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Welcome to the Kids' Page
There’s always something for kids to do at your library, and our children’s staff know just how to get families excited about visiting the library. Browse our kids’ area to see what we offer.
Weekly Storytime Schedule (September - May)
Regular Storytimes & Activities Temporarily Suspended Due to COVID-19
| Days & Location | Main Library 202 Cedar St. PH: 325-676-6067 | South Branch 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. PH: 325-698-7565 | Mockingbird Branch 1326 N. Mockingbird Ln. PH: 325-437-7323 |
| Monday | 11:00AM Preschool Storytime | 10:45AM Baby Steps | 10:45AM Rhythm & Rhyme |
| Tuesday | No Events | 10:45AM Lapsit | 9:30AM Play & Learn |
| 10:15AM Toddler Time | |||
| Wednesday | 10:00AM Baby Steps | 10:45AM Preschool Storytime | No Events |
| 11:00AM Head to Toes | |||
| Thursday | 10:00AM Toddler Time | 10:45AM Toddler Time | No Events |
| 11:00AM Mother Goose on the Loose | |||
| Friday | No Events | No Events | No Events |
Storytime Descriptions
- BABY STEPS (Ages 0-1): Stories, activities, and stimuli are presented with parental participation.
- MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE (Ages 0-3): Award-winning literacy program utilizing a variety of activities such as rhymes, puppets, and songs.
- LAPSITS (Ages 1-2): Staff will share rhymes, music, short stories, and more, designed to keep a child’s interest.
- PLAY & LEARN (Ages 1-3): Sensory activities to facilitate exploration and stimulate a young child’s senses.
- TODDLER TIME (Ages 2-3): For children ready for longer stories to prepare them for all regular programming.
- HEAD TO TOES STORYTIME (Ages 2-5): Storytime focusing on body recognition, gross motor skills, and all things head to toes.
- PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (Ages 3-6): Listen to stories, join in fingerplays, sing, and watch puppets and other visual presentations.
- RHYTHM & RHYME: Educational program combining music, dance & rhyme with structured learning at your library in a relaxed environment.
Regular Programming for Youth
Learn about our regular programming for youth up to 12-years-old, listed alphabetically by program name. Note that regular programming is subject to change during the Summer Reading Club months.
ArtWalk Night CraftsArtWalk Night in Downtown Abilene is a great community event where you can find live music, great vendors, fun activities, and more each evening its hosted. Youth are encouraged to drop stop by your library and make a fun craft based on the theme of the ArtWalk festivities, organized by the Center for Contemporary Arts. Main Library | 2nd Thursday at 5:30PM |
Chess ClubIf you're a tween with an interest in playing chess you may want to become a part of our Chess Club. Meeting three times a month, participants will not only challenge their peers to friendly games, but we'll also learn new techniques, watch demonstrations, possibly hear from guest speakers, and develop new skills through video. Main Library | 2nd Tuesday at 4:00PM |
Daycare StorytimesStorytime sessions are offered to daycares to provide a personalized session catering to your group or curriculum. This is also a great time to allow kids to look for books to checkout and learn about library services. Contact staff if you're interested in scheduling a single visit, or setting up a schedule. Main Library | PH: 325-676-6067 |
Family Board GamesFamilies are invited to meet up for some classic board gaming fun. We'll have a host of games to play as way to promote family bonding, while getting to know other families in the community too. Nothing beats traditional board gaming fun, and feel free to bring your own games from home. Main Library | 1st & 3rd Fridays at 4:00PM |
Family Coloring ClubFamilies are invited to join the library for a monthly coloring club session designed to promote family bonding through coloring activities. We will supply the coloring pages and materials, but you can feel free to bring in your own if you'd like. Plus, attend a Preschool Storytime session immediately following this program. South Branch | 3rd Wednesday at 10:00AM |
Family Fun (Storytime)These programs are designed for the entire family as an enhanced storytime event featuring stories, songs, games, crafts, and a variety of activities to entertain youth. Themes change each session so come to one or attend them all! South Branch | 1st Monday at 5:00PM |
