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 A REMINDER TO PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS: The King County Library System and all community libraries strive to provide safe and comfortable environments for people of all ages. Even so, it is vital to remember that in libraries--as in any other public place--you must provide continuous supervision for your children to ensure their safety.

The King County Library System loves to see King County kids at our libraries! One of the ways we encourage children of all ages to visit us often is by offering free programs for children and their families. These programs cover a wide variety of topics and are designed to foster an early and ongoing love of books, libraries, and learning.  

How would you like to view our program listings for children?

 By age group: 

By location:            

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For Preschoolers

Library Story Times--The King County Library System offers free story times for preschoolers of all ages year-round.  Story times are a unique learning experience for children.  Children attending story times will:

  • Be provided with a group experience with other children.

  • Be able to learn how to behave in a group.

  • Learn to listen, focus, and concentrate on a story.

  • Be introduced to stories, rhymes, and songs with a variety of presentation methods.

  • Be introduced to a rich vocabulary of words and language.

  • Have their im aginations stimulated.

  • Just have fun!  

Attending story times is a perfect way for a parent or caregiver to introduce young children to the skills they will need to be successful in school.  Story times also offer parents the opportunity to introduce children to the wonderful world of books and libraries.

Your local library may offer one or more of the following story times.  Follow the link to your branch library, or contact your library for more information.

Infant Story Times: These story times are a wonderful introduction to classic rhymes, songs, and stories for babies up to 24 months! Age ranges may vary depending on community needs and interests. Check program listings by location, or ask your children's librarian for more information.

Toddler Times: These sessions feature stories and songs just right for toddlers.  Target age groups may vary by library, but usually include ages 2-3 with an adult. Offered at most community libraries.

Preschool Story Times: Enjoy stories, songs, and surprises during these story times, featuring activities especially chosen for preschoolers (ages 3-up). Offered at most community libraries.

Family Story Times: Share in activities designed for preschoolers and their families, including stories and more. Offered at most community libraries.

World Language Story Times: In a reflection of the growing diversity of our region, some of our libraries now offer story times in languages other than English. All are welcome for stories, songs, and activities in languages such as Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Offered at some community libraries.

Your local library might offer other special programs for preschoolers.  See program listings by location, or contact your library for its current program schedule.

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For Kids!

Hey, kids!  Read this to find out what programs (and more) your library has for YOU!

Your library system and local library have great things for you to do and see all year round.  Fun activities for kids like you include holiday programs, music programs, story telling and more!  Check out the list below.

Book Discussion Groups for Kids: Do you love to read?  Would you like to talk about great books with other kids?  Join a book discussion group at a King County Library! Offered at some community libraries

Reading Programs for Kids: We want you to read every day!  To encourage you to be a terrific reader, we offer reading programs during the school year and over the summer.  Take part in one of our reading programs, and you could earn a prize!  Choose one of the following links, or ask your Children's Librarian for more information.

Branch Programs for Kids: Find out what other fun programs are happening at your local library.

Your local library has a lot of other fun stuff for school-age kids like you.  Of course, we have books and more to help you with all of your homework.  But did you know that your library also has some of these things for you to check out?

  • Kids' movies on video and DVD

  • Music for kids and books on tape

  • Magazines, like Sports Illustrated for Kids and Kid City

  • Joke and riddle books

  • Comic-strip books (like Garfield)

  • Non-fiction books about stuff that kids love! (magic, sports,  pets, and more)

If you have questions when you are at the library, please let us know!  The people who work at your local library love to help kids.  And every library in our system has at least one librarian who is there just for you.  Your Children's Librarian would love to suggest a good book for you to read or help you find information.  Just ask!

Tours and Class Visits: You can learn more about the library with your classroom, scout troop, or other group.  If you would like to make a special visit to the library for a tour, talk to your group leader.  They can call the Children's Librarian to arrange a group visit! Offered at most community libraries.

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For Families

In today's busy world, the library can provide a common meeting ground for families.  Libraries truly do have something for everyone!  Our family programs can provide you and your children with a way to share books, learning, and most importantly, time.  Our hope is that the public library becomes an integral part of your family's life.   Your local library will offer special family programs throughout the year.  Contact your local library  for its current program schedule.

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Last Updated: April 1, 2008