Storytimes | Lincoln City Libraries

Check our Events Calendar and the Library Lineup newsletter for additional special storytimes at some locations.

Storytimes at Lincoln City Libraries are designed to promote early literacy. Presenters share stories, songs and other activities that support language development, build vocabulary and instill a love of books.

Can't make it to Storytime? Try the TumbleBook Library for a virtual storytime!

Regular storytimes are not held during August. Stay and Play continues at Bennett Martin Public Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays.

September - November 2025

A printable version of this Storytimes Schedule is also available.

Stay and Play

Research shows the importance of unstructured play for children. After some storytimes (marked “Stay and Play“) we invite children and caregivers to play with our developmental toy collection. This time also provides the opportunity for grownups to socialize while they keep an eye on their little ones.

Babies
For children birth to 18 months. An interactive parent-child time.
Bennett Martin Public Library: 10:30–10:50 a.m.
Eiseley Branch: Mondays, 10:35–10:55 a.m.
Gere Branch: Mondays, 10:05–10:25 a.m.
Tuesdays, 10:45-11:05 a.m.
Walt Branch: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:00-11:20 a.m. Stay and Play for Babies, 11:20–11:45 a.m.

Toddler Time
For children ages 18-36 months. An interactive parent-child time.
Anderson Branch: Mondays, 10:30–10:50 a.m. Stay and Play 10:50-11:30 a.m.
Bethany Branch: Tuesdays, 10:30–10:50 a.m.
Eiseley Branch: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:35–10:55 a.m. Stay and Play, Wednesday & Thursday, 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Gere Branch: Mondays, 10:40-11:00 a.m.
Walt Branch: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:15-10:35 a.m.

Preschoolers
For children ages three, four and five.
Anderson Branch: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Bethany Branch: Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Eiseley Branch: Tuesdays, 7:00-7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play, Wednesday & Thursday, 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Gere Branch: Thursdays, 10:45-11:15 a.m.
South Branch: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play, Wednesday, 11:00–11:30 a.m.
Walt Branch: Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 11:00-11:30 a.m.

Families
For children birth to age five.
Bennett Martin Public Library: Friday, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play, Friday, 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Walt Branch: Saturdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play, Saturdays, 11:00–11:45 a.m.
Williams Branch: Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Stay and Play, Thursday, 11:00–11:45 a.m.

Music and Movement
For children 18 months to 5 years old and their caregivers. Dance, sing, play, wiggle and learn with our storytellers during this interactive parent-child storytime.
Gere Branch:
Tuesdays, 10:05-10:35 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10:05-10:35 a.m. and 10:45-11:15 a.m.
Thursdays, 10:05-10:35 a.m. and 6:30-7:00 p.m.

Sensory Storytime
For children ages three to eight. This storytime is for children who may need a little extra attention or a more controlled environment.
Gere Branch
Saturday, 9:15-10:00 a.m.
September 6 to October 11 and October 25 to November 22

Wee Workouts
For children two to five years old. Kids move, exercise and interact while experiencing the joy of books.
Eiseley Branch
Tuesday, 10:35-10:55 a.m.

Why Read Aloud?

Reading aloud is a great way to increase your child's chances of success at school.

It will entertain and delight them. It will strengthen the bonds between you and your child and is virtually free.

Sound too good to be true? Research has proven that this simple technique is among the most effective parenting tools.

Children who are read aloud to by parents get a head start in language and literacy skills and are more prepared to go to school.

In other words, reading that bedtime story may not only entertain and soothe your child, but it will also develop vocabulary, improve the ability to learn to read, and—perhaps most important of all—foster a lifelong love of books and reading