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OUR LIBRARIES ARE HOTSPOTS FOR CREATIVITY, IMAGINATION AND CONNECTION School may be out, but your family can still hit the books—and so much more—at any one of our local libraries.
Our four branches offer a combined 1,800 programs every year. More than just a place to check out books, these libraries offer kids opportunities for adventure and connection. Beyond reading, there are game times, puppet shows, music sing-alongs, science workshops, crafting and much more. There’s a wealth of offerings just a library card away. Here’s a primer to get you started.
In addition to the downtown library, Greenwich boasts three additional branches in Byram, Cos Cob and Old Greenwich, each with individual programming. Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Greenwich and is over the age of twelve is eligible for a free library card. All you need is a photo ID, proof of residency such as mail or proof of employment in Greenwich.
Nannies and caregivers are eligible as well. It is not necessary to have a library card to use the facilities; but inevitably, once you step inside, you’ll want that card to take advantage of everything available.
Greenwich Library’s online calendar allows users to check out what’s going on at each branch.
From chess and checkers in Cos Cob to Science Girls!, an interactive workshop at the main branch, kids can do so much more than just read. The libraries also feature virtual field trips, with suggestions for online journeys. How about a Broadway musical, anyone? Or perhaps a trip to the Monterey Aquarium?
For children who want someone to read to them or want to read along with a narrator, there’s the Tumble Book Library, a collection of audio books and graphic novels that can be listened to in English and Spanish. And remember that books can be requested online and through the interlibrary system transferred to the branch near you.
Greenwich Libraries Summer Guide
Sunshine, Stories, and Music
Get outdoors on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. with Summer Courtyard Storytime in the Baxter Courtyard, or enjoy the Petite Concert on Tuesday, June 20, at 11 a.m. at the Marx
Family Blackbox Theatre—both at the main library. Check the website for dates and times of programs like World Music. Storytimes are offered in an array of languages and grouped by ages—from babies and toddlers to pre-k and drop-off age. These programs are also a great way for parents and caregivers to connect with others. And since little ones often need to move around, some options combine storytime with yoga and stretching.
Greenwich Library Cafe
When visiting Greenwich Library, hungry little ones can enjoy a snack break at The Cafe downstairs. Serving a variety of popular food options from local partners, this spot to refuel is run by Abilis and provides a competitive employment program for those with special needs. The Cafe is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Check out the Greenwich Library App
In addition to all that’s offered in the libraries, a library card allows holders to use the Libby App to check out e-books, magazines and audiobooks for free. Over 140 titles of children’s read-along books are available. This is the perfect way to bring a library full of books on vacation or into your living room.
Greenwich Library Kids Programs
With a separate children’s wing, Perrot Library is a perfect summer destination for the littles. Situated directly across from Binney Park in Old Greenwich, it’s a great place to start for an afternoon of reading, picnicking and running around the park greeting the turtles and ducks. Unique programs like Yoga Storytime, Read to a Dog and Sing with Me are just a few of the ways the library engages local youth. Some programs are drop-in, and some require registration; so check the website for ages and registration requirements.
Free Admission to Local Attractions
Members of the library are also eligible for discounts or free admission to other destinations. Passes can be reserved online and are available at the Youth Services Circulation Desk. One pass that’s valid for three days is permitted per family.
Participating partners include:
- Audubon Greenwich
- Bruce Museum
- Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport)
- Discovery Science Center (Bridgeport)
- Stamford Museum and Nature Center
- Earthplace
- The Nature Discovery Center (Westport)
- Stepping Stones Museum (Norwalk)
- Intrepid Air and Space Museum (New York)
- The Museum of Modern Art (New York)
- The Metropolitan Museum (New York)
Reading To-Go Bags
A great tip for grandparents or anyone with young visitors this summer is to contact the children’s department at any branch and ask a staff member to prepare a bundle of books for pick up. They are experts at what kids like to read and can pull together a custom pile of selections based on interests and age.
Hours of Operation
GREENWICH LIBRARY
101 West Putnam Avenue
203-622-7900
Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
21 Mead Avenue
203-531-0426
Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday 12 p.m.–8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
COS COB LIBRARY
5 Sinawoy Road
203-622-6883
Monday 12 p.m.–8 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
PERROT MEMORIAL LIBRARY
90 Sound Beach Avenue
203-637-1066
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m.*
* Perrot is closed Sundays during the summer from June 25 through September 3.
Information on all libraries can be found at greenwichlibrary.org.