We have a variety of regular programs and events running for children of all ages. Storytime programs run during the school term. Bookings are not necessary.
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What's new?
Storytimes in 2023
Preschool Storytime, Toddler Time and Baby Rhyme Time are back for 2023. Sessions run during the school term only and no bookings are required.
Please note that there is a revised schedule for Flemington whilst the branch is closed for renovation. Sessions will be held at Crown Street Stables on Thursday mornings. Baby Rhyme Time and Toddler Time will alternate week to week; Preschool Storytime will be weekly.
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. Bookings not required.
Ascot Vale: Thursdays, 10.30am
Avondale Heights: Wednesdays, 10.30am
Niddrie: Tuesdays, 10.30am
Sam Merrifield: Mondays, 10.30am
Flemington: Thursdays at 11.15am
Temporarily held at Crown Street Stables
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. Bookings not required.
Ascot Vale: Mondays, 10.15am
Avondale Heights: Tuesdays, 10.15am
Niddrie: Fridays, 10.15am
Sam Merrifield: Wednesdays, 10.15am
Flemington: Fortnightly on Thursdays, 10.15am
Temporarily held at Crown Street Stables
Upcoming dates: 8 June, 22 June.
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. Bookings not required.
Ascot Vale: Mondays, 11.15am
Avondale Heights: Tuesdays, 11.15am
Niddrie: Fridays, 11.15am
Sam Merrifield: Wednesdays, 11.15am
Flemington: Fortnightly on Thursdays, 10.15am
Temporarily held at Crown Street Stables
Upcoming dates: 1 June, 15 June, 29 June.
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.
Lego Club
Join like-minded builders in Lego challenges or come just for fun.
Art Club
Meet other creatives and give the right side of your brain a workout.
Makers Club
Join us for STEM challenges and experiments of all kinds!
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.