Children's Room Updates
We want to be a source of support, information, and fun for all Waltham families during the difficulties and uncertainties that have come with the COVID-19 pandemic. Reach out to us if you need homework help, want assistance finding books, or would like us to include something in our program offerings. We have made some changes to help keep our community and our staff safe while continuing to serve Waltham.
Programs
We have moved our programming online until it is safe to resume in-person programming. Some of our programs are streamed on Facebook Live but our more participatory programs are held on Zoom. For programs requiring materials we create kits available for pickup in case you do not have the items at home. Contact us or follow our social media for more details.
Book Bundles
You can stop by the library to browse our Book Bundle offerings. There is an easel next to the library entrance with the list of available bundles. Each bundle has five books on a certain topic or in a specific genre. Examples include “If you liked I Survived… ” and “Picture Books about Dinosaurs.” We are happy to put special bundles together—just call, message us on Facebook, or email us at walthamlibkids@minlib.net.
Social Media
Join our Facebook Group Waltham Public Library Children’s Room Activities for access to past livestreams, Zoom links, and more. Follow us on Instagram @WalthamLibKids for program announcements, library updates, and fun content. You can follow the Teen Room @WatchCityTeens and the main library account @WalthamLibrary.
Tune in to Virtual Programs
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
on Zoom
Jump into your jammies and get ready to read, sing, and dance with Emily! Together, we'll read two or three picture books and sing songs to get the wiggles out before bedtime, such as Wheels on the Bus or Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes! This interactive storytime is great for kids of all ages. Join our Facebook group or email walthamlibkids@minlib.net for the Zoom link.
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
Facebook Live
Join Lisa and Kitty the puppet and spend time with your little one as we celebrate classic nursery rhymes with fun movements and learn with songs. All past recordings can be watched at any time.
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month
3:30 PM on Zoom
Let's get building! Drop in between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM to build, chat, and laugh with friends. No need to come on time or stay for the whole program. We will be building and sharing our creations with friends for the whole hour! Join our Facebook group or email walthamlibkids@minlib.net for the Zoom link. If you don't have any LEGO at home, stop by the library for a take-home kit of assorted LEGO (this won't need to be returned).
Thursdays at 7:00 PM
on Zoom
Put on your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal to join Seana for this evening storytime. We will read books, sing songs, dance, and even do a little yoga at the end to calm our minds and bodies. Join our Facebook group or email walthamlibkids@minlib.net for the Zoom link.

Beanstack is a virtual platform where participants can track activities, earn virtual badges, and log reading. It’s what we use for our Summer Challenge program, but we have programs available year-round for all ages. Sign up at walthamlibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack app to begin.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
The goal is to read 1,000 books (you can repeat books) before your child enters kindergarten. We will still be handing out tracking sheets and stickers to anyone who wants to map their progress with pen and paper. If digital tracking is better for you, Beanstack is a simple tool to help reach your goal.
Read Woke
School Librarian Cicely Lewis created the Read Woke challenge, now available for all ages to participate in on Beanstack. Earn digital badges for every suggested book you read in each category. Use this Beanstack challenge to start educating the whole family by reading diverse books.
Summer Challenge
Join us every summer to complete activities, track reading, and earn tickets. Tickets are how you enter to win prizes like a free scoop at Lizzy’s Ice Cream or a gift card to More Than Words. We have different challenges for all ages.
The PIE Room is currently closed. The Play Imagine Experience (PIE) Space is a museum-inspired, immersive environment where children play and learn interactively.
Located on the ground floor of the Waltham Public Library, each PIE is designed on a theme with a variety of activities, props, and toys that promote learning-based play. Each installation includes STEAM activity prompts, book lists, and music. Children and their caretakers can drop by anytime the library is open for interactive play.
Visit piespace.org to learn more.

Toy Collection

Toys are temporarily unavailable to prioritize safety. Toys circulate for three weeks. All Minuteman Library Card holders are welcome to borrow our toys, however they must be returned directly to Waltham Public Library. Toys marked browse in the online catalog are currently available to take home and you can place any toy on hold just like a book.