Programs for Young Children
If you have questions or feedback about our programs, feel free to send an email to email hidden; JavaScript is required. We are doing our best to meet the needs of the community in a manner that prioritizes the well-being of our youngest patrons.
Storytimes
Baby Storytime (ages 0 – walking)
Join us for a wonderful introduction to early literacy. Caregivers share parenting experiences with one another and bond with their babies through lap bounces, nursery rhymes, songs, and board books. Registration is not required–drop in for some fun!
Join us for shorter books, lots of rhymes, and songs with movement perfect for wiggly toddlers and their caregivers!
Drop in for books, songs, and fun for children ages 3-5! We will read three or four books, with songs and activities between each. If you prefer a storytime with fewer books and more movement, try the Toddler Storytime.
Preschool STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Explorers
Come and join us for STEM Play Group! Every week we will explore a new STEM topic. We’ll read a story, and then enjoy a hands-on activity based on science, technology, engineering, or math. Best for ages 3-5, but everyone from age 0-8 is welcome to attend with their caregiver. We can’t wait to see you there!
Presented by Chris Cole, CFCE Coordinator for Community Teamwork Incorporated. The Family Resource Network is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE) from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
Wear your jammies and bring a teddy bear for storytime in the Library!
We will meet in the window seat area of the Children’s Room.
Sensory Storytime (Registration required)
Wednesdays at 10:00 AM with Registration
Join us for a Sensory Storytime, designed for neurodivergent children and their caregivers. We will read, sing, and do some sensory play activities together. In order to keep the group small, email registration is required. Children are welcome to bring headphones, fidget toys, chews, and other comfort objects with them to storytime.
To register for storytime, please email Marty at email hidden; JavaScript is required
Join us for a morning of movement and song for the whole family! Enjoy favorite tunes and discover new songs you will love in English and a variety of world languages.
Join us for a fun morning of stories, songs, and rhymes! We will read books, sing, and move our bodies. Great fun for all ages!
First Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM
Come build with our giant collection of Legos, Duplos, and other construction toys! Drop in for all ages.
Note: Legos have very small pieces; please use caution if attending with very young children!
Formerly Dads and Donuts Storytime (all ages)
Second Saturday of the month 10:00 AM
Children are invited to bring their favorite grownups to enjoy this special storytime! Donuts, juice, and coffee will be provided.
StorytimeTV on Chelmsford Telemedia
Watch staff from the public library and public schools read picture books on The Chelmsford Library’s TV show. Tune into Chelmsford Telemedia every evening at 7:00 pm for stories on the Educational Channels: Comcast 22 or Verizon 36. There are times that live programming may be shown rather than the stories. Tune in again the next evening, or check CTM’s online schedule.
Chelmsford StoryWalk
A self-guided nature trail with picture book pages along the way, for ages 2 and up. The StoryWalk is available dawn to dusk and is located at Sunny Meadow Community Garden. New stories are added every season! As of November 20, 2024, the StoryWalk has been temporarily uninstalled for repairs, but it will be back in the spring of 2025!
After School Programs
Aspiring authors in grades K-8 are invited to enter our annual Spooky Story Contest! Winners will be announced at the Spooky Story Celebration!
Tuesdays from 5:15 – 6:00 pm, Grades 3-5
Join us for a book club for kids in grades 3-5! Each week kids will be expected to read several chapters from a chosen book. Each book will be completed over the course of several weeks. Books are available at the Circulation Desk at the Chelmsford Public Library. Stop by and see what’s next!
*Registration is required for after school craft programs
Crafty Kids Club! (Grades K-5) – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays each month at 4:15