Need a Break From Reading Out Loud? Where to Find Storytime Events in Calgary

November 2016

Do your kids have an insatiable desire to have their favourite stories read out loud? When your voice gives out, here’s where to find a storytime event in Calgary… where someone else will read to your kids!

Bow Habitat Station Wonderful Wednesdays – click for detailed info

When: First Wednesday of every month
Time: 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm
Where: Bow Habitat Station
Address: 1440 – 17A Street SE, Calgary AB
Cost: $2 per child, accompanied by paid adult or senior (max 4 kids per adult)
Phone: 403-297-6561
Email: bow.habitat@gov.ab.ca
Website: www.aep.alberta.ca

Calgary Public Library

Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo education volunteers read wonderful animal stories from a selection of children’s books and show neat things for the kids to look at and touch. This program is FREE with your admission, although a voluntary fee of $2 per child is welcome.

When: Weekly on Thursdays, 10:30 to 11 am
Where: Karsten Discovery Centre Atrium at the Calgary Zoo
Address: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary AB
Website: www.calgaryzoo.com

Engine 23 at the Central Library – click for detailed info

Where: Calgary Public Library, Central Branch
Address: 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary AB
Website: www.calgarylibrary.ca

Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park

Bring your children to Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley Museum every Tuesday (excluding special event weekends, check the website or call ahead to be sure) to hear classic stories. They’ll fall in love with beloved favourites like Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, and many more. Storytime is free with regular admission to the museum.

When: Tuesdays
Time: 11 am
Where: Gasoline Alley Museum
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary AB
Website: www.heritagepark.ca

IndigoKids at Chapters and Indigo Stores – click for detailed info

Mastermind Toys (Shawnessy Location)

Visit Mastermind Toys (Shawnessy location) for a free story and play time event every Wednesday morning. A different theme every week, and kids of all ages and their caregivers are invited!

When: Wednesdays – resumes January 18, 2017
Time: 10 – 10:45 am
Where: Mastermind Toys Shawnessy
Address: 16061 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary AB
Website: www.mastermindtoys.com

Monkeyshines Children’s Books

Monkeyshines, Calgary’s only bookstore that’s just for kids, hosts a free book reading once a month – on the 1st Saturday morning of the month. It’s a fun way to spend a cold winter morning or even a hot summer one!

When: monthly on 1st Saturdays
Time: 10:30 am (until about 11:15 am)
Where: Monkeyshines Children’s Books
Address: 113 2215 33 Avenue SW, Calgary AB
Website: www.monkeyshinesbooks.com

Owl’s Nest Books

Owl’s Nest Books periodically hosts readings and meet & greet/book signings by author’s of children’s literature (plus they have lots of adult-oriented book events too).

Click the link below to see what’s coming up!

Where: Owl’s Nest Books
Address: 815A 49th Avenue SW, Calgary AB
Website: www.owlsnestbooks.com

Pages on Kensington

Drop by Pages on Kensington on Wednesday mornings for story books, songs and bubbles! This is a free event, no sign-up necessary.

When: Wednesdays (September – June)
Time: 10 am
Where: Pages on Kensington
Address: 1135 Kensington Road NW, Calgary AB
Website: www.bookmanager.com
Facebook: Pages on Kensington Facebook Page

Pottery Barn Kids

Young kids will love the weekly storytime at Pottery Barn Kids in Chinook Centre. Pick up your Book Club passport at your first visit and you’ll get a special gift once you’ve had it stamped 5 times.

When: Tuesdays
Time: 11 – 11:30 am
Where: Pottery Barn Kids at Chinook Centre
Address: 6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary AB
Website: www.potterybarnkids.ca

Past/Off-Season Events:

Dr. Seuss in the Park (seasonal)

Tomkins Park (July & August)

Every Wednesday during July & August, the Calgary Public Library hosts a free storytime in Tomkins Park at 3:30 pm.

When: Wednesdays during July & August
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Tomkins Park
Address: 880 17 Avenue SW, Calgary AB
Facebook: Calgary Public Library\

J. Crew Stores

J. Crew at Market Mall and Chinook Centre host a free storytime – perfect for kids 5 and under – on the first Saturday of every month. Milk and cookies included!

When: 1st Saturday of every month
Time: times may vary – call your local store to confirm

Where: J. Crew in Market Mall
Address: 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary AB
Phone: 403 286 1776

Where: J. Crew in Chinook Centre
Address: 6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary AB
Phone: 403-252-6196