Are you looking for local storytimes and free library programs in the South Hills for you and your kids during the week? Macaroni KID South Hills strives to help our local parents and caregivers Find their Family Fun; and for those of us with little littles, keep them busy from day to day. We also love it when we're finding things to do with kids, we find FREE things to do with kids, and our local libraries are our go-to places for that! When I stayed home with my son, attending the programs at our local libraries was a lifesaver. It was so good for him, for me, and for everyone and we really enjoyed it! Once I got connected with what our libraries had to offer, I found programming that my older daughter loved as well!
Some things to need to know before heading to your local library:
- Most storytimes at our local libraries are welcome to all walk-ins, but some still require pre-registration to limit occupancy.
- In most cases, you won't need to have a library card to attend library programs, but can obtain one for free if you'd like to borrow materials.
- The library programs we have listed below are mostly reoccuring storytimes, with a few staple free weekly programs that are great for parents and caregivers who stay home with kids during the day.
- Unless otherwise noted, all library programs are designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child during these programs. Drop-offs will not be permitted.
- While this information is accurate at time of publication (last update 9/9/24), please always verify details with the venue prior to arrival as there may be closures due to holidays or weather.
- In addition to this guide, you can always search our event calendar with the 📖 emoji to browse upcoming story times and find more local libraries in the South Hills in our business directory.
- enjoy yourself and your little one!
Baldwin Public Library
Fridays 10:30 am - 11:00 am Little Bookworms (ages birth to 5)
Are you looking for a fun and friendly storytime for you & your little one? Well look no further! Join Ms. Sarah each Friday morning for Baby Bookworms storytime! Each week Ms. Sarah will pick a special book to read and have some fun activities related to the story. Registration appreciated, but not required.
Bethel Park Public Library
Toddler Tuesdays (ages 2-3) - Tuesdays at 10 am & 11 am
Stories, songs, rhymes and more comprise this 30 minute early literacy class. Each class is followed by a themed activity. No registration required.
Mother Goose on the Loose (ages 0-3) - Wednesdays at 10 am & 11 am
This nationally-acclaimed early literacy program will build reading readiness skills through stories, music, movement, and more. No registration required.
Preschool Power (ages 3-5) - Fridays at 10 am & 11 am
Focusing on a different letter each week, this early literacy class will help prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. No registration required.
Bridgeville Public Library
Sensory Storytime (ages 2-6) - Mondays 11am-12pm
Sensory storytime is a welcoming, friendly environment for children with special needs, and all children are welcome. During this special storytime, read, sing songs, and do rhymes in a unique way. After our storytime play with sensory activities! Registration required.
Beautiful Oops (ages 2-6) - Tuesdays at 10:30 am & 12 pm
Get ready to turn mistakes into beautiful art during this beautiful oops program. Every week do a fun storytime using the book, Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg, and dive into creating art in unique ways. Make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy!
Toddler Time (ages 2-3) - Wednesdays & Fridays at 10 am
Little ones and their caregivers are invited to join for stories, rhymes and songs followed by free play time. Registration is required for each month, space is limited. Registration will open at the end of the previous month.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) - Thursdays at 10 am & 1 pm
Preschoolers ages 3 - 5 and their caregivers are invited to join for stories, songs, rhymes and a craft each week! Registration is required for each month, space is limited. Registration will open at the end of the previous month.
Dormont Public Library
Read to Me Storytime (ages birth - 2nd grade) Tuesdays 11:30 am & Thursdays 10:30am & 1:30 pm
Stories and a themed craft for kids from birth-2nd Grade. Tuesday and both Thursday Storytimes share the same theme, so choose whichever is most convenient for your schedule.
Saturday Storytime second and fourth Saturdays monthly at 10:30 am
Stories and activities for children and families of all ages to enjoy together. Crafts and activities are a little bit more complicated than Read To Me crafts.
To register or for more information, contact the library at dormont@einetwork.net or 412.531.8754.
Upper St Clair Township Library
Babies and Toddlers Play Time (ages birth - 2) - Tuesdays at 9:30 am to noon
Parents and caregivers of children ages birth-24 months can meet up in the Kids & Teens Library Activity Room. Age-appropriate toys and activities will be available to use during Babies & Toddlers Play Time.
Toddler Play Time (ages 1 - 2) - Wednesdays 9:30 am to noon
Parents and caregivers of children ages 1-2 years old can meet up in the Kids & Teens Library Activity Room. Age-appropriate toys and activities will be available to use during Toddler Play Time.
Mt. Lebanon Library
Book Babies - Learn early literacy skills through stories, rhymes and songs. For babies birth-2 with a caregiver. Wednesdays, 9:30 or 10:30 am
Storytime for 2s & 3s - Strengthen early literacy skills in this participatory program created especially for 2-3 year olds & their caregivers. Thursdays, 9:30 or 10:30am
Wild About Books - The focus is on literacy and fun in this interactive programs for kids ages 4-6. Tuesdays, 10 am
Crafternoon! Let kids tap into their creative side while they explore stories and art. Ages 4-7. Wednesdays, 4pm
Afterschool STEAM - Have fun with friends each week as you learn about circuits, coding, animal science and more! For kids entering 4th-6th grade. Thursdays, 4:30pm
Peters Township Public Library
Toddler Tales (ages 2 - 3.5) Mondays at 10 am
Join Ms. Shannon for stories, fingerplays, songs, and a simple craft. Registration is required for each session for each child participating.
Bodies in Motion (ages 3-5) - Mondays at 11 am
Get movin' and groovin' with Ms. Shannon in this program perfect for your little wigglers. Registration is required for each session for each child participating.
Book Babies (birth - 15 months) - Tuesdays at 10 am
In this 20 minute lapsit program, babies will begin to gain contact with language through stories, songs, rhymes, and finger plays. Clap and sing along to tunes while working on fine and gross motor skills and direction, following Ms. Patty's help. Registration is required for each session for each child participating.
Mother Goose Storytime (ages 1 - 2.5) Tuesdays at 11 am
Join Ms Patty for songs, fingerplays, and a story with your little one! Individual registration is required for each child participating.
Tiny Tunes (ages 3-5) - Wednesdays at 10 am
Music makes everything better! Join Ms. Linda for casual music time. We will work with rhythm instruments, learn songs, and make a parade. Registration is required for each session for each child participating.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3.5-5) Wednesdays at 11am
Join Ms. Linda and explore different stories with a theme-related activity and craft. Registration is required for each session for each child participating.
PAWS for Reading by appointment one Saturday per month
Whitehall Public Library
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) - Tuesdays 10:30 am - 11 am
Each week there will be a different theme. Activities include reading stories, singing songs, and having a craft activity available to either complete at the library or take home.
Toddler Time (ages 2-3) - Wednesdays 10:30-11am
This early literacy class will include stories, rhymes, flannel board activities, music and movement, an art activity and more.
Book Babies (ages 0-2) -Thursdays 10:30-11am
This interactive storytime focuses on rhymes, songs, fingerplays, a story and more.
Does your library host an awesome story time that you would like to share with families in Baldwin, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Jefferson Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Oliver, Mt. Washington, Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, South Park, South Side, Upper St. Clair, West Mifflin, Whitehall and the cities in between? Email Emily for instructions on how to get YOUR story times listed on our event calendar and South Hill's Story time Guide.
