What to Expect
Bring your little one to a warm, welcoming storytime designed to spark a lifelong love of reading and language. This family storytime blends lively songs, playful stories and simple interactive activities to help young children build listening and early literacy skills in a relaxed library setting.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun, sharing songs and rhymes that reinforce language development and social interaction. The session is ideal for busy families looking for a short, engaging outing that supports speech, listening and routine.
Sessions are held in the library, so you can expect a child-friendly space with cushions, books for browsing and staff on hand to recommend great reads. SEO keywords: storytime, early literacy, children, library, Clarinda Library.
Activity Details
Family storytime is aimed at children aged 0–5 and runs for 30 minutes, with songs, picture books and nursery rhymes tailored to young listeners. The session encourages parent-child interaction and is gentle enough for toddlers and babies to enjoy together.
The program runs during school terms only and follows a weekly pattern on Fridays at Clarinda Library, with additional storytime offerings at other branches on different days. Activities are low-pressure and friendly for newcomers and regulars alike.
This is a free event with no booking required, making it a reliable, low-cost weekly outing for parents who want to build reading routines and social opportunities for their children.
Location and Access
Most sessions listed here take place at Clarinda Library, located at 58 Viney Street, Clarinda VIC 3169, an accessible community space with nearby public transport and on-street parking. The library provides a safe, indoor environment for storytime and family activities.
Organisers encourage walking, cycling or using public transport when possible, and the library has return chutes and extended access options outside staffed hours. Staff can advise on accessible entry and facilities if you need assistance on arrival.
If you prefer another branch, the Kingston Libraries network runs family storytimes at multiple locations on different days — check the library's events page for Westall and other branches and plan your visit accordingly.
Important Information
Sessions are term-time only, suitable for ages 0–5, and designed to support early literacy, listening and language development. Parents or caregivers must remain with their children for the duration of the session.
Events are free and generally do not require bookings, but if you are bringing a group or have accessibility needs it is worth contacting the library in advance. The library may adjust services during public holidays or network outages, so confirm details before you travel.
Please arrive a few minutes early to get settled and choose a spot; sessions start promptly and last about 30 minutes, ideal for busy family routines.
Booking and Prices
There is no cost to attend family storytime — it is free and open to families with children aged 0–5. No advanced booking is required, making it an easy drop-in option for parents looking for regular activities.
If you need to confirm a specific date or check for any changes, the library's events calendar lists all upcoming occurrences and locations. For large groups or special arrangements, contact the library ahead of time for assistance.
The free nature of the program makes it a low-stress, high-value activity for families wanting to support early literacy and social development without expense.