Nowadays, with technology invading every second of our lives, and our children’s, a good book is a synonym of freedom (unless you read an e-book). Reading is such an essential activity for kids, it frees their imagination and creativity making them travel to different universes. Boston is home to fantastic libraries in which kids have entire floors dedicated to them and many places where they can enjoy a nice storytime and find their favorite book to take home. Take a look at our list of Boston’s 10 best libraries and storytime for kids!
Where: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Hours: Monday 10 AM –6 PM | Tuesday 10 AM –6 PM | Wednesday 10 AM–8 PM | Thursday 10 AM –6 PM | Friday 9 AM–5 PM | Saturday 9 AM–5 PM | Sunday Closed
Boston Public Library’s Central Library features a special place for mini-readers: The Children’s Library.
From special literacy areas separated by age to modern play spaces, this is an amazing option when it comes to children’s books! They offer cool programs and events too!
Where: 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Hours: Monday 9 AM -5 PM | Tuesday, Wednesday 9 AM-9 PM | Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9 AM-5 PM | Book drop open 24/7
At the Cambridge Public Library, kids have an entire floor dedicated just for kids and teenagers!
They can have a great time choosing from a great variety of books, events, and programs! And there’s a playground outside and a large green area for them to play!
Where: 101 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 AM.–8 PM | Friday and Saturday 9 AM–5 PM
From board books and picture books to even an aquarium, the Boston Athenæum Children’s Library is a great place when it comes to books for kids!
It offers regular storytimes and events like writing workshops, reading challenges, and more!
Where: 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199, USA
Hours: Sunday 10 AM-7 PM | Monday-Saturday 9 AM -9 PM
Barnes & Boston at Prudential Center offers weekly storytime and events that the whole family can enjoy.
There isn’t a book you won’t find at Barnes & Noble, and they also offer toys and games for sale!
Where: 330 Homer St, Newton Centre, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 AM -9 PM | Friday 9 AM -6 PM | Saturday 9 AM-5 PM
Kids 0-8 years old can enjoy the couches and the large collection of children’s movies and music, and older kids can do their homework in quiet study places.
The Children’s Department of Newton Free Library offers events and programs that kids will love!
Where: 1400 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM | Sundays: 12 PM – 6 PM
Coop Kids has a great collection of children’s books and it offers two storytimes a week!
It is located in the lower level of Harvard Coop and the whole family will find super fun activities as well as many books!
Where: 361 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445, USA
Hours: Monday 10 AM – 9 PM | Tuesday 10 AM – 9 PM | Wednesday 10 AM – 9 PM | Thursday 10 AM – 9 PM | Friday 10 AM – 5 PM | Saturday CLOSED
This library features a separate reading room exclusively for children, with a child-sized door at the entrance.
Kids will have a great time enjoying stories, reading time, and other fun activities in the multi-purpose room!
Where: 700 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476, USA
Hours: Robbins Children’s Room: Monday- Wednesday 9 AM- 6 PM | Thursday 1 PM– 9 PM | Friday 9 AM – 5 PM | Saturday 9 AM- 5 PM (Sept – June) | Saturday 9 AM- 12 PM(July – Aug)
Library: Monday – Wednesday, 9 AM – 9 PM | Thursday, 1 PM – 9 PM | Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM | Saturday (Sept-June), 9 AM – 5 PM | Saturday (July-August), 9 AM – 12 PM | Sunday (October-May), 2 PM. – 5 PM
Robbins Library features a children’s room where they will find lounge pillows, a puppet collection, awesome books, and more kid-friendly stuff.
It offers many fun programs and services!
Where: 237 Washington Street, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 AM–5 PM | Closed on Sundays
The Children’s Bookshop has the largest selection of children’s books in the Boston Area!
This is definitely a great option for book shopping and they sometimes offer activities and storytime!
Where: 577 High St, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Bookstore: Monday – Saturday: 9 AM– 6 PM | Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Coffee: Monday – Friday: 6:30 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 7 AM – 6 PM | Sunday: 7 AM – 4 PM
The drive from Boston is worthy for this bookstore founded by a New York Times bestselling author/illustrator!
It offers quality children’s books, toys, storytimes, events, and a great cafè where you can relax!