Explore, read, sing, and play with your little ones - at the library and beyond.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Kids Area
Inspire little ones to put thoughts into words, tell stories, share, and problem-solve with this ever-changing interactive play area.
Story Trails
Enjoy the fresh air, a stroll...and a story! This literacy adventure builds reading skills and creates memories. For all ages.
Featured Events
Elephant & Piggie Storytime
Mar 28th | 10:00am - 11:00am
Celebrate Mo Willem's Elephant and Piggie books with stories, songs, and rhymes featuring your favorite characters.
Baby Buckeyes: Author Visit with John Biemer
Mar 30th | 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Enjoy a reading by local author John Biemer. Book signing, Q&A, and a photo op with mascot Brutus Buckeye (!) to follow.
Family Storytime with Twinkle the Service Dog
Apr 5th | 10:00am - 10:45am
Learn about service animals through stories, rhymes, and songs. Then meet-and-greet with working dog Twinkle and her handler Noelle.
Arab-American Heritage Month: Author Visit with Aya Khalil
Apr 6th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Enjoy a reading by Ohio children's author Aya Khalil. Book signing, book sale, and audience Q&A to follow.
Pete the Cat Storytime
Apr 12th | 10:00am - 10:45am
Groove along with the world's coolest cat while singing along to Pete the Cat stories. Stay until the end for a visit from Pete the Cat.
Visit with a Recycling Truck (Ages 2-7)
Apr 26th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hanby Park
Explore a recycling truck from Rumpke Waste Management.
Pint-Sized Prom
May 10th | 10:00am - 11:00am
Put on your fanciest clothes and dancing shoes! Groove along to your favorite tunes while enjoying limo (wagon).
Stories & Songs from the Jewish Heritage with Joanie Calem
May 16th | 10:00am - 11:00am
Enjoy an interactive performance of Jewish stories, songs, and movement. Performed by Joanie Calem.
Summer Reading: Kickoff Activities (Ages 2-11)
May 23rd, All day
Swing by the library for family-friendly activities. And you might just spot one of your favorite characters...
Visit with Farm Animals
May 23rd | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Front Lawn
Stop by during Uptown Westerville's 4th Friday celebrations to see, touch and learn about a variety of farm animals.
Lilo & Stitch Party
May 29th | 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Celebrate Experiment 626 and the Lilo & Stitch movie release with crafts and games for the whole family.
Indoor Carnival Games
May 30th | 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Play simple, indoor carnival games to earn tickets for prizes.
Dry Capital of the World: Exhibit Opening
Jun 2nd, All day
Delve into items on display from a massive Anti-Saloon League collection for the first time since returning from the Ohio History Connection
Williams Grill: Exhibit Opening
Jun 2nd, All day
Examine nearly a century of innovation and social change through the lens of this beloved Westerville restaurant.
Bluey Party
Jun 2nd | 10:00am - 1:00pm
For real life! Celebrate the one-and-only Bluey. Show off your best Dance Mode, be sure to get a photo with both Bluey & Bingo!
Bubble Party at the Park (Outside), part of a series
Dance in a swarm of bubbles while visiting with your favorite librarians. Siblings welcome. Location: Hanby…
In the Kids Area
Play Area
Inspire little ones to put thoughts into words, tell stories, share, and problem-solve with this ever-changing interactive play area.
Building Table
Enjoy hours of open-ended play with this station full of building blocks.
Mirror Door
Look into a distorting mirror that bends and twists your reflection!
Board Games for Families (In-Library Use Only)
Play a game while you're at the library! A rotating collection of board games is available in the children's area.
Interactive Projector
Wave your hands over it and watch as the image changes. You never know what it might do next, so revisit often for a new adventure.
Light Table
Experience a calming glow and stretch your attention span during play time.
Treehouse in the Kids Area
Make a new friend or enjoy a cozy reading nook in this interactive treehouse.
Peg Bright Wall
Explore limitless possibilities and encourage imagination with this giant light wall.
Services & Amenities
Wizards & Wands Festival (October 1-31, 2024)
Experience the spellbinding magic of your library. A month of otherworldly adventure awaits you.
