Storytimes

Library Lineup Newsletter

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 or December. Stay and Play continues at some locations. Please check our Events Calendar for details.

January - May 2026

A printable version of the Storytimes Schedule is available here.

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: Thursdays, 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.
Tuesdays, 9:35-9:55 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. 

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.

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.
Walt Branch:
Mondays, 10:15-10:45 a.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
Saturdays, 9:15-10:00 a.m.
January 10-February 14
March 7-April 11
May 2-June 20

Sensory-Friendly Stay & Play
Join us at Bennett Martin Public Library on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month, May through July, 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a quiet, low-stimulation playtime designed for children who benefit from a calmer environment. Explore sensory tools, soft lighting, and child-led activities at your own pace in a welcoming, supportive space.
Bennett Martin Public Library
Fourth Wednesday evening of each month, May through July, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
May 27, 2026
June 24, 2026
July 29, 2026

 

September - November 2026

A printable version of the Storytimes Schedule is available here.

Which Storytime is for you?

Babies - Birth to 18 months
Toddler Time - 18 to 36 months
Preschoolers - Ages 3 to 5
Families - Birth to age 5

Stay and Play
After select storytimes, marked "Stay and Play," children and caregivers are invited to stay and play with our developmental toy collection.

Anderson Branch
3635 Touzalin Ave.

Preschoolers
Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Toddler Time
Mondays, 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 10:50 to 11:30 a.m.

Bethany Branch
1810 N. Cotner Ave.

Preschoolers
Thursdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Toddler Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

Bennett Martin Public Library
136 S. 14th St.

Babies
Thursdays, 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

Families
Fridays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Stroller Stories
Tuesdays, 9:45 to 10:05 a.m. from Sept. 1 to Oct 13
Stroller walk with stories, rhymes and songs. Coffee, snacks and playtime afterward. Meet at N Street doors.

Eiseley Branch
1530 Superior St.

Babies
Mondays, 10:35 to 10:55 a.m.

Preschoolers
Tuesdays, 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Thursdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Toddler Time
Wednesdays, 10:35 to 10:55 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Thursdays, 10:35 to 10:55 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Wee Workouts
Tuesdays, 10:35 to 10:55 a.m.
For ages 2 to 5. Move and exercise while experiencing the joy of books.

Gere Branch
2400 S. 56th St.

Babies
Mondays, 10:05 to 10:25 a.m.
Tuesdays, 10:45 to 11:05 a.m.

Music and Movement
Tuesdays, 10:05 to 10:35 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10:05 to 10:35 a.m. & 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.
Thursdays, 10:05 to 10:35 a.m. & 6:30 to 7 p.m.
For kids 18 months to age 5 and their caregivers. Dance, sing, play, wiggle and learn!

Preschoolers
Thursdays, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.

Sensory Storytime
Saturdays, 9:15 to 10 a.m.
- Session 1: Sept. 5 to Oct. 10
- Session 2: Oct. 31 to Nov. 21
For kids ages 3 to 8 who may need a little extra attention or a more controlled environment.

Toddler Time
Mondays, 10:40 to 11 a.m.
Thursdays, 9:35 to 9:55 a.m.

South Branch
2675 South St.

Preschoolers
Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Walt Branch
6701 South 14th St.

Babies
Tuesdays, 11 to 11:20 a.m.
 - Stay and Play for Babies, 11:20 to 11:45 a.m.
Wednesdays, 11 to 11:20 a.m.
 - Stay and Play for Babies, 11:20 to 11:45 a.m.

Families
Tuesdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturdays, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Preschoolers
Tuesdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Toddler Time
Tuesdays, 10:15 to 10:35 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10:15 to 10:35 a.m.

Williams Branch
4900 Mike Scholl St.

Families
Thursdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
 - Stay and Play, 11 to 11:45 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