Free Storytimes in Columbia, SC: Richland Library and Lexington County Public Library

Find a Storytime Around Columbia, SC

One of the best things about living in Columbia is having not just one, but two large public library systems: Richland Library and Lexington County Public Library, with more than 20 branches and a mobile library between them!

If you are flexible on which branch you visit, you can usually find storytime options every Tuesday through Saturday. The library schedules can vary throughout the year, though, so I would recommend double-checking each library system’s current calendar to confirm events before showing up.

What to Expect at Columbia Storytimes

Library storytimes are more than just someone reading a book out loud. Every storytime is a little different, but you can generally expect one or more read-alouds mixed with plenty of movement opportunities. We have seen stories brought to life with silly voices, songs, and adorable puppet characters, along with nursery rhymes and sing-alongs that encourage kids to practice fine motor skills or get up for some high-energy dancing. Most storytimes wrap up with a special playtime, which can look different from one program to another.

Our kids have enjoyed coloring pages, crafts, bubble parties, and parachute games at different storytimes across our region. It is genuinely a wonderful mix every time you go.

Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Both library systems make it easy to find programs suited to different stages of early childhood, which is one of the things I appreciate most about the Columbia library scene.

For the littlest family members, Lexington County’s Baby Storytime provides a fun, comfortable introduction to literature for newborns through 12-month-olds. Richland Library offers Hello, Baby!, designed for ages birth to 2 years old, with stories and songs to help little ones pick up first words, build attention spans, and develop motor skills.

Once kids are on the move, they will love Toddler Storytime through Richland Library. Designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years old, these storytimes give toddlers more opportunities to stretch, stand up, and get some wiggles out. For ages 3 to 5, both Richland Library and Lexington County Public Library offer Preschool Storytimes that focus more on Kindergarten readiness, curiosity, and developing language skills.

Bringing the Whole Crew? Try Family Storytime

If you are juggling kids of multiple ages, this is where the Columbia library systems really shine. Both Richland Library and Lexington County Public Library offer Family Storytimes designed to work for the whole crew at once.

At Richland Library, Family Storytime is available for ages birth through 12 years old to enjoy together with their caregivers. Lexington County Public Library’s Family Storytime is open to ages birth through teens with their caregivers. These programs pull together all the highlights of the age-specific storytimes while aiming to actively interest and engage even older children, no small feat!

Storytime Might Take You Outside the Library, Too!

Keep an eye out for special storytime events while browsing the library calendars. Richland Library occasionally takes storytime into the community. For example, Storytime at the StoryWalk at Hyatt Park has combined stories, songs, and movement with the library’s outdoor StoryWalk experience, which is such a fun way to mix reading and fresh air.

Two other standout specialty programs are worth knowing about. The Bilingual Storytime (Cuentacuentos Bilingüe) at the North Main branch offers stories, songs, and a craft time in both English and Spanish, open to children of all ages with their families. It is a wonderful option for Spanish-speaking families or for any family wanting to weave in some Spanish. Richland Library Southeast hosts a Sensory Friendly Storytime designed to stimulate the senses in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Check the Richland Library storytime calendar for current dates and times for both.

Individual branches also offer themed seasonal storytimes throughout the year, so checking the full calendar rather than searching for just one recurring program can turn up something different and special for your family. Because schedules change throughout the year, always verify before heading out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are library storytimes in Columbia, SC free?

Yes! Storytimes at both Richland Library and Lexington County Public Library are completely free to attend. You do not need a library card to attend storytime, though having a card lets your family check out books to take home.

Do I need to register for storytime at Richland Library?

Good news: most Richland Library storytimes are drop-in, with no registration required! The main exception is Brain Teasers, Muscle Builders at the Blythewood branch, which has limited spots and requires advance registration. It is still a good idea to check the event page on the library calendar before you go, since special programs can fill up quickly even when they do not formally require sign-up.

What ages are Columbia library storytimes for?

There are storytime programs for nearly every age from birth through teens. Richland Library and Lexington County Public Library both offer Baby, Toddler, Preschool, and Family Storytimes. Age ranges vary slightly by program, check the library calendar or call your nearest branch for specifics.

Which Columbia library branches offer storytimes?

Multiple branches across both Richland and Lexington counties offer storytime programs. Not every branch offers every program type, so check the Richland Library storytime calendar and the Lexington County Public Library calendar

Can I bring a baby and an older sibling to the same storytime?

It depends on the program and the branch! Family Storytime at both library systems is designed for mixed ages from birth through teens. For age-specific programs, call your branch to ask about sibling policies, most are accommodating as long as older children are not disruptive to others.

What happens at a Columbia library storytime?

Expect a mix of read-alouds, songs, nursery rhymes, movement activities, and puppetry, with a special playtime at the end that might include crafts, coloring pages, parachute games, or bubble parties. Every storytime is a little different, which keeps it fresh and fun for kids who come regularly!

Do you know another great storytime around Columbia, SC? Let Kidding Around Columbia know so we can help other families find it, too!