The Ultimate Guide to Story Times in the Birmingham Area

As a mother of young children, one of my favorite free activities is checking out the various story times in the Birmingham area! Many local libraries host story times for kids. Want to know the best part? There is SO much variety! Some story times include music, some include crafts, and some even allow for free play.

With all the story times around town, you can find fun, FREE, educational activities for you and your kiddos for nearly every day of the week. Here’s a roundup of story times that you can check out in Jefferson and Shelby counties. You can also find these and other library events listed on our monthly events calendar!

Avondale Regional Branch Library

Address: 509 40th St. S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: (205) 226-4000

Time for Tales with Ms. Cas and Ms. Marie
Description:Preschool Storytime with stories, songs, and lots of fun for everyone; groups welcome! 24-hour advance registration appreciated.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Back to top

Bessemer Public Library

Address: 400 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL 35020
Phone: (205) 428-7882

Little Language Learners Storytime
Description: Join us for a bilingual storytime with catchy songs and fun crafts. Ages 1-4.
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Back to top

Center Point Public Library

Address: 533 Sunhill Road, Center Point, AL 35215
Phone: (205) 536-7750

Tots and Tales
Description: Bring your little one to Tots and Tales with Miss Emily! Provide your child with the opportunity to practice their early literacy, social, and motor skills! Ages 4+
Day: First Saturday of the month
Time: 11:00 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. 

Back to top

Gardendale Public Library

Address: 995 Mt Olive Road, Gardendale, AL 35071
Phone: (205) 631-6639

Toddler Time
Description: Enjoy stories, singing and dancing with your 0-4 year old children.
Day: Fridays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Story Time
Description: Enjoy stories, singing and dancing with geared toward 5-8 year old children.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  

Back to top

Homewood Public Library

Address: 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205) 332-6600

Wee Ones – Preschool Story Time
Description: Join Miss Mary for a fun and energetic storytime with lots of singing and dancing!
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

PJ Story Time – All Ages Story Time
Description: Come to the library in your pajamas and hear great stories and songs before bedtime with Miss Lauren!
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Storypalooza – Preschool Story Time
Description: A good ol’ time with Miss Aaliyah’s energizing story time to get everyone ready for the day!
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Barks at Books
Description:(K-5th Grade) Spend an afternoon with our friends from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society by reading (or just simply hanging out) with some friendly pups!
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Stay and Play – Preschool Story Time
Description: Join Miss Erika for a fun-filled storytime! After stories it’s time to fire up your imagination for some loose parts play.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Sign Time Storytime
Description: Join Miss Kayren for an interactive storytime highlighting beginner American Sign Language for toddlers!
Day: One Saturday per month
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Back to top

Hoover Public Library

Address: 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 444-7810

Baby Playdate
Description: Enjoy a brief story time activity and open ended play. Ages 0-18 Months. Register online (opens one week ahead of time).
Day: Mondays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Story Lab – S.T.E.A.M.
Description: Listen, laugh, and learn! One story prompts lots of hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities designed for 3 to 8-year-olds.
Day: Mondays
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Together with Tots – Preschool Story Time
Description: Come enjoy stories and songs for 18 to 36-month-olds! Themes change bi-weekly. Register online (opens one week ahead of time).
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Story Sprouts – Preschool Story Time
Description: Dance and play in this interactive movement story time! Designed for children 4 and under. Register online (opens one week ahead of time).
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

PJ Story Time – All Ages Story Time
Description: Wear your pajamas for stories, songs and fun!
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Step into the Story
Description: Participate in hands-on activities inspired by a fun story! Designed for children aged 3-6 years. Register online (opens one week in advance)
Day: One Friday per month
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Move and Learn Storytime
Description: Join us for movement, music, and school-readiness skills. Designed for children ages 4 & 5.Register online (opens one week in advance
Day: One Friday per month
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Back to top

Irondale Public Library

Address: 105 20th St S, Irondale, AL 35210
Phone: (205) 951-1415

Reading Buddies
Description: Practice reading out loud to dogs who love to listen! Volunteers from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society will be here with friendly dogs who love to make new friends.
Day: First and Third Tuesdays 
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Preschool Storytime
Description: Join Ms. Ginny as she reads stories about friendship, kindness, and community, sing songs, and plays with bubbles! (Ages 0-4)
Day: First and Third Wednesdays 
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Back to top

Leeds Jane Culbreth Library

Address: 8104 Parkway Drive, Leeds, Alabama 35094
Phone: (205) 699-5962

Tot Time with Miss Ramona
Description: Join Miss Ramona for Tot Time! Kids love Ramona’s felt board story time, songs, play time, and more. Playtime is more fun with new friends your own age.
Day: First and third Tuesdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Back to top

Mountain Brook – O’Neal Library

Address: 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
Phone: (205) 445-1192

Patty Cake
Description: This lapsit, caregiver-directed storytime has activities for boosting baby development in babies up to around 18 months.
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. 

LOL Story Adventure
Description: (K-2nd Grade) This live action storytime has puppet stories, crafts, games, and performers!
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 3:30 p.m. 

Toddler Tales
Description: This directed movement storytime establishes routines while building attention and literary skills for kids up to 3 years.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. 

Movers & Makers
Description: This kindergarten prep storytime for 3-5 year olds helps foster cooperation, enthusiasm for reading, and school readiness skills through movement, stories, and other activities.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 1:30 p.m.

