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Story time programs at the Chicago Public Library are designed for children from birth to age five and their caregivers. These sessions aim to provide fun, free, and developmentally appropriate activities that help prepare young children for reading and school.
During story time, librarians read picture books aloud, tell stories using puppets or felt pieces, play music, share rhymes, and lead songs with movement activities. Caregivers are encouraged to participate alongside their children. Each session typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
The library uses the five early literacy practices of Every Child Ready to Read when planning story times: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. These practices help children build vocabulary, phonological awareness, a love of reading, fine motor skills needed for writing, and general knowledge about the world.
According to CPL staff: "Story time is a special time to bond with your child. Make the most of it by joining in the fun. You are your child’s first and best teacher, so by being an active participant in story time you can help model what you want your children to learn."
Librarians also emphasize that story time helps children develop important social skills such as listening to stories, taking turns, following directions, and sharing with others in a supportive environment.
For families who already read at home but wish to discover new books or songs or connect with other parents in their community, attending library story time can be beneficial. Programs are tailored for different age groups—babies, toddlers, preschoolers—and may focus on specific themes like STEM or music. Some branches offer bilingual sessions in English/Spanish, English/Polish or English/Mandarin; some programs are conducted entirely in Spanish.
Special events include Mother Goose on the Loose (nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers), pajama story times where children bring stuffed animals, or Destination Discovery sessions held at museums or zoos.
To attend a program at Chicago Public Library locations citywide—including Humboldt Park Branch—families can search the online events calendar by location and child’s age group.
"Story time is a time for parents and caregivers to start their young children on the path to a lifelong love of reading and learning," CPL staff stated. "We hope to see you at a CPL story time soon!"
