All children’s programs are free at the library! No registration is required. Unless otherwise stated, all programs run all year long.
The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth Wednesdays of the month at 10 AM feature readaloud stories followed by a craft for toddlers and pre-schoolers. The Children’s Story Hour runs all year long, even during the summers. Storytime is designed to help children develop early literacy and fine motor skills and stimulate play and curiosity through readalouds, finger plays, crafts, and poems. Can’t make it every week? Drop in as your schedule allows!
A self-paced reading challenge, Read Around the World with Matthews Public Library features curated book selections and activities that will take you on an international journey. Read the books and complete the activities at your own pace and in any order. All book titles are available to borrow from Matthews Public Library; please check the online card catalog or with a librarian regarding a particular title’s current availability.
When you have read the book and completed an activity for the country in which it is set, please visit the library to receive a passport stamp sticker for your booklet.
Read Around the World reading challenges are available for the following age groups: pre-k – 1st grade; tweens; teens; and adults. Pick up a passport for your age group at the circulation desk.
Reading packs are perfect for young minds and little hands! Each tote contains 5 – 8 books on a single topic along with one or two educational toys or games in a zippered tote bag. Reading packs are available for three developmental levels: ages 0 – 3; ages 3 – 5; and ages 5+. These are the reading packs available to borrow from Matthews Public Library. Other Lebanon County libraries offer additional topics. Search “library reading pack” in the library’s online catalog or app.
Sponsored by the Lebanon County Library System, these engaging storytimes for babies ages birth to two years old feature an interactive storytime filled with games, songs, stories, and more—all of which helps babies develop early emergent literacy skills and prepares them to participate in the library’s Children’s Story Hour. 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.
STEAM to go kits are available on a variety of topics and for different age levels from pre-school to teens. These are the kits currently available to borrow from Matthews Public Library.


