Children's library programs and activities

Find out more about the various children's library programs and activities available at Stirling Libraries.

A woman reading to babies

Programs and activities for children

Stirling Libraries host a wide range of activities for children, such as storytime and rhymetime, in addition to activities for older children, such as coding clubs, drop-in and play sessions. The digital library is available for kids to access eBooks, eAudio and a variety of online activities.

Join us for an engaging storytelling experience in Auslan – perfect for little ones aged 2-5!

Led by a Deaf presenter and supported by an Interpreter, these free, fun and interactive sessions are brought to you by Expression Australia and are proudly supported by the City of Stirling.

We encourage both Deaf and Hard of Hearing families and hearing families to attend.

Bookings are essential.

This program is temporarily paused. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Stirling Libraries – Osborne.

Our Baby Rhymetime sessions focus on improving essential early development social, communication and literacy skills in your child, promote bonding and are fun for both parent and child. Our pre-school programs are created to perfectly compliment the state-wide Better Beginnings program.

For children aged zero to two years, Baby Rhymetime sessions offer a fun and educational experience for both young ones and parents.

Each Baby Rhymetime session will help your child to develop early literacy skills through simple rhymes, action songs and stories.

Sessions subject to public holidays or library closure. No bookings required.

 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
Dianella   Baby Rhymetime 10.30am

Baby Rhymetime 10.30am

Inglewood Baby Rhymetime 10.30amBaby Rhymetime 10.30am  
Karrinyup  Baby Rhymetime 10.30am Baby Rhymetime 10.30am
Mirrabooka  Baby Rhymetime 10.30am  
Osborne

Baby Rhymetime 10.30am

Baby Rhymetime 2.30pm

    
Scarborough Baby Rhymetime 10.30am Baby Rhymetime 10.30am 

These sessions are suitable for children aged two to five years and include stories and songs. Pre-school Storytime is a fun way to introduce your child to books, stimulates their imagination and is a great way for your child to make new friends. 

Can't make a weekday? We also have Saturday Songs and Stories, every Saturday from 10.00am for children zero to five years.

Sessions subject to public holidays or library closure. No bookings required.

 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
DianellaPreschool Storytime 10.30am   

 

Saturday songs
and stories

10.00am

Inglewood    Preschool Storytime
10.30am

Saturday songs
and stories 10.00am

Karrinyup   Preschool Storytime 10.30am

 

Saturday songs
and stories
10.00am

Mirrabooka Preschool Storytime 10.30am   

Saturday songs
and stories
10.00am

Osborne

 

Preschool Storytime 10.30am   

Saturday songs
and stories
10.00am

Scarborough  Preschool Storytime 10.30am  

Saturday songs
and stories
10.00am

Sensory Sing and Play is an inclusive program of songs and sensory play based learning in a small group setting.

During the session you and your child will experience a variety of sensory play activities and rhymes to help build a foundation of early literacy skills.

Suitable for babies six to 18 months and their caregiver.

Bookings are essential.

Stirling Libraries - Scarborough: every Thursday, 9.30am - 10.00am

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Stirling Libraries - Dianella: every Friday, 1.30pm - 2.00pm

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Better Beginnings encourages families to read, talk, sing, draw and play with their child every day.

For more than 20 years, Better Beginnings has supported young Western Australians and their families by promoting early literacy and a lifelong love of learning. Better Beginnings connects families with books and reading resources through free book packs, helping children develop the skills they need for future learning success.

The program focuses on children from birth to four years of age, encouraging families to share stories, rhymes and songs as part of everyday life. By reading, talking, singing, drawing and playing together, children begin to develop important pre-literacy skills before they start school. These early experiences help children build confidence with language, reading and writing concepts, providing a strong foundation for learning and contributing to positive outcomes later in life.

Every child born in Western Australia is entitled to receive a blue Baby Book Box, which contains their first board books and practical information for parents about reading with their child. When children reach kindergarten age, they receive a red Preschool Book Box through their local school or childcare centre, further supporting their literacy journey.

Our Baby Rhymetime and Preschool Storytime sessions complement the Better Beginnings program by reinforcing these key early learning concepts. These sessions are delivered by librarians who receive ongoing professional development in early years programming, ensuring families receive engaging, high-quality literacy experiences.

Better Beginnings is funded through a tripartite partnership between the Government of Western Australia (including Royalties for Regions), Western Australian local governments, and Rio Tinto.

For more information, visit Better Beginnings website.

The LETS program helps children and their families to improve and practise English in a fun, educational environment.

LETS includes songs, rhymes and stories which develop children's confidence. LETS helps children develop skills they will need when they start school.

The LETS program runs for eight weeks, with a different theme each week. Parents and Children participate and improve their English together!  Dianella, Osborne and Mirrabooka offer LETS, alternating during school terms.

Suitable for parents/carers and their children aged 3-4 years, for whom English is a second language.

