guides

It's Story Time in the South Hills! Weekly Local Story Times Near You

Local Children's Reoccurring Story Times in the South Hills of Pittsburgh

By Emily Papa, Macaroni KID Publisher November 22, 2023

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 11/28/23), 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!

Baldwin Public Library

Friday's 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) - Wednesday's 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.

Baby Jam (ages 0-2) - Thursdays at 10 am & 11 am

In this class you will find songs, rhymes, knee bounces and more for baby and caregiver. No registration required.

Preschool Power (ages 3-5) - Friday's 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) - Monday's 10:30 am to 11:30 am & 12 pm to 1pm

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) - Wednesday's & 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) - Thursday's 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

Morning Storytime (ages birth - 2nd grade) Tuesdays's & Thursday's from 10:30 am - 11:30 am

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.

Afternoon Storytime (ages birth - 2nd grade) Tuesdays's & Thursday's from 1:30 pm - 2:30 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.

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 Story Time (ages birth - 2)- Tuesday's at 9:45 am & 10:30 am

Join Miss Colleen for a fun time with action rhymes, songs, and books designed for kids from birth to two. Pre-registration is required

Twos & Threes Story Time (ages 2 - 3 1/2) - Wednesday's at 9:45 am & 10:30 am

Join Miss Sheri as she shares fun rhymes and songs with you each week! Pre-registration is required.

A Story & More (ages 4-6) - Thursday's at 9:45 am & 10:30 am

Join Miss Sheri as she shares fun rhymes, songs, a book, and a follow-up activity with your child each week! Pre-registration is required.


Mt. Lebanon Library

Sensory Storytime (ages 2-6) - Friday's at 10 am

Sensory Storytime is an inclusive, welcoming environment for children of all abilities. We will read a story, sing songs, move our bodies, and engage in fun sensory input! Register online.


Peters Township Public Library

Toddler Tales (ages 2 - 3.5) Monday's 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) - Tuesday's 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) - Wednesday's 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) -Thursday's 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.