By: Ready Nest Intern, Grace McCollom
Are you looking for a rainy-day activity with your toddler or elementary-aged child? Is your child loving story time at home, but mom needs a day out of the house? There are so many benefits to reading with your child such as sparking imagination, curiosity, and simply the love for learning more about our world and the Charleston area has many fun, family friendly events for all ages including events hosted by the Charleston County Public Library and the Charleston Library Society.
Charleston County Public Library
Website: https://www.ccpl.org/storytime
Email: info@ccpl.org
Phone: (843) 805-6930
The Charleston County Public Library System serves the greater Charleston area with 18 locations providing literary access to so many! Some of their fun events include scavenger hunts, early literacy stations with activities and games that teach children how to become successful young readers, book clubs, and seasonal book events. One program that stands out is their Story Time Program which hosts gatherings for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and families. This family friendly library program is a must visit!
Babies Story Time: For the bonding of mother and baby. Simple stories, songs, and rhyming are all used throughout this story time program.
Locations, Dates, and Times:
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library on Wednesdays at 10 AM
Bees Ferry West Ashley Library on Wednesdays at 10 AM and 10:30 AM
Hurd/St. Andrews Library on Thursdays at 10:30 AM
John’s Island Library on Mondays at 10 AM and 11 AM
Keith Summey North Charleston Library on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM
Main Library on Mondays at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM
Mt. Pleasant Library on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM
Wando Mt. Pleasant Library on Mondays at 10 AM and 10:30 AM
Toddler Story Time: For 2 to 3 year-olds who can come and develop their listening skills and love for reading through storytime, songs, and more.
Locations, Dates, and Times:
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library on Tuesdays at 10 AM
Bees ferry West Ashley Library on Thursdays at 10 AM and 10:30 AM
Dorchester Road Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
Hurd/St. Andrews Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
John’s Island Library on Tuesdays at 10 AM
Keith Summey North Charleston Library on Tuesdays at 10 AM
Main Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Mt. Pleasant Library on Tuesdays at 10:15 AM and 11:15 AM
Wando Mt. Pleasant Library on Wednesdays at 10 AM and 10:30 AM
Preschool Story Time: For children 3-5 who are preparing for school. Through this program, school readiness and beginner reading is the top priority.
Locations, Dates, and Times:
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library on Thursdays at 10 AM
Bees Ferry West Ashley Library on Tuesdays at 10 AM and 10:30 AM
Dorchester Road Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Hurd/St. Andrews Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Main Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
Mt. Pleasant Library on Wednesdays at 10:45 AM
Mt. Pleasant Library on Thursdays at 10:30 AM
Wando Mt. Pleasant Library on Thursdays at 10 AM
Family Story Time: For the whole family, all ages. Through this program, the entire family can participate and connect with each other while engaging in learning and literacy.
Locations, Dates, and Times:
Dorchester Road Library on Thursdays at 10:30 AM
Edisto Island Library on Saturdays at 11:00 AM
Folly Beach Library on Mondays at 10:30 AM
John’s Island Library on Thursdays at 10 AM and 11 AM
John’s Island Library on 2nd Saturday of the Month at 10 AM
Keith Summey North Charleston Library on Select Saturdays at 11 AM
Main Library on Select Saturdays at 11 AM
McClellanville Library - Contact branch for more information
Mt. Pleasant Library on 3rd Thursday of the Month at 5:30 PM
Otranto Road Library on Mondays at 10:30 AM
Otranto Road Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
Otranto Road Library on Select Saturdays at 10:30 AM
Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library on Select Saturdays at 10:30 AM
St. Paul’s Hollywood Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
St. Paul’s Hollywood Library on Wednesday at 10:30 AM
St. Paul’s Hollywood Library on Thursdays at 10:30 AM
St. Paul’s Hollywood Library on 1st Saturday of the Month at 10:30 AM
Wando Mt. Pleasant Library on Select Saturdays at 11 AM
Story Time Book Kits To-Go: If you’re unable to attend in-person, the library also offers an amazing program called Story Time Book Kits. There are 102 themed story time kits available to be checked out through the library. Each kit includes books and age-appropriate puppets, toys, puzzles, games, and rhymes that highlight the featured theme, along with info on how to download corresponding music through the library. Any kit may be placed on hold and made available to be picked up at the CCPL branch of your choice.
The Children's Library at the Charleston Library Society
Visit In Person: 164 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Library Hours: Mon - Fri from 9:30 am – 5 pm / Sat from 9:30 am – 12 pm
Phone: (843) 723-9912
Our little readers hold a special place in the heart of the Library Society, and they've made it even more magical with their bi-weekly Story Time hour. (Feel free to check their website for upcoming dates and times!) Their children's space is covered with children's book inspired murals and serves as the perfect spot for diving into books, playing games, hosting whimsical birthday parties, or simply enjoying some laid-back family fun. The Library Society has truly crafted a cozy haven for our littles, ensuring that every visit is filled with warmth, wonder, and the joy of storytelling.
These story time events will ignite your little one's imagination, spark curiosity, and foster a love for learning. Lucky for us in the Charleston area, there's a treasure trove of family-friendly events to be explored. We are so thankful to the wonderful folks at the Charleston County Public Library and the Charleston Library Society for all the hard work they put into offering this programming to the community at no cost. Join them as they embrace the warmth of storytelling and watch as your child's love for reading blossoms amidst such an inviting community. Happy reading!
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