If you haven't taken advantage of our local libraries, you really should. They have lots of kid-friendly story times available and best of all they are FREE. In addition to having a never ending supply of books, which I love since I get tired of reading the same books over and over at bedtime, they also have DVD and video rentals as well as music CD's and they are all FREE. My girls love being able to make their own book, movie and music selections. I think it instills a sense of responsibility since they have to return the books back and learn how to care for things that are loaned to us. Also, don't forget to check out our local bookstores - many have FREE story times.
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K visiting the Mercantile Library (downtown) with Cici & Uncle M.
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MasonMetu Tip:
For a great library resource visit
It has links to all the local libraries, Mason Schools' libraries, national libaries, university libraries and more. It's a wonderful FREE resource! I love their tag line, "A public library is a gift to everyone. Share the gift!"
Libraries:
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Mason Public Library - www.masonpl.lib.oh.us. 200 Reading Road, Mason, Oh 45040 (513-398-2711). We go to this library almost every week. They have a cute children's section and a nice variety of children's DVDs & CDs as well as a good adult section. We've been to their wonderful story times frequently. I'd highly recommend them since the librarians (Miss Alice especially) that do the story times are terrific. They really relate to the kids and make it fun for them. They incorporate singing, puppets and books to make it a fun-filled time. You don't need to pre-register either, you can just show up but please be on time out of consideration for others (an adult is required to stay with children on Monday evening & Friday morning).
Please visit the Mason Public Library to double check their story times.
Due to recent budget cuts, they've had to eliminate family story time.
- Toddler time - Tuesdays - 10:10am & 10:40am - for 2's and early 3's
- Bouncy Time - Tuesdays at 11:10am (for ages 6-23 months)
- Story Time for All - Wed at 1:30-2:00pm (best for ages 3-7 years)
- Story Time for All - Fridays at 10:15-10:45am (best for ages 3-7 years)
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County - www.cincinnatilibrary.org. Various locations. Now let's talk about a reader's delight - what more can you ask for in such an extensive library system. There are 40 branches in Hamilton County for you to utilize. You'll need to check out their website to see everything there is to offer but I do want to mention two locations since I think they are worth seeing and enjoying.
- The Main Library - Downtown Cincinnati - You really need to get here at least once. This library is the "busiest public library in the country" according to the Public Library Association....that is amazing. They have a huge Children's Library with fun computer stations and of course, lots and lots of books. Check it out (literally)!
- Loveland Public Library - 649 Loveland-Madeira Rd., Loveland, Ohio. Free story times offered.
- Symmes Township Branch - 11850 Enyart Rd., Loveland, Ohio 45140 (513-369-6001). Since this library is so close to us, you may want to head there for storytime or just to get some books. It looks like they have story times from 10:30-10:45 for ages 2-3 on Monday's.
Check out their Public Library of Cincinnati's "kidspace" website - it "promotes reading, self-expression, learning and fun". http://kidspace.cincinnatilibrary.org/.
West Chester Public Library - www.westchesterlibrary.org. 9363 Centre Pointe Dr., West Chester, Ohio (513)777-3131). This is another great library if you live in the West Chester area. They are actually going to be moving this to a new location once the construction is completed. Here again, you have a wealth of services to use. On their website, you can go to the Kid's tab and Reading Corner and they'll give you suggestions on books that are age appropriate for your child. They also have story times but you do need to register for some of these so you'll want to check out their website for registration deadlines and times. They also have some drop in story times and family story times that you don't need to register for. But the best thing is that they are all FREE!
Other Story Time Locations
("Big B, Little B, what begins with B" - Dr. Seuss)
Barnes & Noble Booksellers - www.barnesandnoble.com.
- 9455 Civic Centre Blvd., West Chester OH 45069 (513-755-2258). Recurring story time every Thursday at 11am.
- Waterstone, 9891 Waterstone Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45249
(513-683-5599). Recurring story time every Tuesday & Thursday at 10:30am - Sycamore Plaza - 7800 Montgomery Rd. (513-794-9320) - recurring story time every Thursday at 11am.
Blue Manatee Story Times - www.bluemanateebooks.com. 3054 Madison Road, Oakley. 513-731-2665. On Monday's, your little one, ages 2-4, can "Make a Mess at the Manatee" - read a book with Miss Kelli and do an art project for only $4 a class (register early). Join Miss Gail on Wednesdays at 10:30am (free) and on Thursdays (9:45, 10:30 & 11:15am) they have a baby/toddler music time with Miss Meghan (for kids 17 months and under for $8/class - register in advance). There is an adorable cafe attached to the bookstore that is super kid friendly.
Book Bums (new find) - www.boookbums.com - A MasonMetu viewer told me about Book Bums. It's located in Olde West Chester and it's a great bookstore. It's a combo of a coffee shop and a bookstore that have book groups and reading programs for kids. The reading book groups are guided by a teacher. They also have private reading tutoring. 8992 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester, Ohio. (513) 847-1471. Open Monday through Sat from 8:30am-8:30pm.
Borders Book Store - www.borders.com. 5105 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 (513-770-0440). If you want to have some story times and coffee then head to Borders. Call for dates and times.
Half Price Books - I love this bookstore. If you check out their clearance section, you can get some great kids books for $1 or less.
Joseph Beth Booksellers - Story Time - FREE every Monday, Wed., Friday at 10:30am - Kids get to do a craft and have story time. 2692 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45208. 513-396-8970.
