at 6:30pm, recommended for ages 2-5 years old.
Not a story time as such, but Reading Dogs on Saturdays at 10:00am is a wonderful opportunity for kids to read and snuggle with one of the library’s certified reading dogs!
Dover Public Library
STEM Story Time
Mondays at 10:00am, recommended for ages 3-5 years old. Each week will focus on a different STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) topic using books, songs, and activities.
Family Story Time
Wednesdays at 10:00am, recommended for all ages when accompanied by an adult. This program includes books, fingerplays, songs, and puppets based on a weekly theme.
Arts and Craft Story Time
Thursdays at 10:00am, recommended for ages 3-6. This story time includes books, songs, rhymes, and an art activity focused on different themes.
Big Kids Story Time
Every other Monday at 4:00pm, recommended for grades K-2 with or without a caregiver. Each story time will include reading books and an accompanying craft.
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Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham’s Public Library
Baby Story Time
Tuesdays at 10:30am, recommended for babies from birth to 18 months. This program includes rhymes and rhythm, baby-friendly picture books, and music. These stimulating and nurturing early literacy activities can easily be continued at home.
Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays at 10:30am, recommended for ages 3-5. Songs, stories, felt boards, and other visual methods of storytelling will keep your little one entertained. Siblings are welcome to join!
Toddler Story Time
Thursdays at 10:30am, recommended for ages 18 months – 3 years. Join in this morning of stories, songs, movement, and fingerplays followed by an easy group activity or craft. Siblings are welcome.
Family Story Time
This program is fun for all ages with songs, movement, and stories. Check the library’s calendar for dates and times.
Read To Jack The Story Dog
Another wonderful program that gives kids an opportunity to practice reading out loud. Check the library’s website for dates, times, and how to register.
Rye Public Library
Story Time
Fridays and the first Saturday of the month at 10:30am, recommended for all ages. Each week will include stories, songs, and crafts.
Weeks Public Library, Greenland’s Public Library
Little Adventurers Story Time
Tuesdays at 10:30am, recommended for toddler and children. This program will include stories, STEM activities, crafts, songs, and more.
Exeter Public Library
All Ages Story Time
Tuesday and Thursdays at 10am, recommended for all ages with an adult.
Ages 3+ Story Time
Wednesdays at 10am, recommended for ages 3 and older.
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Lane Memorial Library, Hampton’s Public Library
Uno, Dos, Tres: Storytime with an Early Introduction to Spanish
Thursdays at 10:30am, recommended for preschoolers. This is Lane Memorial Library’s newest story time and it introduces common preschool topics such as numbers, colors, and greetings in Spanish.
Summer Storytime
Wednesdays at 10:30am, recommended for all ages. This program is held outside on the library lawn – weather permitting! – and has fun books, songs, and bubbles!
Wiggles and Giggles Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30am, recommended for all ages. Join this family story time for stories, songs, dancing, and bubble blowing.
Reading Tails
Thursdays at 2:00pm, recommended for all ages and reading levels. This program is another opportunity for kids to practice and gain confidence by reading out loud to a reading dog. Bring your own books or choose from the selection available at the library.
North Hampton Public Library
Preschool Story Time
Tuesday and Wednesdays at 10:00am, recommended for ages 3-4, though all are welcome. This program has stories, songs, and fun!
Seabrook Library
Story Time
Fridays at 9:30am, recommended for all ages.
Durham Public Library
Story Time
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am, recommended for all ages. This program includes stories, fingerplays, songs, and crafts.
Babies on a Blanket
Wednesdays at 10:30am, recommended for ages 2 and under with a caregiver.
Newmarket Public Library
Storytime
Wednesdays at 12:30pm and Saturdays at 10:30am, recommended for all ages.
Rice Public Library, Kittery’s Public Library
Story Time
Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30am, recommended for all children ages 0-5 years, and their caregivers. Join in for songs, stories, and a fun craft. Please note that both weekly times feature the same stories and activities.
William Fogg Library, Eliot’s Public Library
Baby Storytime
Tuesdays at 9:00am, recommended for ages 0-18 months. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers!
Toddler Storytime
Thursdays at 10:30am, recommended for ages 18 months to 3 years. Join in for songs, fingerplays, felt board, music, and more!
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30am, recommended for ages 3-5 years. This program offers songs, fingerplays, stories, literacy, movement, and crafts.
School Age Storytime for Early Release Days
Thursdays at 2:00pm, recommended for children in school. Come wind down after school with read alouds and a craft. Don’t forget to pick out your books for the week!
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Newburyport Public Library
Newburyport Public Library offers many different options for story time including Library Babies, Toddler Story Time, Preschool Story Time, and an All Ages Story Time. Each program includes songs, fingerplays, stories, and more. View the library’s event calendar for dates and times. Registration is required. Siblings are welcome at all story times except for Library Babies, which is limited to non-walkers.
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire offers a story time featuring songs, rhymes, movement ideas, and books. This program is recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years, and is free for museum members. If you’re not a member, this story time is included in the price of museum admission. Check with your local library about reserving a museum pass for a discounted price.
New Hampshire SPCA
The NHSPCA in Stratham offers Story Time With The Animals every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:45am. Double check the NHSPCA website for date exclusions.
Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk
Rescue Readers
Open to students in grades 1-8, Rescue Readers brings students and resident or therapy pets together for a half hour of literary-based confidence building. Great for the animals as well, this program gives students a safe space to read out loud, building a positive association with reading. Readers can choose from a variety of books on the special Rescue Readers book cart or bring their own reading materials. Check out their website with updates times.
Furry Tales Story Time
Furry Tales Story Time combines pets, literacy, and fun! Toddlers, preschoolers and their families explore the exciting world of animals with stories, playtime, crafts, songs, movement, and time with visiting pets. This is a free event that takes place at a different local library each week. Check out their website for times and locations.
Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Newington
Barnes and Noble offers a free story time every Saturday at 11:00am in their Children’s Department. No sign-up required, just take a seat before the story starts.
Looking for even MORE ways to expose your kids to literacy outside of school? Check out our suggestions for at home reading and writing activities for kids. We also have tips for getting your busy preschooler to read with you, how to use audiobooks with younger kids, and suggestions for literacy based games to bust boredom.
