Reading Fun: Story times in Columbus

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Story times were one of my favorite things to do to get out of the house with my kids.  They learned so many songs and games at story times, and gave them some playtime with other kids. 

It’s also a great way for kids who don’t go to preschool or daycare to learn appropriate social interaction with others.  Learning to sit still during stories and instilling a love of books are a bonus. Many of the locations have evening and/or Saturday story times, so even if you work a full-time job, there may be times that work for you.

Even if you can’t make it to story time very often, you can have a set story time at home at a time or day that is convenient to you.  Your kids will look forward to reading their favorite books and discovering new ones, and you’ll be setting them up to have great reading and comprehension skills at a young age.

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Library Story Time in Columbus

ProMusica Storytime at Libraries: Bring your youngest music lovers to your neighborhood library for Storytimes, free programs tailored to preschoolers at branches around the city.

Each ProMusica Storytime features a unique theme uniting story and song, and our musicians serve as co-hosts along with the librarians. Music, books, and interactive activities offer an energizing and engaging learning experience. See schedule here through April 2022.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Systems: Find story times at all branches nearly every day of the week!  With so many branches, there are unlimited story time opportunities.

Delaware County District Libraries: Story times for all ages are offered at all 4 branches.  Check the calendar here.

Pataskala Public Library: They offer several ages of story time, plus other special family events.  See event calendar here.

Westerville Public Library: Check out their full schedule of story times and reading programs, including Tail Waggin’ Tutors, where new and learning readers can read aloud to certified therapy dogs for 10 minute practice sessions.

Worthington Libraries: They offer multiple story times at the various branches nearly every day, and the Hard Rd. location gets RAVE reviews for the kids’ area, so it’s definitely worth going out of your way.

Upper Arlington Public Library: The three branches have lots of story times and fun events. See calendar here.

Southwest Public Libraries: The Grove City and Westland locations offer plenty of story times, game nights, and other fun themed events.  See schedule here.

Bexley Public Library: There are lots of story times, events for all ages, and family events.  See calendar here.

Marysville Public Library: The two branches host story times for all ages, including Toddler Gym, Play Cafe, and Pages and Paws with therapy dogs.

Licking County Library System: You’ll find lots of fun between the 7 branches in Licking County. See calendar here.

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller

Book Stores Story time in Columbus

Barnes & Noble Stores: Barnes & Noble weekly story times, as well as lots of special events. In-store events are still in process of resuming at some stores, so always check the website or call before you go. 

• Barnes & Noble Easton: Wednesdays at 11 am with stories, snacks, and coloring, starting on May 11. Special event Saturday story times are also on select Saturdays.
• Barnes & Noble Polaris: Saturdays at 11 am, starting May 28. Enjoy storytime and a craft
• Barnes & Noble Pickerington: in-store events tba
• Barnes & Noble Sawmill: in-store events tba
• Barnes & Noble Lennox: in-store events tba

Cover to Cover: Books for Young Readers (2116 Arlington Avenue). This store focuses specifically on children, parents and teachers for classic children’s literature and the best of what’s new.  They host story times and author visits on select days through the month, so check the website for events!

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney

Nature Story Time in Columbus

Wild Story Time at Ohio Wildlife Center (6131 Cook Rd. Powell): On the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., preschoolers will have a blast at the Wild Story Time at Ohio Wildlife Center. 

In addition to story time, they’ll meet an Animal Ambassador, and enjoy a themed craft.  You can stick around after the story to visit with other Animal Ambassadors too. The cost is $5 per person, kids ages 5 and under are free.

Grange Audubon Insurance Center (505 W. Whittier St.)  Each Thursday at 10:00 am, where we’ll enjoy some nature-themed, read-alouds and maybe sing a song or two. Stay after to enjoy some play time in our forest themed playroom equipped with puppets, costumes and a climbing area or our outdoor play space located near our native plant gardens. Registration is required, program is free.

Preschool Storybook Science at Dawes Arboretum in Newark:  Designed for children ages 3 to 5, story time at The Dawes Arboretum entertains your child with age-appropriate stories, crafts, songs, and indoor and outdoor exploration. Adults are invited to stay and participate in the program. The sessions are free with admission and held on Thursdays through May from 10 – 11 am.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 and older, with younger children admitted free. Arboretum members do not pay an entry fee, and passes are available to check out at Licking County Library. Individual memberships start at $40 a year; family would be $60.  

Columbus Metro Park Nature Centers: Several of our great metro parks host story times throughout the month, and many of the nature centers at the Metro Parks have things for the kids to explore and interactive exhibits, so it’s definitely checking out all of the ones around you.

Story Time on the Farm at Stratford Ecological Center: 2nd Monday of each month, April – September, 10am – 11am. Gather the family for farm for a fun storytime hour and a unique hands-on experience based on the seasonal happenings around the farm. Families are invited to pack a picnic to enjoy after the story hour. No registration required – $5 per child.  

“Books to the ceiling, Books to the sky, My pile of books is a mile high. How I love them! How I need them! I’ll have a long beard by the time I read them.” – Arnold Lobel

“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” – Napoléon Bonaparte

Seasonal Story times and reading programs

Over 15 Free Summer Reading Programs. There are so any ways to get rewarded for reading with Summer Reading programs, and there are options for all ages.

Free Movie Admission: From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” – Emilie Buchwald

Check out these book events and book sales coming up!

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Other reading programs not currently in session

Half Price Books Northpointe Plaza (100 Meadow Park Ave, Lewis Center). Last Sunday of each month from 2-3 pm. Pack up your half-pint readers and come to your Lewis Center HPB for Storytime Sundays. Sit down and enjoy a good tale with us at 2 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month. All young readers and listeners are welcome!

Story time at Ohio History Center:  Kids ages 3-6 will love Storytime at the Museum at Ohio History Center on Second Sundays at 1 p.m. Make history with your family and join us for an afternoon of stories, songs, and exploration! During storytime we will read and play to help your little one develop literacy skills and learn about Ohio.

A-Ha Children’s Museum in Lancaster:  Go play at this amazing hands-on children’s museum and join Story Time on select Thursdays in the lunch room from 10:30-11 am, included with admission.  Check the calendar to make sure they are having the story time.  It’s worth the drive – stop by The Well just a few miles away in downtown Lancaster for an amazing breakfast or lunch and let the kids play on the fun indoor play house!

Cub Shrub: If you’ve been to Tigertree in the Short North, Cub Shrub is the kids’ version!  They offer events just for kids, like musical storytimes, sing-a-longs, meetups, and more – plus SO much cute stuff!  Check the schedule for current events. Note: none currently scheduled, but check back!

Cheryl’s Cookies: Not currently scheduled. They’ll enjoy songs, books and a craft, plus a free mini Cheryl’s cookie. Schedule may be altered during the holiday season.