Library Programs

The Scotch Plains Public Library’s Youth Services Department offers a wide range of programs for children and teens.


Library Specials

NJ Snake Man Returns – Saturday, October 3rd at 2:00 PM — Kick off Scotch Plains Day weekend with a wild adventure! The NJ Snake Man brings amazing snakes from around the world for a hands-on presentation where guests can learn about these fascinating reptiles, their habitats, behaviors, and important role in nature. Guests may even have the chance to touch or hold a snake after the presentation. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Registration is required. Registration opens Monday, September 21 for Scotch Plains residents. Neighbors may register as guests beginning Friday, September 25.

Fall Festival – Saturday, October 17 at 10:00am and 11:00am. Families are invited to join us for our 5th annual Fall Festival featuring face painting, crafts, and fun fall challenges! Registration is required and opens on Monday, September 28th.

Not So Spooky Family Fun Night – Thursday, October 29th at 6:00pm Families are invited to enjoy a variety of fall-themed activity stations throughout the library during our 2nd Annual Not So Spooky Family Fun Night. Registration is strongly encouraged. All activities are available while supplies last.

Storytimes & Events for Littles

Budding Bookworms invites babies (birth–17 months) and their caregivers to enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that spark early literacy, followed by social playtime with new friends. Registration required.

Storytots is a lively storytime for children 18–35 months and their caregivers, featuring picture books, songs, and interactive play that spark creativity and early learning. Registration required.

Once Upon an Easel is a creative storytime for children 18–35 months, combining beautifully illustrated books with hands-on art activities that spark imagination, self-expression, and early literacy. Registration required.

This interactive storytime designed to get your 3 to 5-year-old excited about books, learning, and school readiness. Each session features a lively mix of stories, songs, and activities that build early literacy and social skills in a fun and engaging way. Registration required.

Crafty Tales – Fridays at 10:00am (July 10-August 21)

Designed for children between 2 and 5 years of age, this program promotes creativity by pairing a stories with a craft. Registration required.

Pajama Storytime – Thursdays (7/30 & 8/20) at 6:00pm

Children are invited to join us for a fun and exciting nighttime storytime! Grab your favorite stuffed animal and wear your pajamas for a fun evening of stories and songs. This program is geared for children ages 1 to 3 but all are welcome! ASL interpretation will be provided. Registration required.

Saturday Storytime – Saturdays at 10:00am(no session 10/17)

The entire family is welcome to join us for this storytime each Saturday! Children and their caregivers can increase language development and comprehension with our stories, songs, and rhymes. Registration is not required fort his event (check our website for date updates).

*We want everyone to enjoy our programs! If you need any accommodations, please reach out to us at kids@scotchplainslibrary.org. Online registration is required for all programs. Registration opens the Monday one week prior. The first four days of registration are limited to children who are residents of Scotch Plains only. When registering, please use the child’s card number. Need a Scotch Plains Library card? Contact us at 908-322-5007 for more information or stop by the library. Neighboring LMxAC families can sign up the Friday one week prior to the event.

Library Programs (Being Update)

Family Pokémon Club

Calling all Pokémon trainers and fans! Join us for a fun-filled Pokémon Club featuring crafts, coloring sheets, games, activities, and all things Pokémon! Bring your own Pokémon cards to play (trading is not allowed), take on fun challenges, get creative with Pokémon-themed crafts, and enjoy a welcoming space to celebrate your favorite Pokémon. No Trading allowed Registration encouraged.

Sprinkle Squad – Select Thursdays at 6:00pm

Calling all junior chefs! Kids in K–2nd grade will mix, stir, and sprinkle their way through a new kid-friendly recipe each month. Come cook up fun and tasty creations. Registration required.

Paw Buddies – Select Mondays at 6:00pm

Children are invited to practice their reading with a trained therapy animal at this program. This event will be held in the basement of the library. This program is for emerging readers who are in K-5th grade. Registration required.

Science Club – Select Mondays at 6:00pm

Join us to explore the wonders of science and investigate your curiosities with The Science Club! Come for fascinating science experiments, learning, and fun! This event is run by amazing volunteers from our Teen Advisory Board. Registration required.

Art Lab – Select Tuesdays at 3:45pm

Join us for Art Lab, a hands-on art program for students entering grades 3–8! Bring your ideas and work at your own pace as you experiment, design, and make something uniquely yours in a supportive, creative space. Registration Required.

Game On! – Select Tuesdays at 3:30pm

Students in grades 3–8 are invited to Game On!, our monthly gaming club featuring Nintendo Switch games, board games, chess, Pokémon battles, and more, with games for all skill levels; bring your own Pokémon cards or use the library’s, but please note that Pokémon card trading is not permitted. Registration required.

Spark Lab – Select Thursdays at 3:30pm

Get ready to design, build, code, and create! Students in grades 3–8 will explore a variety of hands-on projects that combine art, technology, coding, and STEM. Participants can try weekly challenges, continue working on personal projects, or bring ideas from home to life. Whether they’re designing a 3D print, building a STEM creation, experimenting with coding, or learning a new tool, makers will have the freedom to explore, problem-solve, and create something amazing. Registration required.

FinLit Forward (Financial Literacy Workshops) – Select Fridays at 4:00pm

Smart Money, Made Fun! Explore saving, spending, budgeting, goal-setting, entrepreneurship, and smart financial choices through fun, hands-on activities designed for students in grades 3–5; each 30-minute session stands alone, so participants can join any session. Registration required.

*We want everyone to enjoy our programs! If you need any accommodations, please reach out to us at kids@scotchplainslibrary.org. Online registration is required for all programs. Registration opens the Monday one week prior. The first four days of registration are limited to children who are residents of Scotch Plains only. When registering, please use the child’s card number. Need a Scotch Plains Library card? Contact us at 908-322-5007 for more information or stop by the library. Neighboring STELLA families can sign up the Friday one week prior to the event.

Programs for Middle & High School Students

Teen Programs – Looking for teen programs? Check out our teen page!