Ongoing Programs

The Library offers exciting programs for children ages birth through fourth grade at all three Public Library of Brookline locations. Our storytime and play programs build early literacy skills, encourage fine and gross motor skill development, and provide social interaction for kids and caregivers. Our afterschool programs offer enrichment and social opportunities for kids grades K-4. Please check out our events calendar for more information about each individual program.

Programs at Brookline Village

Morning Programs

Babytime

Join us on Monday mornings in Hunneman Hall for a baby lapsit program. Come prepared to sit on the floor with your baby in your lap and sing and play together! The second half of the program will be an open socialization and play time. This program is for babies who aren’t walking yet. No ticket or registration required.

Building for Babies and Toddlers

This program is a thirty minute drop in program that uses various types of blocks or other building materials to encourage fine and gross motor skill development and social interaction. This program is intended for kids ages 0-5, their caregivers, and their siblings. The Library runs this program on Thursday Mornings at 10:30 AM. Tickets are not required for this program.

Brookline Community Playgroup

Join us for Tuesday morning fun! BEEP and the Public Library of Brookline are teaming up to bring little ones and their caregivers weekly playgroups. On Tuesdays we will share a warm hello circle, a story with movement, and a simple craft to take home. With fresh monthly themes, there’s always something new to explore! This program is best-suited for children ages 0-5 and their grownups. Please stop by the Children’s Room Desk for a free ticket, which we will begin handing out at 10 AM.

Family Storytime

Our Family Storytime is for ages 0-5. Storytime is a thirty minute, interactive program that uses songs, felt stories, and books to build early literacy skills. This program meets on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. There is limited capacity, so please stop by the Children’s Room Desk for a Storytime ticket beginning at 10 AM.

Music and Movement

Join us for interactive stories, songs, and movement on Thursday mornings in Hunneman Hall! Be prepared to sing, dance, and shake your sillies out! This program is aimed at children ages 0-5. Please stop by the Children’s Room Desk for a ticket, which we will begin handing out at 10 AM.

World Language Storytimes

The Library is pleased to partner with dedicated community members to offer storytimes in multiple languages. All of our world language storytimes are conducted fully in their designated language. The Library currently offers storytimes in French, Japanese, Spanish, and Taiwanese. World Language storytimes may be virtual or in person, so read more about these programs on our events calendar.

Programs at Coolidge Corner

Morning Programs

Family Storytime

Our Family Storytime is for ages 0-5. Storytime is a thirty minute, interactive program that uses songs, felt stories, and books to build early literacy skills. This program is on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM. No ticket required!

Singalong

This program is a thirty minute session of singing, movement, and fun with library staff, featuring children’s classics and new favorites. Singalong is intended for ages 0-5, and is held on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. No ticket required!

Brookline Community Playgroup

BEEP and the Public Library of Brookline are teaming up on a weekly playgroup for little ones and their caregivers, generously funded by a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Network grant. Each session, we will share experiences such as free play, circle time, a story with movement, and a simple craft to take home. With friends and activities, there’s always something new to explore – we can’t wait to play at Coolidge Corner on Thursday mornings at 10:15 AM! This program is best-suited for children ages 0-5 and their grownups. No ticket required.

World Language Storytimes

Afterschool and Evening Programs

LEGO Lovers

Drop in from 3-4 PM on alternating Mondays and join us for an opportunity to free-build or complete building challenges with Legos and Duplo! This program is intended for kids ages 5-9, along with siblings and caregivers.

Kids Crafternoon

This program is designed to kickstart creativity for kids ages 5-9. Materials will be provided, and kids can follow along with the crafting recommendations or allow their imaginations to guide them! This program is from 3:30 to 4:30 PM on Thursdays.

Pokémon League

This club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5 PM at Coolidge Corner. This program is sponsored by New England Comics, and everyone is welcome! We face off, trade cards, and discuss tricks of the trade. This program is for anyone ages 6+ who loves Pokémon.

Canines at Coolidge Corner

Reading is more fun when you’re reading to a dog! Our specially trained therapy dogs are accompanied by their human handlers, and will sit quietly while you read aloud to them. Bring a favorite book and relax while you read to a friendly, furry, four-legged friend! This program is intended for kids grades K-4. Each session is 15 minutes and requires registration, which opens one week in advance of each session.

Programs at Putterham

Morning Programs

Family Storytime, Music, and Movement

Our Family Storytime is for ages 0-5. Storytime is a thirty minute, interactive program that uses songs and books to build early literacy skills. This program is monthly on Mondays at 10:30 AM.

Matt Heaton Family Singalong

Join special performer Matt Heaton for an interactive singalong! This program is for families and kids of all ages, but may be most appealing to kids ages 0-5. This will be a thirty minute concert. This program is monthly on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM.

Afterschool and Evening Programs

Learn Origami with Jingting

Join librarian and origami expert Jingting for this fun introduction to the art of paper folding. This program is for adults of all ages and kids five years old and up. This program meets monthly on Saturday afternoons.

Pups @ Putterham

Reading is more fun when you’re reading to a dog! Our specially trained therapy dogs are accompanied by their human handlers, and will sit quietly while you read aloud to them. Bring a favorite book, and relax while you read to a friendly, furry, four-legged friend! For kids grades K-4. Sessions are 15 minutes and registration is required.

Display Cases

Fill our display cases in both the Children’s and Teen Rooms at Brookline Village with your collections or artwork! LEGO’s, bracelets, rock collections, painted art, and more have all been displayed in our cases over the years. There are two cases for kids and one case plus multiple frames for teens, so there is plenty of room to share your passion. Fill out our Display Case Request Form to get your name and display idea added to our waitlist!

Early Literacy Calendars

Every month, we put together a calendar full of ideas and activities to help practice early literacy skills with your little ones. Each week is focused on a different theme and includes suggestions of how to Sing, Talk, Read, Write, and Play together to get your child(ren) ready to read! There is also a weekly book recommendation, which is always available physically and digitally through the Library. Download our twelve-month Early Literacy Calendar!