Bookings are essential.

  • Stirling Libraries - Mirrabooka, Tuesdays at 9.30am - 10.30am.

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Code Club is a free, peer-supported program for young people who want to explore the world of coding. Participants learn at their own pace while creating games, solving puzzles and building simple programs. Coding helps develop problem solving skills, creativity and digital confidence—all within a fun, social environment.

Mirrabooka Code Club is a free, 10 week program for ages 7–17, running each school term so participants can build on their skills week by week.

Stirling Libraries – Mirrabooka every Wednesday from 4.15pm - 5.15pm

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Osborne Code Club is a beginner‑friendly coding program for children aged 7–12 running each school term. Participants are asked to bring their own device.

Stirling Libraries - Osborne every Friday 3.30pm - 4.45pm. 

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Get creative at Stirling Libraries - Dianella with our Friday Kid's Krafternoons!

Each week participants will complete a different craft activity. What will you make this week? Come and find out!

For ages 6-12. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Running 24 July - 18 September

  • Stirling Libraries - Dianella  every Friday 4.00pm - 4.45pm 

Book here

Join us for weekly songs and stories in Chinese language.

Sessions are aimed at children aged two to five years old and their parents/carers and feature interactive stories, songs, and rhymes in the Chinese (Mandarin) language. 

  • Date/times Weekly (school term only), on Friday10.30am – 11.00am
  • Venue Stirling Libraries - Osborne
  • Cost Free.

No bookings required.

One of the best things in life is learning something new every day.

Children's University is a program that rewards kids for what they learn outside the classroom in places like public libraries, zoos, museums and art galleries. 

Students enrolled with the Children’s University get their ‘passports’ stamped when they visit recognised Learning Destinations, and are recognised for hours of activity through formal University certificates at on-campus graduation ceremonies - complete with official regalia!

Stirling Libraries - Mirrabooka is now a destination!

Stirling Libraries - Mirrabooka is proud to become a Learning Destination for Children’s University. Take out an item or attend one of our sessions to have your passport stamped. You can also get stamps when attending some of our awesome events during school holidays.

Children’s University in Western Australia is delivered by Edith Cowan University and The University of Western Australia through the Children’s University Western Australia Partnership (CU WAP). To learn more about the program and opportunities to be involved, you can contact members of the CU WAP team at childrensuniversity@ecu.edu.au or childrensuniversity@uwa.edu.au.

Stirling Libraries – Karrinyup hosts a Creative Writing Clubs designed to inspire young storytellers aged 8–12 years and build their writing skills in a fun, supportive environment. 

The program runs for 9 sessions and is designed for returning participants or those with more experience, focusing on advanced techniques to help children develop their writing skills through genre exploration and illustration.

  • Stirling Libraries - Karrinyup every Wednesday 4.00pm – 5.00pm

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Children at a computer

Coding, programming and STEAM skills

Stirling Libraries provide opportunities for children and teens to learn how to code and gain skills in programming languages. STEAM learning focuses on teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics in a  way that is practical and engaging.  Look out for various STEAM focused workshops at Stirling Libraries.

Do you love Minecraft? Minecraft is a ‘sandbox’ game offering players almost limitless possibilities in an almost limitless world. Stirling Libraries have now joined with City of Fremantle, and other public libraries to offer Librarycraft.net. LibraryCraft is a safe, secure, moderated online environment for Minecraft players aged 7 to 17. 

There are weekly competitions and prizes, but players also:

  • Strengthen their social, creativity and teamwork skills whilst learning to solve problems together
  • Learn about resource management and basic economics through the in-built economy system
  • Exercise their spatial awareness through navigating expansive worlds and cave systems
  • Build on all of the STEM skills, science, engineering and maths with coding and redstone creations.

The Innovations Lab in Stirling Libraries - Mirrabooka features a range of new technologies including:

The Innovations Lab is available for:

For more information ask our friendly staff.

  • 3D printer
  • Virtual reality
  • Music recording
  • Laser cutter and engraver
  • Robots and STEAM focused educational devices
  • Public PCs, projector and edutouch interactive screen
  • Room for hire for talks and seminars, including computing classes
  • Be Connected computer skills classes
  • Mirrabooka craft group
  • Coderdojo coding groups

Drop into Stirling Libraries - Mirrabooka or Scarborough on Monday afternoon to have a play and experiment with a fun range of technologies, including coding games and robots!

All ages are welcome, no bookings are necessary, and staff will be available to assist and answer any questions that you may have.

Day and timeLibrary

Mondays 3.30pm - 5.00pm (Term times. Sessions commence on second Monday of each term)

Stirling Libraries - Mirrabooka

Mondays 3.30pm - 4.30pm (term times)

Stirling Libraries - Scarborough

Due to popular demand, a maximum number of 20 people will be allowed in the session at any one time. No bookings required.