There is something so magical about visiting a bookstore with your family. There are shelves and shelves of books just waiting to be read, everything is neatly organized, and there is coffee! On Saturday mornings you can sit in on a FREE Barnes and Noble Storytime where kids will be enthralled with a magical reading in the special children’s area of the bookstore. The love of reading and learning can begin early. Barnes and Noble makes it fun to introduce your children to a fun bookstore with endless titles and adventures to share.
Barnes and Noble
It is so awesome to be able to escape to a bookstore on a dreary afternoon and spend time slowly wandering shelves and being among fellow book lovers. When the weather is cold, I like to go to Barnes and Noble, get a nice hot tea, and peruse the bookshelves with my family. There are several Barnes and Noble locations in Central Indiana. Each offers a children’s play area, a Starbucks coffee shop, a music section, and all kinds of books, toys, gifts, and more. I love gift shopping at Banes and Noble because they have the most unique finds. It’s hard to leave Barnes and Noble empty handed but if there is one thing you can’t have too many of, it’s books, right?
Barns and Noble with Kids
My kids love to play in the children’s section of Barnes and Noble with the Thomas the Train table, pretend play with the hand puppets, stand on the stage to lead a story time, or look at piles of interactive toys and books. There are wonderful books and toys for every age level, including many that can’t be found at your local library. When you’ve run out of ideas for things to do with the kids, Barnes and Noble is always a great option. They can search for books, be introduced to new books, look at board games or learning toys, and play with the trains on the train table.
Barnes and Noble Storytime
Barnes and Noble Storytime is a free series that is perfect for families with young children. Each Storytime features a Barnes and Noble staff member reading a carefully selected book on a children’s stage followed by a fun craft or activity. Children can sit on the floor or on little child-size benches. Storytime is such a great way for kids to practice those kindergarten readiness skills like paying attention, listening to a grownup, and taking turns. It is also so important for kids to have frequent and fun exposure to reading and stories to help make them readers for life.
Barnes and Noble Storytime Locations
Three area Barnes and Noble locations offer storytimes on Saturday mornings twice a month. The story to be read is posted online so you can decide which week you’d like to attend. Storytime starts at 11 am on Saturdays, but I’d get there a little early to situate yourselves and get those potty breaks in. These Central Indiana Barnes and Nobles offer storytimes:
- Barnes and Noble Noblesville: Stony Creek Marketplace, 17070 Mercantile Blvd, Noblesville
- Barnes and Noble Greenwood: Greenwood Park, 1251 US 31 North, Greenwood
- Barnes and Noble Plainfield: The Shops at Perry Crossing, 2540 Perry Crossing Way, Plainfield
Shop at Bookstores
It’s hard to deny the convenience of Amazon, but nothing can match the magic of walking through a real bookstore filled to the brim with books. Take your kids and let them experience the joy of running their hands along the bindings of a bunch of books while they consider which book might become theirs forever. I believe that visiting the library regularly is a necessary and beautiful part of childhood. Nothing can quite compare with the allure of being able to check out almost as many books as your heart desires. But occasionally, being able to go to a bookstore to choose a book to take home and keep forever is a really special thing. I hope we never see the day when bookstores cease to exist, so I try to visit Barnes and Noble often and purchase books and gifts from there when I can.
Other Storytimes and Places to Find Books
Storytime at Local Libraries
Your local library will offer free weekly storytimes for children and other amazing events, like crafts and sing-a-longs. Many libraries offer summer reading programs that you can register for free and earn prizes for reading and completing goals all summer long. Stop in weekly to redeem prizes and check out more books. Did you know you can read to a therapy dog at your local library or bookstore? This free opportunity is open to anyone who would like one-on-one reading time with a cute, furry friend!
FREE Books From Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has come to Indianapolis! That means your preschooler is eligible to receive free books monthly until kindergarten! Read all about the program here and find out if you live in an area with a sponsored program. If so, you’ll receive a new book each month that is selected by early childhood literacy experts who take into consideration children’s developmental needs, age, and themes based on diversity, culture, self-esteem, and confidence.
FREE SUMMER READING PROGRAMS AT LOCAL LIBRARIES
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