Children's Activities

We run story times once a week all year round at most of our libraries. The stories are fun and interactive and sometimes followed by a craft activity where you can make something to take home. They are a fun way of introducing your children to books in a relaxed, informal environment.

Some libraries also do Music, Rhythm and Ryhme sessions for babies and toddlers. This involves lots of singing and creates lots of noise! Toddler Time and Fun Time offer similar experiences.

All the session are completely free and there is no need to book, just turn up. You and your child will be very welcome.

Please see the list below for dates and times

NB From Monday 13 May sessions for children under 5 will change in some libraries due to changes to opening hours and reduced staffing levels. Details of the revised activities at Central are listed below. Information about other libraries will follow.

Central Library
Activities will be reduced from 4 to 2 sessions. There will no longer be toddlertime on a Wednesday or funtime on a Friday. Revised sessions and times are:

Tuesday 11.00 - 11.30am - alternate storytime and Toddlertime
Thursday 2.00 - 2.30pm - Rhymetime

Baby changing facilities are available

Bitterne Library
Story time and music, rhythm and rhyme alternate Wednesdays 2.00-2.30pm

Burgess Road
Music, Rhythm and rhyme – Every Friday 11.15-11.45am
Story time - alternate Saturdays 11.15-11.45am

Cobbett Road
Stories and Rhymes – Every Monday 2.00-2.30pm
Story time – every Friday 11.00-11.30am

Lordshill
Story time and music, rhythm and rhyme alternate Tuesdays 11.00-11.30am

Portswood Library
Story time - Wednesday 2.15-2.45
Tuneful Tots - fortnightly on Mondays 10.45-11.15am

Shirley Library
Story time - Mondays 2.15-2.45pm
Music, rhythm and rhyme - fortnightly on Fridays 10.15-10.45

Weston Library
Story time - Wednesdays 2.00 - 2.45pm

Woolston
Story time - Tuesdays 10.15-10.45am
Baby Sign Time with Tanya - Fridays 10.30-11.15 - £3 per family per session. Discount if booked a week in advance


For more information about story time and Music, rhythm and rhyme please contact the Council's call centre on 023 8083 3007 and ask to be transferred to the relevant library.