Stories, songs and simple crafts for 3–5 year olds at Chelsea, Cheltenham and Parkdale during school terms. Free sessions, no bookings required.
Monday 2 February 2026
to Monday 29 June 2026
10:15am - 11:00am
96 Parkers Rd, Parkdale VIC 3195, Australia
Free
Join Kingston Libraries' Storytime for lively sessions of books, songs and a simple craft designed for 3–5 year olds. Held during school terms at Chelsea, Cheltenham and Parkdale, Storytime supports early literacy, language development and social play while giving busy parents a predictable, fun morning routine.
Each Storytime session blends read-aloud books, nursery songs and movement to engage young children and support early literacy development. Sessions are lively but structured, using a visual clock and schedule board so children can follow along and feel reassured about what comes next.
You can expect a short, themed story set, action songs to get little bodies moving and a simple craft activity connected to the theme. The craft is quick and designed for little hands, encouraging creativity while reinforcing vocabulary from the books.
The program is family-friendly and parent-focused too, offering tips for at-home reading and literacy play. This session is ideal for parents who want to build reading routines, social confidence and language skills in their children.
Storytime runs once a week at each location during school terms with sessions typically lasting 45 minutes. Sessions begin at 10:10am (rounded schedule shown to families) and combine storytime, songs and a small craft for preschoolers.
Typical session elements include:
- Welcome and visual schedule review
- Read-aloud books and interactive songs
- A short craft or hands-on activity to extend the story
No bookings are required; sessions are free and drop-in. If you prefer planning ahead, Kingston Libraries posts dates and a storytime playlist on YouTube to preview themes and songs.
Storytime is offered at multiple Kingston Library branches so you can pick the most convenient one for your family. Each venue has accessible spaces and is close to public transport options in the area.
Locations include:
- Chelsea Library, 1 Chelsea Road, Chelsea 3196
- Cheltenham Library, 12 Stanley Avenue, Cheltenham 3192
- Parkdale Library, 96 Parkers Road, Parkdale 3195
Consider walking, cycling or public transport where possible to avoid parking stress on busy mornings. Each library has maps and directions on the Kingston Libraries site and staff can advise on stroller access and nearby parking.
This Storytime is aimed at children aged 3 to 5 years and runs during school terms only. The program uses a visual clock and schedule board to support children who need routine and predictability, making it inclusive for a range of learners.
Parents or caregivers are asked to stay with their children for the duration of the session and to supervise craft materials. Sessions are designed to be low-pressure and welcoming, suitable for both new and returning families.
If you or your child requires additional support, contact the library in advance or arrive a few minutes early to speak to staff. Kingston Libraries also offers a related storytime playlist on YouTube for families who want extra story and song resources at home.
Storytime is free and no bookings are required — simply arrive a few minutes before the session start to settle in with your child. The program is offered on specific dates during the school term; check the Kingston Libraries events calendar for exact sessions.
If you need more information, you can call the library service on 1300 135 668 or visit the Kingston Libraries website for dates, branch details and the storytime YouTube playlist. Adding sessions to your calendar is available via the event listing on the site.
The sessions are drop-in friendly and cost-free, making Storytime a simple, budget-friendly way to boost early literacy, enjoy songs and meet other local families in a relaxed setting.