All Together Storytime
Description: This informal storytime with lively music is for all ages and seeks to build positive relationships with books. It is outside when the weather permits.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Back to top

Springville Road Regional Branch Library

Address: 1224 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215
Phone: (205) 226-4081

Preschool Storytime
Description: Enjoy this storytime with music, movement, and exploratory play!
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Back to top

Trussville Public Library

Address: 201 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173
Phone: (205) 655-2022

Children’s Story Time
Description: Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! Designed for ages 0-4.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 – 11:00

Preschoolers at Play
Description: A guided sensory time will begin at 10:00 a.m.,, followed by free play at several stations set up around the large auditorium with various toys. Parents will need to stay with their child as they move between stations. For children aged 2-5
Day: Every second and fourth Wednesday
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Back to top

Vestavia Hills Public Library

Address: 1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 978-0155

Toddler A-Go-Go
Description: The perfect story time for toddlers on the go! Singing, dancing, and moving, with some stories thrown in, will make this one of your favorite weekly activities! Ages 18-36 months. 
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Story Friends
Description: Ms. Lisa will bring stories, music, movement, and fun for all her preschool friends.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Book Babies
Description: Ms. Lisa introduces babies birth to 18 months to the joys of story time with special lap-sit programs.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Ms. Courtney’s Library Stop!
Description: Make the library your regular stop every first and third Saturday to see Ms. Courtney and her story pals! Stories, songs, dancing, and playing make this the perfect Saturday morning activity! All ages.
Day: Select Saturdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Back to top

Alabaster – Albert L. Scott Library

Address: 100 Ninth Street NW, Alabaster, AL 35007
Phone: (205) 664-6822

Sensory Friends Story Time
Description: Families with special needs will enjoy this inclusive program presented on a preschool level for all ages, children through young adult with autism, sensory processing, or other developmental needs. 
Day: 2nd Wednesdays of the month
Time: 3:30 p.m.

PJ Storytime
Description: 2nd Thursdays at 6:15pm. Families with young children. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffy or blanket to a special evening storytime. 
Day: 2nd Thursdays of the month
Time: 6:15 p.m.

Teeny Tiny Time
Description: Join Ms. Karen for stories, music, rhymes, and finger plays–fun for little ones ages 0-2! Let your little one sit, sing, wiggle and waggle for 20 minutes of interactive fun.
Day: Fridays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Small Fry Friday
Description: An active storytime of games, songs, stories, crafts, & more! Ideally for ages 3-5. In the Nan Abbott Room.
Day: Fridays
Time: 10:45 a.m.

Back to top

Calera – Roy Downs Memorial Public Library

Address: 9700 Highway 25, Calera, AL 35040
Phone: (205) 668-7200

Sweet Pea Story Time
Description: Weekly story time geared towards ages 0-2 years old at the Roy Downs Memorial Library in Calera. Please join us as we sing, dance, read, create a craft, enjoy playtime, and check out books!
Day: Thursdays
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Kids Story Time
Description: Weekly story time geared towards ages 3 and older at the Roy Downs Memorial Library in Calera. Please join us as we sing, dance, read, create a craft, and check out books!
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Back to top

Chelsea Public Library

Address: 16623 Hwy 280, Chelsea, AL 35043
Phone: (205) 618-9735

Tot Time Story Time
Description: Join Mrs. Emily every Wednesday & Thursday at 10:30 at the Chelsea Community Center. Storytime is a great chance to introduce your little one to social settings, a learning environment, and a great chance to teach listening skills, engagement, following, and creativity!
Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Back to top

Columbiana Public Library

Address: 50 Lester Street, Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: (205) 669-5812

Story Time
Description: Weekly story time with stories and crafts.
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Back to top

Helena – Jane B. Holmes Public Library

Address: 230 Tucker Road, Helena, AL 35080
Phone: (205) 664-8308

Story Time
Description: Weekly story time with stories and songs.
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Back to top

North Shelby Library

Address: 5521 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, AL 35242
Phone: (205) 439-5500

Storytime Friends
Description: Perfect for ages 3-5, but all ages welcome. Registration required and opens 1 week in advance. A story program ideal for 3-5 with caregivers nearby. Stories, songs, finger plays, and fun make up a lively 30-minute program. 
Day: Wednesdays 
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Shake, Toddle, and Move Storytime
Description: This lively, music-filled storytime encourages littles to wiggle and move their bodies.
Day: Fourth Tuesday of the month
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

La Hora del Cuento
Description: Ven con tu familia a escuchar cuentos, cantar y divertirnos en español! Esta evento es para niños de todas las edades. Niños menores de 12 años deben estar acompañados de sus padres. Los esperamos! Se require registro. (Come with your family to listen to stories, sing and have fun in Spanish! This event is for children of all ages. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by their parents. We look forward to seeing you! Registration is required.)
Day: Select Saturdays 
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Back to top

Montevallo – Parnell Memorial Library

Address: 277 Park Drive, Montevallo, AL 35115
Phone: (205) 667-3052

Mini Music
Description: A FREE music and movement class for kids ages 1 – 4 with a caregiver.
Day: Tuesdays 
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. 

Family Story Time with Mr. Mac
Description: A free family story time for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with a caregiver present.
Day: Wednesdays 
Time: 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 

Back to top

Mt Laurel Public Library

Address: 111 Olmsted Street, Birmingham, AL 35242
Phone: (205) 991-1660

FUkulele Storytime
Description:A story program ideal for 19-36 months and a caregiver. Stories, songs, and bubbles make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Siblings welcome!
Day: Every other Friday 
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

Back to top

Pelham Public Library

Address: 2000 Pelham Park Boulevard, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: (205) 620-6418

Preschool Story Time
Description: Ms. Rebecca & Ms. Ashley present stories, songs and more along with a craft and a snack.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

PJ Story Time
Description: Wear your favorite PJs as you join Ms. Ashley for fun and stories along with a craft and a snack.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Back to top

What are your favorite storytimes in Birmingham?

Let us know if we missed any and we’ll be sure to add it!