Story time
Children of primary school-age or in their first year of school (Reception) are invited to join us to enjoy stories shared by one of our library team. We also offer a story and craft session for pre-school children.
Sessions are free to attend. You don't have to book in advance. Parents and carers must stay with their children throughout.
Story corner
Join us for story corner – regular story time sessions – at the following libraries.
| Library | Day | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Chadwell library | Thursdays, term-time only | 3:30pm to 4:15pm |
| Grays library Mini Makes and Tall Tales for pre-school children |
Tuesdays, term-time only | 10am to 10:45am |
| Grays library | Saturdays, fortnightly – usually includes crafts | 10:30am to 11:15am |
| Tilbury library | Thursdays Pre-school story time with puppets and craft activity | 10.30am to 11.00am |
Seedlings Group
A place for children to learn how plants grow, find out about local wildlife and get muddy hands! Children must be at all times accompanied by a parent or guardian.
| Library | Day | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Chadwell library | Tuesdays, term-time only. Starts October 2025 | 3:30pm to 4:00pm |
Sensory-friendly sessions
Our 'sensory-friendly' story corner sessions have less noise, making them more suitable for children under 5 years-old with special educational needs or disabilities – especially those with autism. Make new friends and enjoy sensory toys together, including:
- sensory light box and light toys
- sensory tent and sensory toys
- puppets and musical instruments
Places are very limited so parents and carers must book by phoning the library in advance. Parents and carers must stay with their children throughout.
| Library | Day | Times |
|---|---|---|
|
Tiny Tales and Sensory Play: Stories and free play for babies and toddlers |
Mondays, term-time. Starting in October 2025 | 11:00am to 11:30am |
|
Sensory Toy Time |
Fridays, term-time | 10:30am to 11:30am |
|
Sensory Toy Time |
Wednesday 17 September 2025 Wednesday 15 October 2025 Wednesday 19 November 2025 Wednesday 17 December 2025 |
2pm to 2:45pm/3pm to 3:45pm/4pm to 4:45pm |
Toy Time Sessions
Join us for fun play sessions. These are busier drop-in sessions. Enjoy sensory items which include:
- sensory light box and light toys
- sensory tent and sensory toys
- puppets and musical instruments
For under 5s and parents/carers. Parents and carers must stay with their children throughout.
|
Library |
Day |
Times |
|
Grays library |
Wednesdays, term-time only |
10am to 11:00am |
Sensory tent and sensory bags can be borrowed free from Grays, Belhus, Corringham, Chadwell and Tilbury Libraries if not already out on loan.