Lockdown Activities for Kids
Brain Buster Bags
Online Storytimes
Diwali Bollywood Workshop
We have a variety of regular programs and events running for children of all ages. Storytime programs run during the school term. Bookings are necessary for these events to control numbers. For more details and to book, visit our events page.
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-11.15am
- Ascot Vale Library: weekly on Thursdays
- Avondale Heights Library: weekly on Wednesdays
- Flemington Library: weekly on Fridays
- Niddrie Library: weekly on Tuesdays
- Sam Merrifield: weekly on Mondays
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-10.45am
- Ascot Vale Library: fortnightly on Mondays
- Avondale Heights Library: weekly on Tuesdays
- Flemington Library: weekly on Thursdays
- Niddrie Library: weekly on Fridays
- Sam Merrifield: weekly on Wednesdays
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-11.45am
- Ascot Vale Library: fortnightly on Mondays
- Avondale Heights Library: weekly on Tuesdays
- Flemington Library: weekly on Thursdays
- Niddrie Library: weekly on Fridays
- Sam Merrifield: weekly on Wednesdays
6+ Club
Come to the library for afterschool fun that includes craft, chess, drawing, Lego, robots and more. Held during the school term for primary school aged children.
- Ascot Vale Library: weekly on Fridays - 3.45pm-4.45pm
- Avondale Heights Library: weekly on Wednesdays - 4pm-5pm
- Niddrie Library: weekly on Tuesdays - 4pm-5pm
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:
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.