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
Visit with a Recycling Truck (Ages 2-8)
Apr 27th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hanby Park
Explore a recycling truck from Rumpke Waste Management. Ask questions about trash pickup and recycling services and learn about the…
Summer Reading: Kickoff Activities (Ages 2-11)
May 24th, All day
Swing by the library for family-friendly activities. Register for the challenge by May 26 for a chance to win tickets to Kings Island!
Visit with Farm Animals
May 24th | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
See, touch and learn about a variety of farm animals for a live barnyard experience. Animal visitors will include sheep, goats, ducks,…
Indoor Carnival Games
May 31st | 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Play simple, indoor carnival games to earn tickets for prizes. While you're here, get a temporary tattoo and dance the afternoon away in a…
Gymboree on the Go! (Ages 0-5), part of a series
Jun 14th | 10:00am - 10:30am
Play, learn, dance, and grow with experienced Gymboree teachers. Discover age-appropriate music, and movement activities, including…
Adventure of the Lost Treasure: Science Show (Ages 4-11)
Jun 15th | 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Search for hidden treasure - and discover some exciting challenges along the way! Explore air pressure, energy transfer, physical vs.…
Family Storytime at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop, part of a series
Jun 17th | 11:00am - 11:30am
Enjoy a story, movement rhymes, and action songs, especially designed for ages 2-5.Location: Family Room Coffee & Bake ShopAddress: 545 S.…
Mysteries & Marvels: Comedy Juggling
Jun 19th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Watch the extraordinary juggling tricks and comedy of entertainer Tony Sweetland.For ages 4-7, parents or caregivers (age 18+) must remain…
Mermaid Storytime - with a Live Mermaid! (Ages 2-7)
Jun 22nd | 10:00am - 11:00am
Listen to a live mermaid read a story and sing your favorite under-the-sea tunes. Then stay for family crafts and games and take photos…
Science Time: Axolotls (Ages 4-7)
Jun 27th | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Explore a different STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math) concept each month through stories, songs & hands-on…
Visit with a Fire Truck (Outside)
Jun 28th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hanby Park
Explore a fire truck provided by the Westerville Division of Fire. Ask questions about fire safety and learn about the different parts of…
Bug Box | OSU Entomology
Jul 2nd | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Learn all about creepy-crawly critters through trivia, crafts, and live bugs from Ohio State University's Insectary. Bugs will vary but…
Performance Dogs of Ohio
Jul 6th | 10:00am - 11:30am
Hanby Park
Witness trained dogs showcase tricks, stunts, agility, and Frisbee skills. Learn about each dog and their training routine.
Magic Show (Ages 4-11)
Jul 17th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Enjoy a highly-interactive magic show full of card tricks, disappearing props, humor, and a live rabbit! Presented by the Tada Musician,…
Giant Bubble Show, part of a series
Experience the excitement of 20-foot bubbles, fog bubbles, bubble volcanoes, and even kids inside of bubbles. Presented by…
Baby Olympics: Diaper Dash (Ages 0-3)
Jul 26th | 10:00am - 11:00am
Crawl, walk, run, jump, and go for the gold! Show off your little one's talents by completing a variety of physical feats such as…
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
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 & Shine: Winter Reading Challenge
Challenge yourself to a winter of reading and earn a prize when you meet your goal. For all ages.
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)
More Recommendations
Great Family Movies with Animal Main Characters
Take a look at these great family movies featuring a furry, scaled, or feathered cast of characters.
Women's History Month for Kids (eBooks & audiobooks)
Celebrate the history of influential women this month, and all year long, with this collection of ebooks and audiobooks from Hoopla.
Women's History - Little People Big Dreams Series
This list focuses on the stories of many influential women from the best-selling book series for kids, Little People Big Dreams.
April Fool's! Funny Stories to Read Aloud
Laugh out loud reading these funny favorite stories.
Growing Up: Social-Emotional Learning for Kids (BingePass)
Growing up can be tough, but it can be easier with the right support. Read ebooks on topics like relationships, feelings & healthy choices.
Cuentos para niños en español (BingePass)
Estos libros, escritos principalmente para niños de kindergarten a tercer grado, son un buen comienzo para los jóvenes lectores...
Countdown to Spring
Is winter over yet? Check out these books to get ready for those April showers and May flowers.
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.
American Indian Youth Literature Award
These awards are presented every two years, to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians.
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Awarded annually in the U.S. to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished contribution to beginning reader books.
Stonewall Book Awards
A group of awards presented for books of "exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience."
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.
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.
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.
Raychelle S.
When she’s not recommending a great fantasy read or planning an author event, she’s likely floating in a kayak or trying a new recipe...
Grace G.
When Grace isn't helping students tackle their homework assignments, she's likely devouring a delicious pastry or spending time outdoors.
