Boise Public Library
Boise's municipal library system with five branches in Boise: Main Library (715 S. Capitol Blvd. — downtown), Library! at Bown Crossing (2153 E. Riverwalk Dr.), Library! at Cole & Ustick (7557 W. Ustick Rd.), Library! at Collister (4724 W. State St.), and Library! at Hillcrest (5246 W. Overland Rd.). Offers Baby Stories and Play (recurring Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri), summer reading program, kids and teen programming, summer and winter program guides. All locations have parking, public computers, WiFi, and meeting rooms.
Programs offered
15 programs · tap for detailsBaby Stories and Play
Free early-literacy program where library staff help caregivers nurture their child's reading through rhymes, songs, stories and open play time. A way to meet others in the community and set your baby up for early literacy success.
Crafternoons for Kids (Ages 6-11)
Free weekly arts-and-crafts session with a new project every week. Designed for kids ages 6-11; younger children may need adult assistance.
Family Dance Party
Free family movement program — dance, shake and wiggle the morning away with music, movement, bubbles, balloons and a musical craft.
Family Storytime (Ages 0-5)
Free weekly family storytime with stories, games, music and other educational activities for children 5 and under and their caregivers. Offered at multiple Boise Public Library branches.
Homeschool Huddle (Ages 6-11)
Free hands-on STEAM program for homeschooled kids ages 6-11, with topics rotating each session. All families are welcome; caregivers are encouraged to stay and connect with each other during the program.
Kids Crafts (Ages 6-11)
Free monthly Saturday craft session with a variety of fun crafts each time. All materials are provided.
Outdoor Play and Learn (Ages 0-5)
Free caregiver-and-me outdoor program for babies, toddlers and pre-K kids featuring scavenger hunts, plant-life lessons and 'insect soup'. It can get messy, so dress appropriately.
Pajama Storytime
Free monthly evening family storytime where pajamas are encouraged but not required, with books, rhymes, songs and loads of fun.
Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5)
Free weekly kindergarten-readiness storytime with fun, interactive stories and a craft, for children ages 3-5 and their caregiver.
Rebel Readers — A Book Club for Teens (Ages 12-17)
Free monthly book club for teens, reading and discussing titles that may include sensitive topics.
School Age Fun (Ages 6-11)
Free weekly after-school drop-in with hands-on activities such as cardboard forts, stop-motion animation and window painting. Activities rotate each session. For kids ages 6-11.
Seeing Things — Photography for Teens (Ages 12-17)
Free recurring photography program for teens. No special equipment required.
Stories and Sensory Play (Ages 2-5)
Free monthly program combining reading with sensory activities — sensory bins, felt stories, songs and dance — plus a craft. Sensory play helps children develop language and motor skills. Curated for kids aged 2-5.
Storytime in the Grass
Free outdoor warm-weather storytime held on the lawn rather than indoors. Sessions run on the grass by Library! at Bown Crossing and at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve.
Toddler Storytime (Ages 2-3)
Free weekly storytime of songs, stories and learning together, designed for children ages 2-3 and their caregivers.
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Co-parenting on a rotating schedule? See whether other parents found this place flexible about missed sessions when their child is with the other parent.