Children’s Programs

Sponsored by the Lebanon County Library System, these exciting storytimes for babies ages birth to two years old feature an interactive storytime filled with games, songs, stories, and more.  A parent or caregiver must be present with children during class, and siblings are welcome to attend!  These programs are free; no registration is required, but space is limited and participation is on a first come, first serve basis. Smart Start Storytime meets at Matthews Public Library on Mondays at 10:30 AM when in session. The complete schedule of Smart Start Storytimes at all Lebanon County public libraries is available here.

Schedule of Smart Start Storytime sessions for 2019-2020:
Mondays at 10:30 AM

• September 9 – October 10
• November 11 – December 19 (no storytimes the week of Nov. 25)
• February 3 – March 5
• April 20 – May 21

The second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 10 a.m. there will be a story followed by a craft for toddlers and pre-schoolers at the library.  The Children’s Story Hour runs all year long, even during the summers.  Children will enjoy stories, finger plays, crafts, and poems.  Everyone is welcome, and there is no registration required!

Come one, come all to Polka Dot City!  All are welcome at the library’s puppet show for toddlers and pre-schoolers–no registration required.  A show is put on the first and fifth Wednesdays of each month at 10 a.m. in the library’s own professional puppet theater.  After the show children will enjoy making a craft to take home with them.

Every Thursday at 10 a.m. year round children ages 3½-5 are invited to the library for Circle Time!  At Circle Time! children learn how to be part of a group, develop listening skills, experience music and movement, and play games.  This program also provides children with opportunities for exploring new concepts and practicing social skills such as sharing and cooperating.  Circle Time enhances children’s level of self-confidence and improves their communication skills to better prepare them for kindergarten.  A wide range of early learning experiences will help children start school ready to read and ready to learn in all subject areas.  Children can attend every week or come when they can.  No registration is required for this free program.  Sessions last approximately 45 minutes each, and parents are encouraged to spend Circle Time! in another part of the library.