1. San Jose Public Library
  2. Children & Teens
  3. Early Education (0-5)
  4. Storytimes

Storytimes

Storytimes provide a fun and interactive learning environment for children of all ages and abilities. Come for the stories, rhymes, and songs; stay and play afterwards with your community.

If you enjoy reading out loud and sharing great stories, YOU can become a Reading to Children volunteer!

mother singing to baby in her arms

Baby Lapsit Storytime

Newborns, infants, and their caregivers learn together and strengthen their relationship with each other through stories, songs, bounces, tickles, rhymes, books, and play. (Ages 0 to non-walkers)

woman with two babies on her lap as another looks on

Infant/Toddler Storytime

Children and their caregivers wiggle, rhyme, and sing with diverse books, songs, and fingerplays that encourage language, play, and exploration. (Ages 0-3 years)

crowd of seated children listening to a storytime, a few with raised hands

Preschool Storytime

Children experience new concepts and expand their vocabulary through stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and movement activities. (Ages 3-5 years)

father with son and daughter reading a book together

Family Storytime

Family Storytime is geared for a mix of ages and invites the entire family to participate in early literacy activities such as stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and movement activities.

three children looking at a book with an adult woman

Bilingual Storytime

Stories, songs and more in both English and Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Hindi or French.

seven children listening to storytime featuring a big book

Inclusive Storytime

A slower pace, a lower volume, and shorter duration provides children with varying learning styles and abilities a safe, supportive environment.

three mothers with children in their laps clapping hands

Music & Movement

A fun, movement-oriented, multi-age storytime with songs and fingerplays to enhance the experience.

Drag Queen Talon Marks reading a story to a large crowd of children and parents.

Drag Queen "Over the Rainbow" Storytime

A special storytime program for the entire family, featuring a guest drag queen presenter reading books that celebrate diversity, positivity, and inclusion. In partnership with Silicon Valley Pride.

adult reads picture book to a child with her parent

Reading to Children

Provides children an opportunity to engage with books and experience the joys of storytelling in a one-on-one or small group setting with a trained volunteer.