Children's Area

The children's area is a wonderful destination for engaging your child in lifelong learning. 

Come enjoy an excellent selection of stories as well as a puppet theater, floor puzzles, early literacy computers, DUPLO blocks, iPads with educational apps for kids, and a relaxing atmosphere to connect.

Toddler Stories & Play

MONDAYS AT 10:00AM

Join in as we read, sing, dance, and play in this special storytime meant to encourage a love of reading and build essential early literacy skills.

Baby Signing Storytime

MONDAYS AT 1:00PM

Little ones and their caregivers gather to sing songs, enjoy a story, finger play, and learn sign language basics with best-selling author Monta Z. Briant. We may listen to a book like "Jungle Walk" and learn to sign favorite animals, such as "tiger." Chasing (and popping!) bubbles floating about the children's area is a favorite portion of this special program. 

Preschool Storytime

THURSDAYS AT 10:30AM

Join us for an engaging preschool storytime that promotes a love of reading and quality together time.  

Homework Help

WEDNESDAYS FROM 12:30-6:00PM

Take advantage of free Homework Help in the teen area during the school year.

• Qualified homework coaches
• Study supplies
• Friendly workspace
• A library of resources!

No registration necessary, open to K-12 students.

Need help outside of these hours?

Live Homework Help connects you online with qualified tutors 7 days a week, 1pm-10pm. Safely chat with tutors, share a 'white board' to draw your math problem, and more. Students can also submit their papers and receive personal feedback within 24 hours. Log in using your library card.

More Programs

The children's area is a busy place for all ages, with a weekly Lego Builders Club, Toddler Yoga class, Pinback Button-Making, children's author visits, Saturday art classes, books clubs, and so much more for young children, elementary age, tweens and teens.

Krayon Kiosk

Thanks to a grant from the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation, the Krayon Kiosk is now a central feature of the Children's Area. Children have access to curated early learning apps on the station's four iPads. Access to this non-traditional learning tool levels the technological field for children without devices at home, and helps create a learning-rich environment alongside traditional picture books, blocks, and other items on offer in the Children's Area.

Click here for a list of educational iPad apps for kids.

Graphic Novels

We have an excellent and expanding collection of graphic novels and comic books to tempt even the most reluctant reader. 

study rooms

Need some space? We have two study rooms in the teen area that can seat up to four students each. Great for group projects or for being productive on your own.

Beloved Rocking Horse

Tucked away behind the staircase on the main floor, it’s easy to miss the Beloved Rocking Horse. This relic, a gift from the Cole family, once graced the floor of the iconic John Cole’s Book Shop in La Jolla. Older library patrons often recall riding on it as children. The independent book store, which opened in 1946 and closed in 2005, had a homey charm and its own paragraph in the “Frommer’s San Diego” travel guide.