Family Movie ShowingsJoin your library branches for a regular lineup of popular movies for the entire family. Light snacks are served, or feel free to bring your own outside food. Visit our Movie Schedule for a complete lineup of upcoming movie showings. Main Library | 3rd Saturday at 3:00PM |
Imagination LabDesigned for youth ages 8+, this series of programming offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities and opportunities for youth to get hands-on with tasks designed to foster critical thinking and learning. All supplies will be provided to lead you through various projects, all as a means to educate youth, while having fun. Main Library | 2nd & 4th Mondays at 4:30PM |
LEGO ClubsIf you enjoy building, come be a part of these regular club offerings where you can work on projects solo, or team up for group projects. A great way to spend time with friends, and make new ones. Main Library | Every Thursday at 4:00PM |
Library Tours for Schools & GroupsTours are available for any group wishing to obtain a better understanding of the library's services. We're also happy to coordinate with local schools for the library to visit to attend events or classes to speak about what we do. We've even been known to perform a skit, bring out science experiments, provide an interactive storytime, play with LEGO, do some light coding with our robots, and all sorts of fun things. Call to setup a time, or for more information. Main Library | PH: 325-676-6067 |
Literacy Kits for YouthAll branch locations offer access to a selection of literacy and activity kits for local youth. Each comes with a variety of interactive materials, which may include books, CDs, and activity binder, and additional content. Literacy kits began at the South Branch Library, thanks to a grant received from the Texas Book Festival, to aid in promoting literacy and reading in families. After a year, it was deemed so successful, similar kits have been added to all locations. No two kits are alike so feel free to look for them on your next visit. Main Library | PH: 325-676-6067 |
Make & Take CraftsKids are invited to attend these regular sessions that feature a variety of quick & easy crafts to make while stopping by the library. Craft selections change each month and staff will provide all materials and instruction. |
Pokemon MeetupPokemon is not only a popular anime for all ages, it's also a fun trading card game and weekly sessions are hosted for players of all skill levels. Youth up to age 12 play for an hour each Sunday, battling other Pokemon to see who will be the victor. Come see if you can survive the game. South Branch | Every Sunday at 1:30PM |
School PresentationsChildren's staff at each branch library not only put on great activities inside the library, we're also available to visit your school to tell your students about the programs we offer, do some live demonstrations of popular activities we offer, discuss Summer Reading Club activities and other library services, and more. Give us a call and see how we can assist you and schedule a time for a visit. Main Library | PH: 325-676-6067 |
STEAM Fun for YouthSTEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) programming is offered for youth as a means to provide them with fun activities that are designed to challenge their critical thinking skills. Not only will your children enjoy each themed event, they'll end up learning a great deal as well. South Branch | 3rd Saturday at 11:00AM |
Stories in the MallWe love taking our storytimes outside of the library and into the community. On a monthly basis, storytime sessions are offered inside the Mall of Abilene for families to attend. Each session offers stories, songs, crafts, and other interactive content designed for youth up to age 6. South Branch | 3rd Tuesday at 10:30AM |
Super StorytimesKids are invited to this monthly event featuring stories, songs, crafts, games, and more interactive fun. This enhanced program will feature new themes each month, as an extension of the popular Family Fun events. Main Library | 1st Friday at 11:00AM |
Summer Reading ClubsThe Summer Reading Clubs run every June and July and feature a different state theme. During this time of year, not only will youth get the opportunity to take part in a great reading club, but they'll have access to even more programming. From the live productions offered through the Young Audiences program to learning about the animals that live in our zoo through the Zoo Lady program, there's a host of great activities to get involved in as a family. While at the center of the reading club we wish for you to continue reading and avoid the summer slide, we also love to highlight everything your local public library can offer your family. |