Storytimes & Programs for Birth to Preschool

OCPL encourages developing early literacy skills right from birth with regular storytimes for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. All programs introduce books, reading, and language through age-appropriate stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Designed to create a foundation of reading readiness, our early literacy programs help children develop a joy for learning language and enjoying books. Parents and caregivers learn fun ways to help build the early literacy skills children need to become successful readers.

Let's get Every Child Ready to Read @ your library!
Sign up for library events here

Picture Book Challenge Opens in new window

STORYTIMES

Introduce books, reading, and language through stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Come learn fun ways to help build the early literacy skills children need to become successful readers!

STORYTIME PAUSE: MAY 30-JUNE 11

TODDLER TIME (0-2 years old)

  • Jacksonville: Every Tue. & Thu.; 10:30 AM
  • Sneads Ferry: Every Wed.; 10:30 AM

Preschool (3-5 years old)

  • Jacksonville: Every Tue. & Thu.; 11:30 AM
  • Sneads Ferry: Every Wed.; 11:30 AM

Family Storytime (0-5 years old)

  • Jacksonville: Every Wed; 10:30 AM
  • Richlands: Every Wed; 10:30 & 11:30 AM; Every Thurs; 10:30 AM & 11:30 AM
  • Sneads Ferry: Every Tue; 10:30 AM; Every Thurs; 10:30 AM
  • Swansboro: Every Tue; 9:30 AM;  Every Wed; 9:30 & 10:30 AM;  Every Thu; 10:30 AM

Summer 2022

FAMILY STORYTIME (0-5 years old)

Jacksonville

  • Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Richlands

  • Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Sneads Ferry

  • Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Swansboro

  • Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Wednesdays at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Storytime Pause from Aug. 21-Sept. 10.

Summer Reading Kickoff - All Ages

  • Onslow Pines Park
    • June 11; 9-11 a.m.

Kickoff summer reading with a morning of fun! Join the library with various other community partners like Possumwood Acres, the Sheriff’s Department and more.   Activities, crafts, music, and dance parties will fill the day while you have fun and register for the Oceans of Possibilities 2022 Summer Reading Program.  Register online after June 1 at ocpl.readsquared.com.

Wacky Wednesdays - Preschool

  • Jacksonville • June 15-July 27; 10:30 a.m.

Each Wednesday will be a different surprise program.  Come out every Wednesday to have fun with a variety of programs including dance parties, sensory play, and STEAM activities!