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πŸ“š Library Programs for Kids on the Main Line

The Lower Merion Library System (five branches spanning Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Narberth, Penn Valley, and Wynnewood) and the Chester County Library System (with branches in Exton, Berwyn, Downingtown, and beyond) offer free programs throughout the year: storytime, STEM workshops, craft hours, author visits, and summer reading challenges.

Library programs are free and open to all community members, whether or not you hold a library card. Programs typically run in sessions of 4–6 weeks and are organized by age bracket: babies and toddlers, preschool, early elementary, and middle grade. Summer programs can fill quickly, so the library newsletter is the easiest way to catch registration dates.

Beyond the main library systems, the Wayne, Paoli, and Phoenixville branch libraries run their own calendars of children's events, often with local schools and community organizations. If you're new to the area or looking for free activities without a long-term commitment, the library calendar is a good place to start.


40 programs found

Story Time
⭐ General
Narberth

A regular storytime program for children held at the Narberth Library every Wednesday and Friday morning. Sessions run 30 minutes starting at 11am.

Weekly, Wednesday, Friday,

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Exton

Hands-on STEM workshops for children at the Chester County Library in Exton. Each session focuses on a different topic such as coding, robotics, or simple chemistry experiments. No registration required for drop-in sessions.

Ages 6–12
Monthly, second Saturday
Free

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Paoli

Weekly story time program at the Tredyffrin Public Library's Paoli branch for young children in the Paoli community. Librarians read picture books, sing songs, and lead simple crafts to build early literacy skills. Free and drop-in friendly.

Ages 0–6
Year-round, weekly
Free

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Haverford

Monthly STEM club for school-age children at the Haverford Township Free Library. Kids tackle hands-on challenges in coding, engineering, and science using kits and supplies provided by the library. All sessions are free and open to Haverford Township residents.

Ages 7–14
Monthly
Free

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Villanova

Coding and computer science program for children at the Radnor Memorial Library serving the Villanova community. Kids use Scratch, Code.org, and unplugged activities to learn programming fundamentals. The library's tech-equipped meeting room hosts small groups for a hands-on experience.

Ages 7–14
Monthly Saturday workshops
Free

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Malvern

Annual summer reading challenge at the Chester County Library branch in Malvern for children and teens. Participants log books, earn prizes, and attend special events including author visits and science demonstrations. The program encourages reading throughout the summer months.

Ages 4–17
June through August
Free

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Berwyn

Drop-in makerspace sessions for children at the Tredyffrin Public Library's Berwyn branch, featuring 3D printing, circuitry kits, and craft projects. Kids in the Berwyn community explore STEM concepts through hands-on making in a low-pressure, creative environment. All materials are provided.

Ages 6–14
Weekly during school year
Free

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Conshohocken

Weekly story time for toddlers and preschoolers at the Conshohocken Free Library. Librarians read picture books and lead simple songs and movement activities that build early literacy and listening skills. The program is free and drop-in friendly for Conshohocken families.

Ages 0–5
Year-round weekly
Free

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Gladwyne

Monthly reading club for elementary-age children at the historic Gladwyne Free Library. Children listen to a read-aloud, discuss the story, and complete a related craft project. The intimate group setting nurtures a love of books in a welcoming neighborhood library.

Ages 5–10
Monthly
Free

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Wayne

Miss Bernadette and Miss Emily lead a story and craft session for children ages 3-5. A fun creative afternoon combining storytelling with hands-on art.

Ages 3–5

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Itsy Bitsy Story Time
⭐ General
Wayne

A fun story time for babies and toddlers featuring songs, lap bounces, rhymes, puppets, and stories. Designed for children 6 months to 21 months with a caregiver.

Ages 6 mo–22 mo

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Story Time for 2s
⭐ General
Wayne

A story time bridging Itsy Bitsy and the 3 & up class, designed specifically for two-year-olds. Blends elements from both younger and older classes for a perfect fit.

Ages 22 mo–2

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Wayne

An engaging story time featuring longer stories, songs, flannels, guessing games, and finger plays for preschoolers ages 3-5. A great way to build early literacy skills.

Ages 3–5

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Wayne

A welcoming story time featuring stories and songs adapted for children of all ages up to 5 years old. Perfect for families with mixed-age young children.

Ages 0–5

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Wayne

An outdoor after-school story time at Shai Shacknai Memorial Park featuring stories and songs for children ages 3 and up. No sign-up required β€” just drop in!

Ages 3–?

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Wayne

An unstructured drop-in play time for babies and toddlers up to age 3 with toys and books provided by the library. A great opportunity for little ones to socialize β€” no sign-up needed.

Ages 0–3

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Wayne

Miss Melissa leads a combined story time and painting class for children ages 2-5. A creative and fun morning blending books and art.

Ages 2–5

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Wayne

Teen volunteer Ani presents a 'Know Your Body' program exploring the endocrine system for kids in grades 2-6. A fun and educational introduction to human biology.

Ages 7–12

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Early Readers Book Club
πŸ“š Academic
Wayne

Kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade read 'We Are In A Book' by Mo Willems together and enjoy a story-inspired activity. A great way to foster a love of reading.

Ages 5–8

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Read to a Dog
πŸ“š Academic
Wayne

Children ages 5-10 practice their reading skills by reading aloud to a dog in a relaxed, supportive setting. Kids should bring a book from home for their 10-minute session.

Ages 5–10

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YA Spanish Speaking Club
πŸ“š Academic
Wayne

Teen volunteer Sebastian leads a Spanish language practice program for kids in grades 4-8, offering a chance to converse with native Spanish speakers. A wonderful opportunity to build language skills.

Ages 9–14

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Lego Lab
πŸ”¬ STEM
Wayne

Kids in grades K-5 come together to build and create in the Lego Lab. A fun, open-ended building session that encourages creativity and problem-solving.

Ages 5–11

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Wayne

Miss Melissa hosts a special Saturday morning story time with stories and songs for children from 6 months up to 5 years old. A fun weekend treat for young families.

Ages 6 mo–5

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Math Fun with Arin
πŸ“š Academic
Wayne

Teen volunteer Arin presents an enjoyable math program for kids in grades 2-4. A great way to make math engaging and fun outside the classroom.

Ages 7–10

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Tasty Tots
⭐ General
Wayne

Children ages 2-4 get to make a tasty tot treat in this hands-on food activity. A delicious and fun experience for young children.

Ages 2–4

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Wayne

A club for fans of the Baby-Sitters Club chapter books and graphic novels in grades 2-5, featuring book chats, trivia, and more. A fun gathering for young BSC enthusiasts.

Ages 7–11

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Wayne
Ages 3–5
Free

Phoenixville

Summer reading program at the Phoenixville Public Library that encourages kids to read throughout the summer. Children track their reading minutes, attend special programs, and earn prizes as they hit milestones. The library hosts author visits, science demos, and storytelling events all summer.

Ages 3–17
June through August
Free

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