Let's Read: What's the Story?

There are tons of libraries around, most with scheduled story times for kids. So, which ones are worth it? Which ones feature old women reading books while they yell at our kids to sit down? Here's the story:


Philadelphia Free Library -- Chestnut Hill Branch
8711 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118-2716 (Germantown Ave. & Bethlehem Pike)
215.248.0977
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Story time: Tuesdays at 10:30-11:15 am (for children 18 mo.-3 yrs).
Children's Librarian Ms. Klemas reads stories, sings songs, and leads the children in finger rhymes. Parking is available in paid lot off Bethlehem Pike -- tickets validated at library circulation desk.

Ms. Klemas is relatively new to this location, but is doing a fantastic job. She is very upbeat and great with the kids. This one can get crowded, but there is plenty of room and cookies afterwards! If you have a stroller, make sure you come in at the side entrance (the left side of the building). You can come up the ramp and even leave your stroller outside if you want.

*There will be no story times for the majority of September. They will resume on Sept. 30th.


Borders Book Store in Chestnut Hill
8701 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118
215.248.1213
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Story time every Monday at 11:00 am
open to all ages



This is a nice story time at a beautiful Borders location. The story time takes place on the second floor next to the cafe. So, grab a coffe before or after or even drink while you watch your bigger kids enjoying the stories. This one can also sometimes be crowded, so get there early to get a good spot on the floor. And remember that you will be coming up an elevator, so you will do better without a large stroller if you can help it.



The Big Blue Marble Book Store in Mt. Airy
551 Carpenter Lane Philadelphia, PA 19119
215.844.1870
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Baby Group: Tuesdays at 10:00am -- An informal gathering of babies (and parents) playing, reading, and hanging out.
Story Time: Thursdays at 11:00am

This is a great little book store right next to Weaver's Way Co-op. There is only on-street parking and it does sometimes get crowded in this area, so walking might be nice if you're close by. The children's section is small, but fabulous, set down from the rest of the shop with plenty of toys for kids to play with and a kid-sized table to accomodate little readers. They have a great selection of books and a cafe upstairs. The staff is also very friendly.

Our review of the story time will be posted soon.

Jeannes Library – Lafayette Hill

4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610.828.0441
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Fall Story Times (starting Sept. 9th):
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 am: "Mother Goose on the Loose"
(1-30 mo.)
Tuesdays at 11:15am and Thursdays at 1:30pm -- 3-5 yr olds
Wednesdays at 10:15am and Thursdays at 11:15am -- 2 1/2-3 1/2 yr olds

Bedtime Storytimes: 3rd Tuesday of each mo. at 7pm for 3-7 yr olds

These story times are nothing short of amazing. They are down in the basement, but it is a very large room. The librarians do a wonderful job and even include a little craft at the end of each reading. The stories are usually themed and include songs and visuals.

The grounds around this library are also great. We even suggest making a day of this trip and bringing a picnic lunch to eat outside afterwards, under one of their beautiful cherry trees. There is also a nice grove of pine trees that kids love to play in, a fun "hideaway" for them.

Plymouth Meeting Barnes and Noble
The Metroplex, 2300 Chemical Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
610.567.2900
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Story time: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am
Both for pre-school (ages 3-6) and beginning readers (ages 5-8)

Our review will be posted soon.