We have a variety of regular programs and events running for children of all ages. Storytime programs run during the school term. Keep an eye on our social media channels for up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. Where required, bookings can be made via our events page.
What's new?
Storytimes are back indoors!
At long last Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime are back indoors at all library branches!
Bookings are required only for Ascot Vale sessions to avoid overcrowding will open 24 hours in advance. Only one ticket per family is needed. View Ascot Vale sessions and make your bookings here.
Brain Buster Bags
Brain Buster Bags are here to stay! These are curated bags full of books based on your child’s age group. Every bag is different and hand selected by our own librarians.
Call your branch to ask for one ahead of your next visit! Also available for Contactless Collection.
Preschool Storytime
For children 3-5 years. Children are introduced to a wide selection of picture books and stories and complete a craft activity. Storytime will help prepare your child for primary school, developing listening, reading and fine motor skills. Sessions run during the school term only.
10.30am
Ascot Vale: Thursdays*
Avondale Heights: Wednesdays
Flemington: Fridays
Niddrie: Tuesdays
Sam Merrifield: Mondays
*Bookings are necessary for Ascot Vale sessions only. These open 24 hours in advance of each session. Book here.
Toddler Time
For children 18 months to 3 years. Share stories, songs, rhymes and movement with your active toddler. Toddler Time is the perfect transition to storytime for your little one. Sessions run during the school term only.
10.15am
Ascot Vale: Mondays*
Avondale Heights: Tuesdays
Flemington: Thursdays
Niddrie: Fridays
Sam Merrifield: Wednesdays
*Bookings are necessary for Ascot Vale sessions only. These open 24 hours in advance of each session. Book here.
Baby Rhyme Time
For babies up to 18 months. Baby Rhyme Time introduces your little one to the sounds, rhythm and movement of language. Babies love songs and rhymes and delight in watching and listening to you sing. Sessions run during the school term only.
11.15am
Ascot Vale: Mondays*
Avondale Heights: Tuesdays
Flemington: Thursdays
Niddrie: Fridays
Sam Merrifield: Wednesdays
*Bookings are necessary for Ascot Vale sessions only. These open 24 hours in advance of each session. Book here.
After School Clubs
We have four after-school clubs throughout the school term for children aged 5-12 years. Bookings are necessary and will open two days before each event.
Chess Club
Learn to play chess or practice your existing skills.
Niddrie, Avondale Heights and Ascot Vale
Lego Club
Join like-minded builders in Lego challenges or come just for fun.
Sam Merrifield, Niddrie, Avondale Heights and Ascot Vale
Art Club
Meet other creatives and give the right side of your brain a workout.
Niddrie & Avondale Heights
Makers Club
Join us for STEM challenges and experiments of all kinds!
Sam Merrifield, Niddrie, Avondale Heights and Ascot Vale
Premiers' Reading Challenge
The Premiers' Reading Challenge is now open. It’s a great initiative, inspiring children and young people to read more books. Students can log in and register. At its conclusion they will receive a certificate of achievement from the Premier of Victoria.
You can access full lists of PRC titles, by year level, on our catalogue.
For further information on how to meet the challenge please visit the Premiers' Reading Challenge website.
Begin with Books
To improve reading and literacy skills in young children, we offer a book bag for every baby born in our city. Each Begin with Books bag contains a board book and information about the libraries. The bags are given to new parents by the Maternal and Child Health nurse at the four month visit.
1000 Books Before School
Did you know reading just 10 minutes a day can instil a lifelong love of books and learning in young children? 1000 Books Before School is a new reading initiative that supports families to share stories with their children every day and encourage early reading habits. Parents and caregivers can register at their local branch to get started and receive a reading record and a special book bag. Rewards will be given for reaching each milestone. Please visit your local branch to register, or start tracking your child's reading right now by downloading this form.
For more information on the benefits of reading to your child from a young age, as well as other parenting information, visit the recommended sites below:
Junior Ranger Kits
What do Junior Rangers do? Junior Rangers use their kits to explore and discover plants and animals! Drop into Sam Merrifield Library to collect your binoculars and other tools and head over to Queens Park to spot ducks, water hens, cockatoos, and even rainbow lorikeets, along with native plants such as the banksia and various eucalyptus species.
If you're a lone ranger you can print your own guide and map and embark on your adventure. If you have binoculars or a magnifying glass you can even build your own kit!
The Abercedarian Approach
Want to support your child on their reading journey, but don’t know where to start? Check out this short parent guide with tips for shared reading: Abecedarian Approach Australia.
Positive Parenting Program
All families with children between birth and 16 years can now get free, expert parenting tips and strategies via the online Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. This FREE program is funded by the Victorian Government, providing your library community with ideas on how to positively support their child’s emotional wellbeing, social skills and more.