Library Programs

The Scotch Plains Public Library’s Youth Services Department offers a wide range of programs for children and teens.

Library Specials

Imagine Arts Academy – Mondays: July 8 – July 29 at 6:00pm Elementary students entering Kindergarten to 4th grade are invited to attend one of our Mad Science Workshops this Summer. Each session you’ll learn about a new animal and create art. Registration is required for each session and will open on the Monday one week prior to children who are residents of Scotch Plains, all neighboring communities may sign up on the Friday prior.

Music & Movement – Select Tuesdays in July at 2:00pm and 3:00pm Join us for a special Music and Movement program with Miss. Sheila from Kids’ MusicRound! This music and movement program is for children ages birth to 4 years in age. Registration is required for each session.

Featured Storytime Events

Pajama Storytime – Grab your favorite stuffed animal and wear your pajamas for a fun evening of stories and songs. ASL interpretation will be provided. Registration is required.
Saturday Storytime – The entire family is welcome to join us for this storytime each Saturday! Children and their caregivers can increase language development and comprehension with our stories, songs, and rhymes.

For Little Ones 0-23 Months

Baby Time Storytime (babies up to 17 months)

Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am

Delight and stimulate your baby’s senses with short books, music, and movement activities. This baby program, which is designed for children from birth to 17 months and their caregivers, encourages early language development in a fun and engaging environment. Registration required.

Read, Play, Learn (toddlers 18-35 months)

Tuesdays at 11am

Read, play, and learn with us! This program is an interactive experience for toddlers aged 18 to 35 months and their caregivers. Development and literacy is encouraged through reading, singing, and playing. Join the fun as we enjoy classic picture books, learn songs and rhymes, and explore play and movement activities. Registration required.

For Little Ones 24 months and Up

Preschool Play (Children ages 3-5)

Mondays at 2pm

Our interactive storytime program will help your 3 to 5 year old child get ready for kindergarten while having fun. First we’ll share some stories, songs, and activities together. Then, we welcome you to stay, play, and enjoy the library’s toys and exploration stations. Registration required.

Read, Play, Learn (toddlers 18-35 months)

Tuesdays at 11am

Read, play, and learn with us! This program is an interactive experience for toddlers aged 18 to 35 months and their caregivers. Development and literacy is encouraged through reading, singing, and playing. Join the fun as we enjoy classic picture books, learn songs and rhymes, and explore play and movement activities. Registration required.

Crafty Kids (Children ages 2-5)

Wednesdays at 11:00am

Designed for children between 2 and 5 years of age, this program promotes creativity by pairing a book with a craft. Registration required.

Lego Storytime (Children ages 4 and up)

Fridays at 10:00am

Children ages 4 and up, are invited to join us for an interactive storytime followed by the chance to build with the libraries Lego blocks! Registration required.

*Online registration is required for all programs. Registration opens the Monday one week prior. The first four days of registration are limited to children who are residents of Scotch Plains only. When registering, please use the child’s card number. Need a Scotch Plains Library card? Contact us at 908-322-5007 for more information or stop by the library. Neighboring LMxAC families can sign up the Friday one week prior to the event.

Library Programs

Imagine Arts Academy – Mondays: July 7 – July 29 at 6:00pm for Grades K-4
Elementary students entering Kindergarten to 4th grade are invited to attend one of our Mad Science Workshops this Summer. Each session you’ll learn about a new animal and create art. Registration is required for each session.

Registration Full – Clay Lab – Thursday, July 11 & July 17 at 3:00pm

Students in 3rd to 7th grade are invited to create clay figures in this two part workshop. Part 2 of this workshop will be the following Thursday (July 18) at 3pm, you do not have to sign up twice. Registration required.

Books & Beyond – Thursday: July 25 and August 1 at 3:30pm for grade K-2
Books are only the beginning! Students in Kindergarten to 2nd grade are invited to this program which will feature a non-fiction book and then continue to a hands-on related activity. Registration required for each session.

Newspaper Club Coming soon! for grades 2-6
Newspaper Club is an opportunity for young writers, artists, and photographers to collaborate and create their own online local newspaper! The club is founded and run by a teen volunteer with experience in local journalism. It will meet once a month and publish one issue every three months. Snacks will be provided at all meetings. Registration is required.

*Online registration is required for all programs. Registration opens the Monday one week prior. The first four days of registration are limited to children who are residents of Scotch Plains only. When registering, please use the child’s card number. Need a Scotch Plains Library card? Contact us at 908-322-5007 for more information or stop by the library. Neighboring LMxAC families can sign up the Friday one week prior to the event.

Programs for Middle & High School Students

Teen Programs – Looking for teen programs? Check out our teen page!