Storytimes and other events for children
- Central Storytimes
- Claremont Storytimes
- North Storytimes
- South Storytimes
- West Storytimes
- Book Groups
- Kid's Home
Storytimes Spring and Summer 2007
Storytimes bring language to life, and open up the world of other people and places. The Berkeley Public Library offers programs for toddlers, preschoolers and the whole family. Join us for good stories, rhymes, music, and fun.
See Children's Events for special one-time events. Please check Locations and Hours for library hours.
Note for group leaders: Groups are always welcome to request a storytime for their group, although not on a weekly basis. For policies regarding group attendance at regularly scheduled storytimes, please contact the children's staff at your local library.
Central Children's Library
Baby Bounce and Toddler Time: nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, lap bounces, and very short picture books for children 6 months - 36 months and their parents/caregivers; Wednesday mornings at 10:15 AND 11:00 through May 23. The 10:15 and 11:00 programs are identical; please attend either, but not both.
Wiggles and Giggles: Friday mornings at 10:30 through May 4, and then June 15- July 27 in the Story Room (4th floor). Bring your 3 to 5 year old to our movement program where we'll wiggle to music, giggle to funny stories, and pretend to be wild and wonderful animals and other things!
Wild About Books! Saturday mornings, 10:30, for children 3 to 7 years. This program of stories, songs, and other activities always features a special guest on the first Saturday of the month. On other Saturday mornings, children’s librarians Armin, Emma, Erica, Sugene and Claudia share the programming, adding their own music and storytelling skills to each week’s mix. A great way to rediscover favorite titles and meet some of the best new books for early listeners. Special guests are in the Community Meeting Room on the 3rd floor:
- Saturday, May 5 - Musician, author, and instructor Mary Ellen Donald presents an exciting and participatory Middle Eastern drumming experience. Come ready to clap and sing! All ages.
- Saturday, June 2 - TBA
Claremont Branch
Baby Bounce and Toddler Time, Saturday mornings at 10:15 am, EXCEPT May 19. Nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, lap bounces, and very short picture books for children 6 months - 3 years old and their parents or caregivers.
Preschool Storytime, Saturday mornings at 11:15 am, EXCEPT May 19. Books, stories, songs, fingerplays and stretches for children 3 - 5 years old. Please, no children under 2 1/2 unless accompanied by an older child/sibling.
Storytime for 4-7 year olds, is held every Wednesday until May 16. Longer picture books, folktales, and stretches will be featured for children 4 - 7 years old.
North Branch:
Baby and Toddler Time: for ages 6 months-3 years, Mondays, 10:15 am. (NO GROUPS PLEASE) Each storytime includes songs, fingerplays, poems, bounces, and stories.
Picture Book Time: for ages 3-5. Tuesdays, 11:00 am. Picture books, stretches, and fingerplays.
Family Stories: for ages 3-7 and their parents, Thursday evenings, 7:00 pm. Picture book stories, fairy tales, fingerplays and stretches. Fun for the whole family!
South Branch
Baby Bounce and Toddler Time: Tuesdays, 10:30 am (sharp) EXCEPT May 29, for ages 6 months-36 months. Each program contains songs, fingerplays, poems, bounces, and very short stories.
West Branch
Baby Bounce & Toddler Tales, first three Fridays of the month, 10:00-10:30. For babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 35 months, and their parent/caregiver.
Book Groups
Be a part of our Middle School Book Group! Read and discuss exciting books! Enjoy activities, snacks and guest speakers!
Starting in October 2006, the Central Library's Middle School Book Group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00pm-5:00pm. 6th, 7th and 8th graders can join the book club any month, just read the book and jump in!
- October 17, 2006: Welcome to the 2006-07 Book Group! Hear about and vote on books to read for the coming year. Following are the winners; join us for a spirited discussion of the featured book on these dates!
- November 21: Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher
- December 19: Dark Side of Nowhere by Neal Shusterman
- January 16, 2007: Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements
- February 20: The Shadows of Ghadames by Joelle Stolz
- March 20: Color of My Words by Lynn Joseph
- April 17: Bull Run by Paul Fleischman
- May 15: At the Sign of the Star by Katherine Sturtevant with a special visit from the author!
For further information, call Armin or Emma at (510) 981-6223 during library open hours.