Magic Wands (Online Class)
This is a simple and imaginative project, and the wands can be made and decorated in any style.
ASL Stories Directory (DeafChildren.org)
ASL Stories Directory offers hundreds of free videos of your favorite books. Reading & signing helps promote essential literacy skills.
Coloring Pages
Print out a coloring page. These pages commemorate special holidays, heroes & awareness months! They can be a quiet entry into creativity.
Little Artists: A Course for Parent and Child (Online Class)
Make an art box that your kids can have regular access to and learn how to be flexible and receptive to your child's unique process.
Sew Animal Placemats (Online Class)
Make meal times more fun for your little ones with these animal-themed placemats.
Sustainable Play: Make a Dollhouse Cafe (Online Class)
Suzy Ultman shows you how to transform an ordinary cardboard box into an extraordinarily cute dollhouse cafe.
Read & listen to a picture book...with sign language!
Watch free videos of ASL retellings of books for kids. Reading and signing stories together promotes essential literacy skills for all kids.
Puzzle & Game Swap (Take Home)
Take a puzzle or a board game. Leave one. No need to return what you borrow. (Located on the 2nd floor. No missing pieces, please.)
Storytime at Home
Bring storytime to your family room with these songs, activities, and more from your favorite librarians!
Little Free Libraries
No library card required. No fines. No need to return. Take a book, leave a book. These tiny libraries offer a free reading experience.
Fairy Tales, Folklore & More
From Mother Goose to the Brothers Grimm, find your favorite stories and characters from classic fairy tales, fables, myths, and legends.
Toddler Favorite Books
Try adding some of these titles to your toddler's rotation of favorites. You might find something new!
Beginning Readers: Getting Started
Beginning Readers: Guided Reading Levels A - D (0 - 150 L)
Toddler Favorite Books
Try adding some of these titles to your toddler's rotation of favorites. You might find something new!
Beginning Readers: Getting Started
Beginning Readers: Guided Reading Levels A - D (0 - 150 L)
More Recommendations
Stonewall Book Awards
A group of awards presented for books of "exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience."
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Awarded annually in the U.S. to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished contribution to beginning reader books.
Sydney Taylor Book Award
Presented since 1968 to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.
Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
This award honors books about Asian/Pacific Americans, their history and culture.
Pura Belpre Medal
Awarded to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator for a work of children’s literature that best celebrates the Latino cultural experience.
Schneider Family Book Award
A group of awards presented to the creators of books for children and teens with an artistic expression of the disability experience.
Coretta Scott King Award
Awarded to authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African-American culture.
Caldecott Medal
Awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) to the illustrator of the best American picture book for children
Newbery Medal
Awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Horses: Books for Kids
Get ready for the Westerville Library Foundation's Day at the Derby fundraiser with these horse books for children!
Celebrate Black History: Books for Kids
Celebrate Black History Month with a mix of books about Black History and stories with Black protagonists.
Sensory Kits
Lessen sensory overload while at the library with this kit. Designed for all ages, though some items may fit better on kids.
Halloween for Kids (eBooks)
Explore the fun side of spooky season with this collection of ebooks for your little ones. For ages 1-12.
Inspiring Future Voters: A Booklist for Young Readers
These books help young people understand the importance of voting, civic engagement, and making their voices heard.
Back to School Reads
Get ready for the new year with these reads in a school setting.
Tonies Kits (includes Toniebox)
Listen to your favorite characters read stories & sing songs with this screen-free experience.
Library Love
Inspired by book, grandparents build skyscraper in backyard.
Maria and David's 3-year-old grandson came up with the idea to build a skyscraper after reading Up! Up! Up! Skyscraper together.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Ashleigh M.
Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.
Annamarie C
Annamarie loves all things Disney! When she's not planning her next storytime, she's likely traveling or volunteering at the Columbus Zoo.
Katie R.
Katie knows all of the tricks to start your baby on the path to lifelong reading.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Ashleigh M.
Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.
Annamarie C
Annamarie loves all things Disney! When she's not planning her next storytime, she's likely traveling or volunteering at the Columbus Zoo.
Katie R.
Katie knows all of the tricks to start your baby on the path to lifelong reading.