Start with an introductory engaging paragraph. Toddler Time at Kingston Libraries is a warm, welcoming storytime designed for busy parents and curious toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years. This program blends songs, simple stories and gentle movement to build early literacy and social confidence in a friendly library setting.
What to Expect
Expect a relaxed, upbeat session where toddlers are encouraged to sing, wiggle and respond to short stories. The tone is playful and reassuring, ideal for parents who want fun, educational activities that support language development and early literacy.
You will notice a mix of activities tailored to short attention spans:
- Singalong songs and rhymes
- Short interactive stories
- Gentle movement and boogie time
Sessions are intentionally brief so little ones stay engaged. Parents will pick up simple tips to continue early literacy at home while enjoying a social morning with other families.
Activity Details
Each session runs in the morning at multiple Kingston Libraries branches and lasts between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the location. The program focuses on storytime techniques, vocabulary building and early listening skills that set children up for school readiness and reading confidence.
Activities are suitable for toddlers 18 months to 3 years and include participatory songs, fingerplays and short books. Staff lead the session with age-appropriate pacing and encourage sharing and simple actions to extend learning beyond the library.
The sessions are family-friendly and low-pressure, so parents can relax while supporting their child’s literacy journey. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents, find book recommendations and discover more library resources for young children.
Location and Access
Sessions run at multiple Kingston Libraries branches including Chelsea, Cheltenham, Parkdale, Patterson Lakes and Dingley Village. Each branch provides a safe, indoor space with easy access and family amenities suitable for toddlers and caregivers.
Consider walking, cycling or using public transport to avoid parking stress; many branch pages list maps and public transport options. Patterson Lakes Library, 54 Thompson Road, Patterson Lakes 3197 is one example of a venue where these sessions are hosted.
Return chutes and extended access are available at library branches, and library staff can advise on accessible entry points. If you need additional assistance, contact the library ahead of your visit to confirm facilities and access arrangements.
Important Information
This program is designed for toddlers 18 months to 3 years and is casual drop-in unless otherwise stated. Sessions vary slightly by branch, so check the specific date and time for your chosen location to avoid disappointment.
Libraries may be closed on public holidays and some branches have limited services during outages or maintenance. If you have any questions about session times or branch availability, call 1300 135 668 or email the library for clarification.
Please bring snacks or comfort items if your child needs them, but be mindful of library rules regarding food in program spaces. The sessions are low-cost and relaxed, making them ideal for regular attendance and building routine around early literacy.
Booking and Prices
Cost: Free. Most Toddler Time sessions at Kingston Libraries do not require bookings and are offered as drop-in activities. This makes it easy for busy parents to pop in for a short, meaningful literacy session with their child.
Some branches or special sessions may ask you to register for capacity reasons, so always check the branch event listing or contact the library if you are unsure. If booking is needed, the branch page or contact will outline the simple steps to reserve a spot.
These free storytime sessions are an excellent, budget-friendly way to support your child's early literacy and social development. Arrive a few minutes early to get settled and make the most of the session and any recommended resources from the librarian.