Looking for the perfect family storytime in Charlottesville? Families here have so many options — from cozy bookshops to lively libraries and outdoor garden readings.
Planning Your Storytime Outing
There are storytimes almost every day of the week in the Charlottesville area, both indoor and out. If you’re new to the storytime circuit, we’ve got a few pro tips to help you plan your outing:
- Check schedules in advance. Some storytimes are seasonal or drop-in only.
- Dress for the venue. If the storytime is outside, make sure you have sunscreen, hats, and water for everyone. wear sunscreen, and bring hats. You might also want to grab a picnic blanket!
- Turn storytime into a mini-adventure. Combine it with a stroll downtown, a post-story bookstore stop, or a walk through the Botanical Garden.
Charlottesville’s Favorite Local Storytimes
Charlottesville is full of literary and book-themed places for kids of all ages to gather. Whether you’re seeking kid-friendly storytime that’s free, themed, or seasonal, or just a chance for your Cville kids to enjoy books in a community setting, these local story hours are some of our favorites.
Story Garden: A Seasonal Storytime by CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine
- Where: Pop-up locations around Charlottesville (gardens, farms, and community spaces)
- When: Monthly, seasonal series (check our Events Calendar for dates)
- Why Families Love It: Hosted by CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine, Story Garden is a free, family-friendly program designed to build literacy and connection. Each event features themed seasonal stories read aloud in a welcoming outdoor setting, often paired with crafts or activities that bring books to life.
- Special Focus: Story Garden reflects CharlottesvilleFamily’s mission to support learning and literacy. It’s part of the magazine’s charitable initiatives, connecting families with books, stories, and each other.
“We wanted to create something simple and magical—an opportunity for families to slow down, share a story, and enjoy each other’s company,” says Bryerton. “As a longtime advocate for literacy and learning, this initiative reflects CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine’s heart: bringing our community together through the joy of books.”
CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine is delighted to announce the launch of Story Garden, a monthly pop-up storytime series designed to cultivate a love of reading, spark imagination, and strengthen community connections. Each event features seasonally themed picture books read aloud by Publisher Jennifer Bryerton and takes place at beloved family destinations across Central Virginia—from toy stores and children’s museums and libraries to bookstores and play spaces.
Virginia Discovery Museum Storytime
- Where: Virginia Discover Museum, 524 E. Market St., Charlottesville
- When: Mondays at 10:30 AM (drop-in program with museum admission)
- Ages: All ages with adult
- Why Families Love It: These storytime sessions whisk kids away on imaginative journeys filled with talking animals and daring heroes. Plus, little ones can bring a stuffed friend for companionship! Program admission is included with museum tickets.
Storytime at the Garden
- Where: Botanical Garden of the Piedmont (in partnership with JMRL)
- When: Monthly, cancelled by inclement weather
- Ages: 2-4 years
- Why Families Love It: Experience outdoor stories under the trees to connect literacy with nature! After storytime, families can enjoy the garden, trek the trails, or stay for the Create with Nature program.
Barnes & Noble (Barracks Road) Storytime
- Where: Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center
- When: Saturdays at 10:30 AM
- Ages: Preschool to elementary
- Why Families Love It: A cozy, bookstore setting where families can enjoy a story, then browse shelves for a new favorite read.
New Dominion Bookshop Storytime
- Where: Downtown Mall
- When: Saturdays at 11:00 AM
- Ages: Preschool to elementary
- Why Families Love It: Charlottesville’s oldest independent bookstore offers charming, interactive story sessions in a historic setting every weekend.
Charlottesville Ballet Storytime Experience
- Where: JMRL branches (Central Library, Northside, Greene, Louisa, Scottsville)
- When: Scheduled events in fall and winter
- Ages: 3-8 years
- Why Families Love It: A storytelling event infused with ballet! Children enjoy fairy tale readings enhanced by dancers performing excerpts from ballets like The Nutcracker—a magical fusion of art, movement, and narrative.
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Family Storytimes
Charlottesville’s local library system, JMRL, has dozens of weekly storytimes for kids. If you visit the different branches, you can find one happening almost every day!
Storytimes include casual drop-in events as well as programs that require advance registration. Most of them have an established structure that allows Cville kids to learn the songs and routine, as well as meet new friends. Many welcome siblings of different ages, though some ask for a caregiver’s full attention.
Visit the JMRL website for the full schedule and program details.
- Where: JMRL branches (Central Library, Northside, Greene, Louisa, Scottsville, Crozet, Gordon Ave)
- When: Weekdays and Saturdays every week
- Ages: 0-5 years
- Why Families Love It: Storytimes are targeted toward different age ranges and have different themes, such as Little Bookworms, Preschool Storytime, Read & Rhyme, Together Tales, Bilingual Storytime, and Saturday Storytime.
Charlottesville Family Storytimes Comparison Chart
| Venue | Age/Style | Highlights | Cost |
| Story Garden (CharlottesvilleFamily) | All ages, seasonal outdoor | Free pop-up storytime series with crafts, literacy focus | Free |
| Virginia Discovery Museum | General family | Interactive, included with museum admission | Ticketed |
| JMRL Library Branches | Babies to preschoolers | Frequent, bilingual & themed sessions | Free |
| Botanical Garden Storytime | Outdoor family experience | Nature + stories in a garden setting | Free |
| Barnes & Noble Storytime | General family | Cozy bookstore readings, browse after | Free |
| New Dominion Bookshop | Little readers | Boutique bookstore, themed sessions | Free |
| Charlottesville Ballet Storytime | Ages 3–8 | Stories paired with ballet performances | Free |
No matter which Charlottesville storytime you choose, your family will find an experience that sparks imagination and joy. From cozy bookstores to outdoor gardens, every program is a chance to nurture literacy and connection.
And don’t forget to check out CharlottesvilleFamily’s own Story Garden, where Cville kids can gather under the trees to enjoy stories and activities that make reading magical.
Life with little ones is always changing, and we love supporting Cville kids at every stage. Find resources on introducing new siblings (with bonus fun printables!), how baby learns, finding a daycare or preschool, and fun first outings with your infant in Central Virginia.
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CHARLOTTESVILLEFAMILY EDITORS are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.