The Scotch Plains Public Library offers a wide range of activities and storytimes for families. These programs are to help our community members develop a life-long love of reading and learning. Attending one of our programs is a wonderful way to introduce children to the library and offer additional learning experiences outside of a school setting.Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at all programs and is limited to Scotch Plains and Fanwood cardholders only. To check out our schedule, visit our online calendar.
We are happy to customize reading programs and activities to meet the individual needs of anyone on the spectrum. Contact us at [email protected] for more information. Programs below begin July 2019.
Featured Events | Storytimes & Movement | Games & Crafts | Maker Programs | Middle Grades |
In the Steps of Galileo
Monday, July 22 at 7:30pm (Cloud Date 7/29)
View Jupiter and Saturn with astrono-educator Bob Reichman.
Howling Woods Farm*
Thursday, August 8 at 7:00pm
Learn about the habitat and mythos about wolves and then meet wolfdogs.
Featured Children’s Events
Animal Show with Zoo Jersey*
Thursday, July 11 at 3:30pm
Meet animal rescue group Zoo Jersey and live animals!
I See Magic – Magic Show!*
Thursday, July 18 at 3:30pm
Stop by and see an amazing magical show!
Music and Movement with Ms. Shelia
Thursday, July 25 at 9:30am , ages 0-23 months
Thursday, July 25 at 10:30am , ages 24-48 months
Storytime and Movement Programs
Little Listeners*
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 9:30am
Delight and stimulate your baby’s senses with short books, music, and movement activities. This interactive baby program, which is designed for children from birth to 23 months and their caregivers, encourages early language development in a fun and engaging environment. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Terrific Twos*
Tuesdays | 10:30am
Travel the path to literacy at our fun and engaging program designed just for two-year-olds. Caregivers will interact with their children through books, music, and movement activities while exploring letters, sounds, counting, and even a craft. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Sensory Storytime*
Wednesdays | 10:30am
Designed for children with sensory challenge such as sitting still and difficulty in large groups, and those on the autism spectrum. This program is for children ages 0-5 years in age. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Read, Play, Learn*
Thursdays | 9:30am
This 45-minute 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. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Stay & Play Storytime*
Thursdays | 10:30am
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. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Lets Rock!*
Tuesdays | 2:00pm
Our interactive storytime is designed for children ages 2-6. We will explore movement, literacy and music! View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Pajama Storytime
Select Thursdays | 6:30pm
Children of all ages are invited to join us once a month for a fun and exciting nighttime storytime! Grab your favorite stuffed animal and wear your pajamas for a fun evening of stories and songs. No registration is required!
Super Saturdays
Saturdays | 11am
Join us every Saturday for an exciting program designed to delight the whole family. Each week features a unique theme and activity. Registration is not required for this event.
Pop-Up Storytimes
Visit us at local parks and the Farmers Market on select dates for a special storytime with your favorite librarians! Check out our calendar for more information, dates and locations!
Reading, Crafts and Game Programs
Reading Buddies
Select Mondays in July | 10:00am
During the summer, children ages 3 and up can practice reading with one of our volunteers. Registration is not required for this event.
Family Game Night*
First Mondays | 6:30pm
Cool off during the summer and try out one of our new games. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
UFO Crafternoon
Wednesday, July 10 | 2:00pm
Our crafternoon program will feature fun crafts for children of all ages. Create your own alien flipbook during this program. No registration is required. As supplies list.
Book Bingo
Select Thursdays at 6:30pm
Explore popular authors and books during our literacy themed bingo event. Everyone wins a prize! No registration is required – as supplies last.
Outdoor Fun*
Fridays | 10:00am
Explore literacy and outdoor play during this award-winning program. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Space Camp*
Second Fridays | 3:00pm
Challenge yourself with fun astronaut-themed activities and crafts! Each child gets a certificate of participation. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Lunch with a Librarian
Wed. Jul. 31 – Fri. Aug. 2 | 11:00am
Get to know our staff! Bring your own snack or lunch and complete an activity with your favorite librarians!
Family Lego Club
Mondays in August | 10:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for our weekly Lego Club.
NASA Crafternoon
Wednesday, August 7 | 2:00pm
Create NASA themed crafts – including an astronaut helmet and jetpack! As supplies last.
Pet Space Rocks*
Friday, July 19 | 3:00pm
Create your own pet rock and accessories during our MakeMe workshop for children in grades K-2. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Space Charms*
Friday, August 16 | 3:30pm
Using polymer clay, craft your own space charm during MakeMe Workshop for children in grades 3-5. Items may be picked up the following day. View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Middle Grade Programs – grades 3-7
Science with 4H*
Select Mondays | 1:00pm
Children ages 8 and up are invited to participate in STEM challenges (grades 3-7). View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Perler Beads*
Monday, July 8 | 6:00pm
This self-paced open-ended craft is designed for those who love to create (grades 3-7). No registration is required.
Space Treats*
Monday, July 15 | 6:00pm
Create delicious yummy space-themed treats (grades 3-7). View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
Duct Tape Crafts
Monday, August 12 | 6:00pm
See what you’re able to create using duct tape, a ruler and scissors. No registration is required.
Engineering Space Challenge*
Monday, August 26 | 6:00pm
Think you have what it takes to complete this “minute to win it” inspired engineering space challenge? View our calendar for dates and information on how to register.
*Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at all programs and is limited to Scotch Plains and Fanwood cardholders only. To check out our schedule, visit our online calendar.