When the local library comes to mind, it’s easy to think of a reading area or a weekly story time. But yoga classes, lego-a-thons, homework help and song hours don’t immediately jump out. You may be surprised to know that San Diego libraries are brimming with kid-friendly activities, classes and events designed to entertain and educate your little ones. And best of all, they are free! So get ready to be surprised with our guide to local library fun.

Create a Sweet Sound at Music Makers
Toddlers will love the chance to explore their musical side at the Music Makers classes from Hopscotch Tiny Tots. Little maestro’s ages 3-5 will sing, dance, clap and cheer up a storm at these themed sessions that incorporate music, art, movement, science and language arts. Classes are a very toddler attention span friendly at 30 minutes, and younger and older siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Keep in mind that due to the popularity of this class, Music Makers will be close to arrivals once the room is at capacity or 5 minutes after the start of the session.

North University Community Library
8820 Judicial Dr.
San Diego, Ca, 92122
858-581-9637
Online: friends.northuclibrary.org

Date: Mondays, 10 a.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Mira Mesa, Logan Heights, Linda Vista, Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa and North University Community libraries host similar music events. Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Image Credit: The Mommy Project San Diego

Bop With The Babies at Rhyme Time
The littlest of little ones don’t have to miss out on the library fun with Rhyme Time. Geared toward babies ages 0 – 18 months, these classes are designed to teach social, motor and sensory skills in a fun environment. Classes are a very baby friendly 40 minutes long and include songs, rhymes, finger play, toy time and bubbles. No registration is required and it isn’t a problem if you arrive a little late. Feel free to pop right in and join in the fun!

Carlsbad Cole Library
1250 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Carlsbad, Ca 92008
760-434-2897
Online: carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/library/youth/kidsevents.asp

Date: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. and 11a.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Kensington-Normal Heights, Allied Gardens / Benjamin, North Clairemont, Paradise Hill, Scripps Miramar Ranch and North Park libraries all host similar baby rhyme time events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Build It Up At LEGO Play Time
Get the kids singing “Everything is Awesome” at the Mission Hills LEGO Play Time. Kids 3 and over will love being able to conceptualize, build, rearrange and build again to their hearts content. The library will provide the lego all you need to do is bring your imagination. Each week has a theme and is on display for everyone to see.

Mission Hills Library

925 Washington St.

San Diego, Ca, 92103

619-692-4910

Online: facebook.com/mhlibrary

Date: Wednesdays, 5- 6 p.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Rancho Peñasquitos, Skyline Hills, La Jolla/Riford, Mission Hills, North Park and Balboa libraries all host similar lego events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Have A Namaste Moment At Yoga Story Time
Breathe deeply and feel the connection of mind and body at Allied Gardens / Benjamin Branch yoga story time. Kids will to transform into a stretching monkey, a downward dog or a silly elephant as they partake in a 45 minute session of stories and songs matched to yoga poses and breathing. Some parents swear by the classes calming effect and ability to bring on a great post-yoga nap time! Classes are geared towards toddlers ages 2 and over. No registration is required and a mat isn’t necessary (unless you want to bring one).

Allied Gardens / Benjamin Branch Library
5188 Zion Ave.
San Diego, Ca, 92120
619-533-3970
Online: facebook.com/bjbranchlibrary

Date: Mondays, 10:30 a.m.

Image Credit: San Diego County Library

Call Check Mate At Chess Club
Visit the Mira Mesa library to open your mind at their weekly chess club catch up. Your mini Bobby Fischer’s will practice a game of strategy, logic and consequence where it’s not about the position’s you have but the moves you make! Mira Mesa welcomes all chess players ages 5 and up at any skill level. Kids can learn the fundamentals of the game, practice their skills or workshop why that move was made with the friendly library staff. The library will provide the chess sets or bring your own. Checkmate!

Mira Mesa Library
8405 New Salem St.
San Diego, Ca, 92126
858-538-8165
Online: facebook.com/mmlibrary

Date: Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Rancho Peñasquitos, Point Loma/Hervey, Central and Otay Mesa-Nestor libraries all host similar chess events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Learn Sign Language at the Sign-A-Story Circle Time
Practice your sign language at the fun and energetic sign circle time at the Pacific Beach / Taylor Branch library. Run by Monta Briant, a local mommy and author of Baby Sign Language Basics and Sign, Sing, and Play, this action-packed 45 minutes is filled with signed stories, signed songs and games. It’s perfect for preverbal babies and toddlers, giving you an early communication tool to start understanding your little one better. This class gets very busy and parking can be tight.  Leave extra time to find your spot; but if you’re late, feel free to join once the class has started.

Pacific Beach / Taylor Branch Library
4275 Cass St.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-581-9934
Online: pblibraryfriends.org

Date: Fourth Thursday of the month (except November and December), 10:30 a.m.

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Mission Valley, Kensington, Tierrasanta, Bonita, Encinitas, North Clairemont, Central Library / Sanford Children’s Library, Rancho Peñasquitos, Mission Hills, Rancho Bernardo, Clairemont and Ocean Beach libraries all host similar sign events! Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Tackle Your Homework at Homework Help
Looking for some one on one home work help? Or perhaps just a focused and stimulating environment to tackle those class assignments. Homework help at  Linda Vista Library offers a curriculum-aligned resources, Wi-Fi and a wide range of print and digital resources that help your kiddo develop and succeed academically. Students can work independently or with the assistance of the learning coordinator and/or the homework help volunteers. Keep in mind parents will need to be present on site at the library.Linda Vista Library
2160 Ulric St.
San Diego, Ca, 92111
858-573-1399
Online: lindavistalibrary.org/homework-help

Date: Mon – Thurs., 3.30 – 7 p.m. during the school term

Looking for More Like This In Your Area? The Central, North Clairemont, North Park, Logan Heights, Pacific Beach, San Carlos,  Scripps Miramar Ranch, City Heights/Weingart, Otay Mesa-Nestor, Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa, San Ysidro, College-Rolando, Linda Vista, Mountain View/Beckwourth, Oak View, Kensington-Normal Heights, Valencia Park/Malcolm X and Skyline Hills libraries all host similar homework help events!  Just check out the local library listings here and here for dates and times.

Do you have any favourite library classes or events? Let us know in the comments below!

— Lenya McGrath