Welcome back to Storytime at Brimbank Libraries for 2026!

With a few lovely updates to our new storytimes schedule, we thought we’d take a moment to guide you through what you can look forward to.

If you’re attending with little ones for the first time, you might be wondering what to expect. Perhaps it’s been a while since you visited a library and you’re curious. Will it be noisy or quiet? Structured or laid-back? Do children need to sit still? Do adults need to sing? Fret not!

Here’s a friendly guide to help you and your child get the most out of Storytime this year.

Storytime at Brimbank is a blend of sharing stories, learning through play, music and movement and a dash of silliness. All the sessions have a familiar rhythm, but each one will be slightly different depending on who’s leading, the children in the room, the books we choose, and those special, unexpected moments. We rotate books and props to keep things fresh, while keeping some familiar elements across branches. That’s the magic of Storytime!

The Atmosphere

Expect a warm, friendly space where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunty, uncle, or family friend, everyone’s included. There are flexible seating options: mats or cushions for the little ones, chairs for grown-ups, and simple props set out to inspire curiosity. Some days might feel lively, and others more tranquil. Children at Storytime need to be accompanied by their grownups for the whole session.

Our Storytime Routine

We kick off with a joyful welcome song, and Acknowledgement of Country, to bring everyone together. Then we dive into stories, rhymes, movement, and music. Your child will have chances to take part – sharing ideas or playing with props to help us retell the story. After the stories, songs and games, we often have a short, playful activity. This could be a craft, drawing, sensory play, games, puzzles, or imaginative fun. During this time children can keep exploring, and caregivers can connect with other caregivers in their library community.

Participation

Children learn best when their grown-ups role model and join in. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. You don’t need to sing perfectly: just giving it a go and having fun helps! Point out pictures, clap along, or help your little one shake a shaker or dance to the songs. Your presence helps your child feel secure and understand what’s happening. Please help us by keeping your phones away during the session.

Movement is Expected

It’s completely normal for young children to wiggle, wander, or get a closer look at a page. After all, they’re just exploring and learning! As long as everyone stays safe, it’s all part of their development. If your child drifts a little, or approaches the Storytime presenter too closely, we’d appreciate your help guiding them gently back to the group.

When it Gets Too Much

If your little one needs a quiet moment or a break, feel free to step out and return whenever you like. We’re happy to welcome you back whenever you’re ready.

At Storytimes we celebrate the small everyday magic. That adorable giggle at a silly rhyme. Successful predicting what happens next in a story. The gentle shake of tiny shakers during a song. These moments are all part of the learning journey: helping build language, confidence, and social skills in a way that’s fun and supported by their caregivers.

Storytime in 2026 will feel familiar, but with a bit more consistency across branches and a stronger focus on playful, engaging, responsive early literacy experiences. We’re really looking forward to welcoming you and your family: whether it’s your very first Storytime or your fiftieth!

Changes to Storytimes in 2026

From 27 January 2026, our Storytime schedule will look a little different, and we’re excited to share what’s new. These updates have been shaped by feedback from our community and are designed to better support children and their caregivers at every stage of early learning.

We’ll now be offering two main Storytime groupings:

Baby Bounce – for babies aged 0-18 months, with gentle rhymes, songs, and interactions that support early communication and bonding
Storytime – for children aged 2-5 years, focusing on stories, songs, movement, and playful early literacy experiences

We’re also giving Sensory Storytime a thoughtful refresh. When it relaunches in 2026, the program will move from Deer Park Library to Keilor Library and reflect current research in neuro-affirming early childhood practice and autism inclusivity.

These changes aim to create clearer pathways for families, more consistent experiences across our libraries, and programs that continue to be welcoming, responsive, and inclusive for all children.