Events: Children's Programs

Nature Storytime | “Owls”

Spring has sprung and so has an all new Storytime program focused on the great outdoors! This June, Storytime “goes wild” with educational books and fun crafts about the natural environment and the critters who call it home, including our own Tanger Arboretum!

For Thursday, June 18, we’ll read Owls by Gail Gibbons:

With their striking appearance and distinctive hoot, hoot, owls are one of the most recognizable birds in the world. But did you know there are more than 140 types of owls living in the world? Gail Gibbons’ “Owls” celebrates the similarities and differences in the many species of owls, from large to small, living in diverse environments and making many different kinds of nests. The book covers basics of owl behavior, information on how they hunt, and the many factors that have led some types of owls to become endangered.

Nature Storytime is free and open to the public. Books and crafts selected are suggested for ages 5-8 years of age, but all ages are welcome. We kindly ask one adult (18 years or older) attend per household. Nature Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. Registration is appreciated to guarantee space and supplies for all children. To register, please click the link below or call 717.392.4633.

Register for June 18 Storytime

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

June 18, 2026 LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

Nature Storytime | “Frogs”

Spring has sprung and so has an all new Storytime program focused on the great outdoors! This June, Storytime “goes wild” with educational books and fun crafts about the natural environment and the critters who call it home, including our own Tanger Arboretum!

For Thursday, June 25, we’ll read Frogs by Gail Gibbons:

Growing from tiny tadpoles to massive master jumpers, frogs and their life cycles are fascinating. How far can frogs jump? Why do their eggs look slimy? Answer these questions and many more in this illustrated introduction to amphibians. With her signature bright, well-labeled diagrams and simple text, Gail Gibbons introduces the habitat and life cycles of frogs and gives an overview of common frog behaviors. Important biology vocabulary is introduced, defined, and reinforced with kid-friendly language and clear illustrations–plus a page of intriguing frog trivia and clear diagrams that show how frogs are different from toads. Bonus material is included about the unique role frogs play in the environment.

Nature Storytime is free and open to the public. Books and crafts selected are suggested for ages 5-8 years of age, but all ages are welcome. We kindly ask one adult (18 years or older) attend per household. Nature Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. Registration is appreciated to guarantee space and supplies for all children. To register, please click the link below or call 717.392.4633.

Register for June 25 Storytime

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

June 25, 2026 LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

July Storytime | “Fireworks”

The flowers have bloomed and the sun is shining! What better way to enjoy the outdoors than to join us for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud a book with different themes, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 2, we’ll be reading Fireworks by Matthew Burgess (Illustrated by Cátia Chien) to celebrate Independence Day!

Fireworks is a sparkling picture book from the award-winning team of Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien, highlighting the simple delights of a steamy July day in the city as two siblings eagerly anticipate a spectacular fireworks display. (HarperCollinsPublishers

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 2, 2026 LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

July Storytime | “Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach”

The flowers have bloomed and the sun is shining! What better way to enjoy the outdoors than to join us for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud a book with different themes, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 9, we’ll be reading Courage in Her Cleats: The Story of Soccer Star Abby Wambach by Kim Chaffee (Illustrated by Alexander Badiu) to celebrate this year’s FIFA World Cup!

“Chaffee uses thwumps, whizzes, and whooshes to communicate soccer player Abby Wambach’s energy and skill in this upbeat tribute to the player’s resilience.” ―Publishers Weekly

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling 717.392.4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 9, 2026 LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

July Storytime | “A Flag for Juneteenth

The flowers have bloomed and the sun is shining! What better way to enjoy the outdoors than to join us for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud a book with different themes, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 16, we’ll be reading A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor to honor the legacy of Juneteenth!

“Kim Taylor’s portrayal of a girl witnessing the first Juneteenth, accompanied by exquisite quilted artwork, is filled with a spirit of jubilation and freedom. . . . her textile art perfectly complements her evocative prose. . . .“—BookPage, Starred Review

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 16, 2026 LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

July Storytime | “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy”

 

The flowers have bloomed and the sun is shining! What better way to enjoy the outdoors than to join us for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud a book with different themes, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 23, we’ll be reading I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets (Illustrated by Lorraine Nam). Following the reading, we’ll take a mini tour of LancasterHistory’s Research Center with Director of Collections and Research Center, Aimee Caya.

“[An] affectionate picture book….embracing readers and suggesting that among a library’s greatest treasures are the people who find their place within its walls.”Publishers Weekly

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 23, 2026 LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested