Nothing beats a good story — especially when it comes with songs, rhymes, and a room full of other little ones to wiggle along with. Monterey County is lucky to have five different library systems, each running its own storytime programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Here’s what’s currently on the calendar, branch by branch, so you can plan your week around books instead of the other way around.
A quick note before you go: library storytimes shift with staffing, seasons, and summer reading programs, so we recommend a quick check of the library’s own calendar link (included below for each) before you head out.
Salinas Public Library
Salinas has three branches, each with its own storytime personality.
- El Gabilan Library — “Learn and Play” Storytime
Tuesdays, 12:00–12:45pm · Ages 0–4
Stories, songs, and rhymes for the youngest readers. - El Gabilan Library — “Spotlight Storytime”
First Saturday of the month, 11:00am–12:00pm · Ages 0–6
A themed craft every month alongside the stories. - John Steinbeck Library — “Storytime Jamboree”
Thursdays, 4:00–4:30pm · All ages (family-style)
Stories, music, and dancing. - Cesar Chavez Library — “Toddler Tales”
Wednesdays, 12:00–1:00pm · Ages 0–3
Bilingual storytime with stories, songs, and rhymes.
Pacific Grove Public Library
- Music With Mary Lee
Second Wednesday of the month, 11:00–11:30am · Babies and young children with caregivers - Preschool Stories
Tuesdays, 11:00–11:30am · All ages are welcome. However, the content will specifically be developmentally appropriate for preschoolers. - Baby Rhyme Time Storytime
Thursdays, 11:00–11:30am · Songs, rhymes, stories and play tailored for children under 2 years.
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea — Harrison Memorial Library / Park Branch
- Story Time (Park Branch Children’s Library)
10:15–11:00am · Ages 2–5 · “Stories, Songs, Rhymes and Play.” Check online calendar for specific dates. - Babytime with Marylee (Park Branch)
11:00–11:30am · Caregivers with babies under 9 months
Check online calendar for specific dates.
City of Monterey Public Library
- Storytime
Fridays, 10:15am · Ages 2–5 (all welcome) · Community Room
No registration required.
Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL)
MCFL runs 17 branches across the county, from Aromas to Soledad. To get a full list of story times and events, check the link below.
- Marina Branch — Preschool Storytime ⭐ confirmed live
Thursdays, 10:15am
Also: Dads Read, a monthly Saturday event (~10:00am) featuring storytimes led by local dads.
📍 Friends of the Marina Library calendar: friendsofthemarinalibrary.org — updates in real time - Seaside Branch — “Stay and Play with Story Time”
Tuesdays, 11:00am–1:00pm (please confirm — 2024 source) - Carmel Valley Branch — Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays, 10:30am · Ages up to 4 - Aromas Branch — Storytime
Thursdays, 1:00pm
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