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Storytimes

  • Storytimes at Madison Public Library Junebug at Pinney Library
  • Madison Public Library Storytimes for Babies and Toddlers
  • Native American Storyteller Kanuga Storytime on Pinney Patio Storytimes at Madison Public Library
  • Bilingual Storytime Pinney Library storytimes at Madison Public Library
  • Wiggles and Words Storytime Goodman South Madison Library Storytimes at Madison Public Library
  • Storytimes at Madison Public Library Read to a Dog at Central Library
  • Growing Voices Music Class Monroe Street Library Storytime at Madison Public Library
  • Storytimes at Madison Public Library Spanish Storytime at Pinney Library
  • Bilingual Storytime at Meadowridge Library Storytimes at Madison Public Library
  • Storytimes at Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library hosts a variety of storytimes for kids of all ages throughout all nine library locations. Storytimes are free and do not require a library card to participate. 

During storytimes and other early childhood programs at the library, Youth Services Librarians model how to use five practices that support early literacy skill-building.

TALK: talking and asking children questions about the book being read and giving them time to respond 

SING: singing and using rhymes with children to help break down sounds and syllables in words

READ: reading books aloud and pointing out text on everyday items

WRITE: writing stories, drawing and tracing letters with children 

PLAY: playing puppets or with toys to tell a story 

These practices are taken from the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read program, and are incorporated into most storytimes at Madison Public Library. In the children's areas at each of our nine library locations, you will also find book displays, printed book lists, and open-ended play materials that help support early childhood learners with both literacy and fine and gross motor skill development. 

Find A Storytime

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Dec 14, 2024, 10:00am to 11:30am
Saturday, Dec 14, 2024, 10:30am to 11:00am
Saturday, Dec 14, 2024, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Saturday, Dec 14, 2024, 12:00pm to 12:20pm
Monday, Dec 16, 2024, 10:30am to 11:30am

Recent Features

Root Growth Flip Book Art Event

Root Growth Flip Book Kit Angela Johnson October 2024

Bubbler Artist Angela Johnson partnered with Masson Lab to create Root Growth Flip Book Kits that will be distributed during three informal art-making events at Madison Public Libraries in November

Oct 16, 2024

Music Classes for Ages Birth-5

Growing Voices Music Classes at Madison Public Library

Madison Public Library offers several opportunities to attend a Growing Voices Music Class for ages birth-5. Kids and caregivers can dance, sing, and play with different instruments.

Aug 13, 2024

Why Join Storytimes?

From birth to age 3, a child's brain is incredibly active, generating over 700 new neural connections every second. Even beyond this early stage, children continue to learn rapidly and thrive on mental stimulation. Storytimes are a fantastic way to prepare children for school and/or reinforce what they've learned and apply their new skills in different contexts.

This period of development is remarkable, and caregivers play a crucial role in nurturing their child's growth and success. Storytelling is a vital took for language and cognitive development, offering the opportunity to explore and understand the world around them. Participating in storytimes not only helps stimulate their brains but also strengthens the bond between children and their caregivers.

What to Expect at Storytime

At storytimes, your child is free to participate in any way that works for them. Some kids get up and move around or cry, and that is OKAY! The library is a judgment-free zone. Like adults, kids sometimes have hard days. That’s expected. Caregivers and children are welcome in whatever way they show up. You are never late for storytime! We are happy to see you - whether you are the first person to arrive, or the last. Don’t worry about being “on time” - you are doing great! Whenever you get here, we will be ready to welcome you. We do ask adults to refrain from using your cell phone during early childhood programming. 

Additional Resources

Book Lists for Kids

High-quality books with inclusive content, diverse authors, and memorable characters

Play Spaces

Play is a fundamental part of early literacy. Find the right play for your family with our play guide!

Storytime Starters

Books, songs, fingerplays and literacy tips for creating your own storytimes at home or school!

Supporting Early Childhood Educators

The Madison Public Library partners with many local early childhood organizations:

Midvale Elementary School students viewing a special performance from the cast of Disney's The Lion King

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