Find out about free events and activities for children under 5 in Leeds, centred around books, reading and stories.
Ready Steady Readers
Bring your babies and toddlers along to Leeds libraries and join our Ready Steady Readers programme. It’s a great way to:
- introduce your children to books, reading and language activities
- help them develop their communication skills and give them a flying start in life
- spend quality time with your children
- meet other parents and carers
Our libraries are all free – it’s free to join, free to borrow books and we don’t charge for the late return of books. (But it does help us if you can remember to bring your books back on time!) We have lots of free events and activities for all the family too.
Story and Rhyme
Join us at your local library for a fun session of sharing stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A great opportunity to meet with others, and start your child's 'Ready, Steady, Readers' challenge as part of your visit.
These sessions introduce children to the world of stories and rhymes, helping them develop early speech and language skills and a love of books and reading.
These events are free for under 5s and their grown-ups. No need to book, just turn up on the day.
Story buses
Leeds libraries has two story buses called Nelly and Sam. They're packed with brilliant board books, perfect picture books and terrific toys for Under 5s. They are covered inside and out in beautiful illustrations by author and illustrator Nick Sharratt, chosen by little ones in children's centres across Leeds.
Our friendly team deliver quality Story and Rhyme sessions to young children all over Leeds through their childcare provision, while families can hop on board to borrow books to take home and share together.
The story buses visit community locations and early years settings across Leeds. They also pop up at community events and festivals during the school holidays.
