FREE Bilingual Story Times for Westchester Kids

4/27/17 - By Susan Miele

Because a public library’s mission is to serve the varying interests of its community, it’s fitting that many offer bilingual programming for children, especially in towns with diverse communities. Bilingual programming for Westchester families, however, is often attended not only by native speakers but also by those wishing to expose their children to a second language from an early age. One local mom we know strategically hired a Spanish-speaking nanny for her toddler and brought him to Spanish story time to increase this exposure.

Beyond the 30 to 60 minutes of weekly immersion, these programs can also provide a cultural hub—an opportunity for families to connect with others from their heritage and socialize both within and outside of the library setting. And since most are intended for young learners accompanied by a caregiver, you're sure to pick up some new phrases yourself!

We’ve explored the bilingual programs offered by Westchester libraries to round up some highlights. Though Spanish-language programs are the most abundant, a variety of languages are in focus—and one in particular offers a smattering of more than 20 languages, from Dutch to Urdu and Ashanti! One note: Although we confirmed with the libraries that these are ongoing programs, be sure to check before you go because dates can change.

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Cuentos - White Plains
Sundays, once per month
This all-Spanish story time is geared toward children ages 2-3. Although registration isn't required, tickets are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bilingual Story Time/Cuentos Bilingues - Yonkers
Mondays, once per week
Songs, crafts and rhymes are employed in both English and Spanish at this weekly half-hour program.

Hora Del Cuento - Mamaroneck
Mondays, once per month
This drop-in Spanish-English story time is open to all! Ideal for preschoolers and younger, sessions include reading, finger play and a craft. These are typically held on Mondays but check the library's website to ensure it's occurring.  

Bilingual Family Night – White Plains
Wednesdays, once per month
Here’s an evening program that allows even working parents to participate with their kids. Expect stories and small activities.

Multilingual Mother Goose - Chappaqua
Thursdays, once per week during the school year
Spanish? Yes, but much more! So many languages are introduced at this program, you might not even have heard of them all. Afrikaans, Ashanti, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Korean, Patois, Polish, Punjabi, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, and Yiddish are (believe it or not) just some of the tongues studied.

Fiesta! - Croton
Fridays, once per week
To help children learn Spanish, this program features music and movement, puppetry and theater games. Turn off Dora and get moving!

Chinese-English & Spanish-English Story Times – Pelham
Saturdays, once per week
The Pelham Public Library rotates between Chinese and Spanish for these drop-in story times each week, which are geared toward preschoolers through third-graders. Expect storytelling, songs, and language and cultural activities. Programs run continuously, but just double-check before you go because they’re not held on holidays.

Photo: Enokson, via Flickr.