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It’s never too early to take your children to story time. Here in Los Angeles, we’re fortunate because there are story times happening all over town, at different times and days of the week so you’re sure to find (at least) one that fits in with your family’s schedule. Here is our list of the best places for Children’s Story times.

Story Time Events at the Los Angeles Public Library System
Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Los Angeles Public Library System offers story times at all its branches including downtown’s Central Library location. Check with your nearest branch for information regarding the story time schedule. The Central Library often hosts themed story times for different holidays with related activities following each read-aloud session.

{Pages}: A Bookstore
904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

This independent book store is a favorite of families living in (or near) Manhattan Beach. They have occasional children’s story time including story time in Spanish. Check their calendar for dates and times. And moms will love knowing that this charming book store is owned and operated by four moms!

Fowler Museum at UCLA
308 Charles E. Young Dr. N., Los Angeles, CA 90024

The Fowler Museum hosts a special story time on the first and third Friday of each month from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Following the story, children usually participate in a related arts and crafts project and/or explore artwork related to the story. The event (and admission to the Museum) is free, all materials are provided, and no advance reservation is required.

Story Time at Noah’s Ark
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

Each Wednesday at 2:30 pm, the Skirball hosts a special story time within the Noah’s Ark exhibit.  “Flood stories from cultures around the world are brought to life through the timeless tradition of oral storytelling.”  It’s an opportunity to hear extraordinary stories in an extraordinary setting. Story time is included in admission to Noah’s Ark. ($12 general admission, $7 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2).

Barnes and Noble
several locations including
The Americana at Brand
210 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210

Barnes and Noble stores host weekly story time events, usually one on a weekend, and one on a weekday. (The Americana location hosts one on Thursdays at 7:00 pm, and one on Saturdays at 11:00 am). Saturday sessions generally include story time with related activities to follow. Check the website for the location nearest you.

Stories in the Afternoon
Norton Simon Museum
411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105

The Norton Simon Museum hosts Stories in the Afternoon on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. After the story, children generally create a drawing inspired by the story. Story time is designed for children ages 4-8 and is included in general Museum admission.  ($15 for adults and free for children)

Pottery Barn Kids
several locations including
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Pottery Barn Kids hosts a weekly story time each Tuesday at 11:00 am. Children can  become a Pottery Barn Kids Book Club member (for free) and then receive a special surprise after attending five events. Check the website for the location nearest you.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium hosts a weekly story time on Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Each week’s story time features an ocean-themed story followed by a live animal presentation. Admission is free for children 12 and under, and $5 for adults and children 13 and older.

Story Time in the Galleries
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

LACMA invites families to “take a reading journey into a world of folk tales and colors” each Friday afternoon at 2:00 pm. Story time is held in the Boone Children’s Gallery adjacent to the art in the Chinese and Korean galleries of the Hammer Building.

Storytime at Vroman’s
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101

Founded in 1894, Vroman’s Bookstore is the “oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California.” Every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:00 am, Vroman’s very popular Mr. Steve hosts a story time for children. 

Silk Road StoryTime
USC Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

On the second Sunday of each month, story time is held in the Journeys exhibition room of the USC Pacific Asia Museum. This Silk Road-inspired story time begins at 10:30 am and 11:30 am and includes a story from across the world and is followed by a hands-on activity. Admission is free on this day.

Beverly Hills Public Library
444 N. Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The Children’s Department at the Beverly Hills Public Library hosts several different story times each week. Story times are designed for children of different ages, including a “Baby Storytime,” “Toddler Storytime,” “Early Words Storytime,” and “Mother Goose Storytime.” Check the website for details. (You do not need to be a Beverly Hills resident to obtain a Beverly Hills Library card).

Saturday Morning Stories and More
Children’s Book World
10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Children’s Book World may be one of the most well-known children’s book stores in Los Angeles, having been in business since 1986. The store hosts special events each Saturday morning — story times, mini concerts, and more.  You can check their website for information about their upcoming schedule.

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Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.