There’s also more to do at the Library when it’s NOT storytime! Check out these library play areas!
Library Story Times (Spring 2023)
Decatur, Madison, and North Alabama Libraries
MONDAYS
Baby Storytime (0 – 2) | Athens Public Library | 9:30 a.m.
Baby Storytime | Madison Public Library | 9:30 a.m.
Baby & Me | Helen Keller Public Library (Tuscumbia) | 10:30 a.m.
TUESDAYS
Evening Story Times | Decatur Public Library | Times vary
All Ages Story Time | Decatur Public Library | 10 a.m.
Story Time (ages 0-5) | Lawrence County Public Library | 10:30 a.m.
Family Preschool Storytime | Madison Public Library | 10:30 a.m.
Little Learners (ages 2-5) | Helen Keller Public Library (Tuscumbia) | 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAYS
Book Babies (0-3) | Decatur Public Library| 10 a.m.
Story Time (Ages2-5)| Hartselle Public Library| 10:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime | Madison Library | 9:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime | Athens Library | 9:30 or 10:00 a.m.
Family Preschool Storytime | Madison Library | 10:30 a.m.
THURSDAYS
Tiny Tots (ages 0-2) |Lawrence County Public Library| 10:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime | Madison Library | 9:30 a.m.
Family Preschool Storytime | Madison Library | 10:30 a.m.
Storytime in Triana | Triana Library | 10:30 a.m.
FRIDAYS
Let us know if you hear of any!
SATURDAYS
Weekend Family Storytime | Madison Library | 10:00 AM on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month
Family Storytime | Athens Library | 10:30 a.m. on Select Saturdays
SUNDAYS
Second Sunday Storytime | South Huntsville Library | 3 PM on the second Sunday of each month
How to Make the Most Out of Storytime
1. Age Matters
If the storytime you are attending is targeting a specific age, please be sure it is the right one for your little listener. There are many to choose from – baby, toddler, preschool, lower elementary, and family storytimes are the most common. For instance, baby & toddler times aren’t so worried about sitting still and being quiet, but preschoolers and older kids are usually already familiar with the structure of storytime and more is expected. If you’re not sure which storytime is right for your family, just ask the librarian!
2. Be Ready to Move!
Be sure to dress comfortably and appropriately – you and your child will likely be moving and getting hands-on during storytime. Some libraries include a craft or activity after the stories, so be prepared to work with markers, glue, and sometimes even glitter and paint.
3. Participation is Key
Storytimes are led by the librarian, but many children will come out of their shell when they see YOU joining in! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing, clapping, and even hokey-pokeying! It’s a good idea to put away your cell phone and chat with other caretakers after storytime is over.
4. It’s Social & Supportive
Library story hour is the perfect opportunity to work on socialization skills – for you and your child. Good friends are often made at storytime, the kind that lead to afternoon playdates for kids, and mini support groups for moms. Storytime is a great place for your child to learn how to interact with other kids before they get to preschool or kindergarten.
