Story time is fun, quality time for everyone. We’re lucky in San Antonio to have a variety of options when it comes to venues, days of the week, and times of day for local story time offerings. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite FREE story time options. Take a look!
Libraries (San Antonio Area)
San Antonio Public Library
Visit the Central Library downtown or any of the 29 branch libraries scattered around town for endless opportunities including the always fun Mayor’s Summer Reading Club, which offers a LOT more than just reading.
Search the Events Calendar and try these shortcuts in case you find the calendar a little overwhelming. Check the “Quick Views” near the top of the page for one-click access to lists of special programs. Use the options on the right side of the page to limit your search by “Event Type” and “Location.”
Programs: Baby Time, Toddler Time, Preschool Story Time, Family Story Time, Bilingual Story Time, Little Read Wagon
BiblioTech
The first all-digital public library in the United States, BiblioTech has three locations in San Antonio: South, West, and East. Membership to the library is free to all Bexar County residents. Access to the digital collection is available 24/7.
Programs: Little Hoots Storytime (East); Children’s Storytime (South & West)
Leon Valley Public Library
The library is located just across the street from Raymond Rimkus Park. Library cards are free to residents of Leon Valley; non-residents may receive a library card by paying a fee of $20 per year for the household.
Programs: Story Time, (generally) every Thursday at 10:30 A.M.
Libraries (beyond San Antonio area)
Patrick Heath Public Library (Boerne)
Check back for fall programming.
Schertz Public Library
The Schertz Public Library is located near The Forum at Loop 1604 & IH-35. You don’t have to be a resident of Schertz to get a free library card. Check out their Youth Library Calendar of Events.
Programs: Toddler Storytime, Preschool Storytime, Evening Storytime, Baby & Me
Wilson County Public Libraries
Bookwork Buddies (Floresville), every Thursday, 10:00 A.M. Storytime will resume in fall.
Universal City Public Library
Craft Cart Story Time, every Wednesday, 4:30 P.M.
Take part in engaging stories, imaginative crafts, and educational, fun activities
Outdoors
Hemisfair
Story Time and Book Garden, every Tuesday, 10:00–11:00 A.M.
Meet at the Schultze House and enjoy a fun activity with partner Scio STEAM. The Book Garden, Hemisfair’s mobile library, will also be available so you can take a free book or donate any that you’re done with at the free take-a-book, leave-a-book library. Ideal for kids under age 4.
Cibolo Nature Center (Boerne)
Little Explorers, every Tuesday, 10:00–11:00 A.M.
The program nurtures a sense of wonder for the natural world. Children listen to nature stories, learn about the world around them, enjoy hands-on activities and games, and make a craft to take home. Themes include: science lab, nature art, seeds, and seasons. Preschool-aged children and their caregivers join a volunteer in the Visitor Center. Suggested donation: $5 per family.
Bookstores
The Twig Book Shop
Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Pre-Weekend Twiglet Story Time, every Friday, 10:00 & 11:00 A.M. (June–August); every Friday, 10:30 A.M. (September–May)
Join Miss Anastasia for a seriously fun story time and a delightful craft. Young and old Twiglets will get a real kick out of her highly entertaining storytelling. All ages welcome.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
San Antonio currently has five locations; unfortunately, all are on the North Side. Some programs vary by location, but based on the upcoming events listed online, it seems most offer the same story time options each week. Click on “View Upcoming Events” button listed with each location for more details. Bonus: Get discounts and special offers at the in-store Starbucks Café for attending.
Programs: Story Time and Activities, every Saturday at 11:00 A.M.; Baby & Me Story Time, every Sunday at 11:00 A.M.; Toddler Story Time, every Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. (Northwoods location)
Little Authors
Toddler Tuesday, every Tuesday, 10:00 A.M.
Located inside Rolling Oaks Mall. Local author Carmen Andersen shares special stories accompanied by a craft. Activity is free and is intended for children two years and older.
The Book Haus (New Braunfels)
Musical Storytime, every Tuesday, 10:30 A.M.
Join this musical version of storytime with Ms. Kathy. Designed for preschool friends.
Retail Shops
Whole Earth Provision
Storytime, second Wednesday of the month, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M.
Toddlers enjoy a reading adventure. Plus, you can enter a drawing to win a copy of the book and other prizes.
Whole Foods Market (Vineyard location)
Kids Club Story Time & Crafts, first Tuesday of the month, 10:00–11:00 A.M.
Read a new book each month, work on fun crafts related to the story, and enjoy a healthy snack.