Children's Libraries
Children and young people love our libraries
Our children-friendly libraries are bursting with brilliant books and captivating stories to spark and inspire your imagination. Your library has lots of crafts and great reads for all ages. From Baby Rhyme Time to the Summer Reading Challenge, there's always something to do in the library and all you have to do is come along!
You can:
- Borrow books, story CDs and even toys*
- Attend our weekly fun rhyme and story times, and messy craft activities for Under 5s
- Take part in fun workshops and reading groups
- Meet children’s authors and watch magical events
- Get homework help
A Bookstart pack is also available for children under 5.
Plus - nobody is too young to join!
How to join Haringey libraries
Find out more below!
Activities for Under 5s
Although we can’t bring you our regular under 5s’ activities at the moment, we will be starting them again just as soon as it is safe to do so. Our activities are staff-led and free to take part in. We look forward to seeing you there.
Rhyme Time
Our popular rhyme time and singing sessions are always a good opportunity for your little ones to interact with other children their own age. They feature a mix of traditional nursery rhymes and modern children’s songs, often with plenty of actions and movements to keep you all busy! While most sessions are for all under 5s, some are specifically suited to baby and toddler groups.
Messy Mornings and Craft Fun
We run simple art and craft sessions designed for preschool children. Whether it’s the youngest ones splashing some paint around, or the older ones learning to colour and glue, you are guaranteed to have something to take home and stick on your fridge.
Story Time
The young children love sitting and listening to the stories being read by one of our librarians. Our story time sessions feature selections from the library’s infant picture-book collection. They might also give you some good ideas about the sort of storybooks you will want to borrow and read at home!
Stay and Play
Another opportunity for your youngsters to get to know, and to play with, other children. Our stay and play sessions feature a variety of age-appropriate toys. Soft toys for the little ones, trucks, bricks and activity toys for the older ones.
Bookstart packs
Bookstart gives free books to every child at two key stages before school, as well as free packs for children with additional needs, tips and guidance on reading together, resources and activities, and much more.
Pick up your free Bookstart pack at a Haringey Library.
For more information regarding Bookstart, visit the Bookstart website (external link).
Homework help
Haringey Libraries are the perfect place if you are looking for somewhere to do your homework. We have free Internet access, endless information books, and our friendly staff can help you find the information you need.
Plus if you need to use computers and print your homework we're a great place to visit. You can even print from your own smartphone or laptop!
Our Homework Clubs are currently closed due to COVID-19, but we are hoping to restart our services as soon as we can do so safely. Please check our website for updates.
Please also visit our useful online resources page for learning support for all ages.
Reading Book Clubs
Children’s reading groups are not currently taking place due to COVID-19.
Ordinarily there is a drop-in reading group at Marcus Garvey Library called ‘Chatterbooks’, for 8 – 11 year olds. The club takes place on Mondays at 4.30-5.30pm (fortnightly). We will update you when this is back on again.
Contact your local library
If you have any questions or need further information, you can contact your local library.
See also:
- E-books and audiobooks
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice: Children and Young People
- Explore more activities for all ages
Useful external links
- BBC Bitesize
- Under 5s – Easypeasy
- Online storytime
- Tony Ross reads I don't want to wash my hands - A Little Princess Story
- Voices
- Bookstart
- Literacy Trust
- The Reading Agency
