Fostering the love of books and reading in children has several benefits. It helps them learn about the world around them, develop their imagination and empath for others, puts them on a path of educational success — to name a few. It's also a great way for adults (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends) to spend time with the kids they love. Below find a list of Berkshire County Storytimes at local libraries, bookstores and special venues.
Note: Often storytimes are subject to change due to school vacations, weather, etc. Please call your local library/venue to confirm the times and days below.
* Storytimes are continually changing by the month due to COVID. Please call ahead to confirm times and locations
Virtual Storytime, various times: Visit the West Stockbridge Library's Facebook Page for a variety of children's stories uploaded to the page multiple times a week. West Stockbridge Library's Facebook Page
*Virtual Storytime, various times: Tune in for a weekly virtual storytime with the Cheshire Library. Online. To watch, visit the Cheshire Library's Facebook Page.
Kindergarten Write and Read, 11-11:45 a.m. (Through October): Hear a story and write a little bit! Parents learn to support basic reading comprehension, word recognition, beginner phonics and writing skills. Pre-registration required at chpplaygroups@gmail.com. Mason Library, 231 Main St., Great Barrington. gblibraries.org.
Tuesday
Stories at Home,10 a.m.: Join Chris and Alice from the Lanesborough library online weekly for stories and songs. Stories are posted on Tuesday mornings. Online. Visit the library's Facebook Page to watch.
Zoom Brain Builders,10:30 a.m.: Join South Berkshire Kids for this weekly zoom class for ages 3-5 that will include a themed circle time, songs, stories, group activities and so much more. Must register monthly. Email southberkshirekids@gmail.com to register.
Tuesday Storytime, 10 a.m.: Join Nina outside on the lawn at the Otis Town Hall for stories and songs. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required. No drop-ins please. Hula hoops will be provided to help with social-distancing. Feel free to bring a blanket. Otis Town Hall, 1 North Main Road, Otis. To register, email Jessica at southberkshirekids@gmail.com
Brain Builders in the Garden, 10-11 a.m. (Through October): An interactive experience for parents and children to support their academic skills and social/emotional development. Includes songs, stories and take-home activities. Social distancing guidelines apply. Mason Library, 231 Main St., Great Barrington. gblibraries.org.
Wednesday
Literacy on the Lawn, 10:00 a.m.-noon (runs through Sept. 30): Sign up for a "family visits" with your children, ages 2-4. During these visits, families will join in on a prepared craft or activity, read a book, sing a song and be sent home with a take-home activity to do from the comfort of your own home. Don't forget to bring your library card! The Lee Library will have a children's table of book set-up so families can browse and check out books without entering the library! Lee Library, 100 Main St., Lee. leelibrary.org.
Garden Early Readers Book Club, 11:00 a.m.-noon: A book club for parents and children to read together! Support your child's development through reading and conversation. Sign up for the 4-week series.. Hula hoops provided for physical distancing, bring a blanket if you like. Masks required over the age of 2. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Recommended for ages 7-9. Mason Library (Lawn) 231 Main St., Great Barrington. To register email chpplaygroups@gmail.com.
Shake Your Sillies Out, 10-11 a.m.: Songs, movement, story, and more! Social distancing guidelines apply. Stockbridge Library, 46 Main St., Stockbridge. To register email chpplaygroups@gmail.com.
Zoom Lunch Bunch and Storytime, 11:30 a.m.: Join South Berkshire Kids for a Zoom program during lunchtime. Participants will enjoy a few books, sing a song, chat about nutrition and check in to see how the week is going. Open to all ages. Email southberkshirekids@gmail.com to register.
Thursday
Literacy on the Lawn, 10:00 a.m.-noon Literacy on the Lawn, 10:00 a.m.-noon (runs through Sept. 30):: Sign up for a "family visits" with your children, ages 2-4. During these visits, families will join in on a prepared craft or activity, read a book, sing a song and be sent home with a take-home activity to do from the comfort of your own home. Don't forget to bring your library card! The Lee Library will have a children's table of book set-up so families can browse and check out books without entering the library! Lee Library, 100 Main St., Lee. leelibrary.org.
Preschool Storytime via Facebook Live, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.: Join the Family Center for a virtual storytime! Online. To join, visit the Family Center Facebook Group HERE.
Friday
Facebook Storytime, 10:30 a.m.: Join Lenox library staff every Friday on their Facebook Page for a LIVE virtual storytime. Online. To watch, visit Lenox Library's Facebook Page.
Toddler Storytime via Facebook Live, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.: Join the Family Center for a virtual storytime! Online. To join, visit the Family Center Facebook Group HERE..
Zoom Story and Songs, 10 a.m.: Every Thursday on Facebook there will be a pre-recorded storytime posted and/or a song from one of South Berkshire Kids' playgroup leaders. There will also be a link included to additional learning activities. All videos can also be found at southberkshirekids.org.
Pajama Zoom Storytime, 6:30 p.m. (Runs first Friday of the Month): Get in your pajamas and join South Berkshire Kids for a few bedtime stories. The Zoom will also include a mindful minute to learn and practice a few child-friendly, relaxing breathing techniques. Open for all ages. Email southberkshirekids@gmail.com for Zoom link.
Saturday
PJ Facebook Storytime, 6:30 p.m.: Join the Family Center for a Virtual Storytime every Saturday on their Facebook Page or watch pre-recorded PJ Storytimes HERE.
