Make 2024 the year that you and your preschooler try out the abundant free events and resources curated by dedicated librarians from our local libraries!

Early exposure to words is fundamental for a child’s language skills as well as their cognitive and social–emotional development (per Pediatrics, Volume 142, Issue 4, October 2018, Early Language Exposure and Middle School Language and IQ: Implications for Primary Prevention). Libraries certainly have plenty of engaging books—and Monterey County offers many library branches—but libraries also offer a chance to play with cool toys, learn more about your community, and maybe even meet new friends. There are libraries from Big Sur to Salinas, Pacific Grove to King City, and San Lucas to Aromas, with well over 20 branches across Monterey County.

“You should really get a library card for all of them,” recommends Sarah Nolan, event programming librarian at the Monterey Public Library. Many of these libraries have dedicated children’s librarians working hard to help little ones learn and thrive.

Beyond traditional brick-and-mortar libraries, there are Little Free Libraries all across town: Try your luck at finding early reader books for your home library while you’re out for a walk. Many locations are listed at littlefreelibrary.org, but it’s always a sweet surprise to find a new one!

Bookmobiles provide library services in areas distant from branches or with other access barriers. Google “Monterey bookmobile” to ask questions or to suggest a new stop.

Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) and Monterey Public Library also operate bookmobiles that visit Moss Landing, Pebble Beach, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley Manor, the Pajaro Park, East Garrison, Las Lomas, Spreckels Memorial Park, Toro Park, and Ohlone/Royal Oaks as well as La Mesa Village, Montecito Park, Merrill Gardens, The Park Lane, Casanova Oak Knoll, New Monterey, and El Estero Center, respectively.

Here are just some of the Monterey County library offerings. Check the respective library websites for complete details.

SONG AND STORY TIMES

• Salinas’s Cesar Chavez Library offers Toddler Tales on Fridays from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
• The Marina branch hosts preschool storytime every Thursday from 10:15–10:45 a.m.
• The Aromas branch has storytime on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.
• The Seaside branch offers Stay and Play with Story Time on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Salinas’s El Gabilan Library hosts Learn and Play Story Time on Tuesdays from 12:00–12:45 p.m.
• Carmel’s Park Branch Children’s Library has storytime on Wednesdays (besides holidays) from 10:15–11:00 a.m. It features stories, rhymes, songs, and hands-on activities designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their parents and caregivers.
• The Monterey Public Library hosts weekly toddler/preschool storytimes on Tuesday afternoons in the community room. All are welcome, especially ages 2 to 5. (Note: For preschool and younger programs or programs for all ages, parent participation is expected and younger siblings are allowed.)
• The Pacific Grove Public Library offers Toddler Tales on Mondays from 11:00–11:30 a.m.
• Salinas’s John Steinbeck Library offers Story Time Jamboree for ages 0 to 7 on Thursdays from 4–4:30 p.m.
• The Carmel Valley branch offers a fun and interactive weekly preschool storytime program (designed for infants and kids up to age 4) with singing, movement, and engaging stories on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

PLAY TIMES

• The Pacific Grove Public Library offers preschool stories on Tuesdays from 11:00–11:30 a.m. Miss Mary and Barnaby Bear read stories and sing songs developmentally tailored for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.
• The Salinas Public Library hosts playgroups for those ages 1 to 4. These groups provide exploratory activities to help develop a child’s skills. Registration is required. Call 831-758-7355 for more information.
• The Carmel Park Branch Children’s Library offers craft programs once a month on Fridays. They also host sessions of LEGO Lab and game times.
• The Marina branch presents Build and Play! on Tuesdays from 4:00–6:45 p.m. They lay out toys in the kids’ area, from MAGNA-TILES, LEGO bricks, and KEVA planks to larger DUPLO blocks, and you bring your building creativity! Come with your little ones to play together and socialize with other families.
• The Carmel Valley branch offers Stay and Play, with colorful toys that encourage motor and social development. For more information, call the branch at 831-647-7760 or email Ashley at griffithsa@co.monterey.ca.us.
• The Pacific Grove Public Library hosts open playtime on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

PARENT AND CHILD-FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

As of January 2023, Monterey Public Library has new parent–child corrals available as workstations as well as a quiet space for nursing.

LOCAL RESOURCES:

• The Marina branch offers monthly Dads Read events featuring storytimes led by area fathers, as well as clothes and toys swaps.
• The Monterey Public Library, Carmel Harrison Public Library, and other local libraries offer California State Park passes to be checked out for three weeks at a time by cardholders. Take your little one to explore a new area or enjoy a walk.
• Low-income families residing in Monterey County qualify for one free aquarium pass per season (September through April) via the Shelf-to-Shore program through the MCFL, Monterey, and Pacific Grove libraries. Call to check if passes are available and present your library card for a qualifying adult aged 18+.

DIGITAL RESOURCES:

• MCFL has an extensive YouTube Channel that offers Rhymes and Songs videos in English and Spanish for preschoolers. Additional fun options include Little Chef, STEAM Time, Backyard Science, Make It Monday, and more.
• Recorded songs, stories, and experiment tutorials are available anytime at Monterey.org’s kid’s page under the library tab.
• MCFL offers a database called Tumble Book Library, accessible with an MCFL library card or a free trial: Tumblebooklibrary.com

BOOKS AND READING:

• PBS Kids: Educational games and videos from Curious George, Wild Kratts, and other PBS Kids shows! (PBSKids.org)
• Footsteps2Brilliance: Free access to a selection of 500 interactive, award-winning digital ebooks, songs, and activities (Footsteps2Brilliance.com)
• Story Time from Space: A project of the Global Space Education Foundation, Story Time from Space sends children’s books to the International Space Station so astronauts can read them to you! (StorytimefromSpace.com)

ADDITIONAL MCFL-RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

• 1-2-3 Andrés: Interactive music for kids and families that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture (YouTube or 123Andres.com)
• The Singing Walrus: Interactive, catchy songs designed to encourage children to engage with the music and learn new things in a playful way (YouTube)

MATH:

• Funbrain: Hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving, and literacy for prekindergarteners.