San Jose offers several recurring and special "Reading to Children" events, primarily hosted by the San Jose Public Library (SJPL) system. These programs typically feature 30-minute sessions where trained volunteers or staff read to children and engage them with music and finger plays.
The following events are scheduled at various branch locations throughout March 2026:
Recurring sessions on Saturdays at 10:15 AM (e.g., March 21, 28) and Thursdays at 2:00 PM (e.g., March 19, 26).
Weekly sessions on Wednesdays at 12:00 PM (e.g., March 18, 25). They also offer "Reading to Children in Spanish" on Sundays at 2:00 PM.
A recurring session on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Features specialized sessions like "Reading to Children in Japanese" on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.
Recurring sessions on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM.
Offers a hybrid (in-person and online) session with Volunteer Venkat on Saturdays at 3:00 PM.
Beyond standard reading sessions, these interactive programs are available this month:
Features the Wee Explore PlaySpace, a 1,000 sq. ft. interactive area designed to develop early literacy skills through play.
Regularly hosts author story readings and hands-on literacy activities.
For more details or to find sessions at other branches, you can browse the San Jose Public Library Events Calendar.
Are you looking for events for a specific age group, or would you like more information on volunteering as a reader yourself?
Upcoming Reading to Children Events
Special Literacy & Family Events
Venues with Dedicated Reading Areas
•Recurring sessions on Saturdays at 10:15 AM (e.g., March 21, 28) and Thursdays at 2:00 PM (e.g., March 19, 26).
•Weekly sessions on Wednesdays at 12:00 PM (e.g., March 18, 25). They also offer "Reading to Children in Spanish" on Sundays at 2:00 PM.
•A recurring session on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
•Features specialized sessions like "Reading to Children in Japanese" on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.
•Recurring sessions on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM.
•Offers a hybrid (in-person and online) session with Volunteer Venkat on Saturdays at 3:00 PM.
•AACSA Open Library: Held at the African American Community Service Agency on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, featuring special guest readers, storytime, and free books for children.
•Silicon Valley Reads 2026: A community-wide program themed "Bridges to Belonging" featuring various author talks and arts programs across San Jose through March.
•Celebrating Nowruz Storytime: Special themed reading events at the Santa Teresa Branch on March 19 at 11:00 AM and the Hillview Branch on March 22 at 12:30 PM.
•Santa Teresa Branch
•Hillview Branch
•StoryWalk®: Available at multiple local parks through May 31, 2026, allowing families to read a storybook while walking outdoors.
•Features the Wee Explore PlaySpace, a 1,000 sq. ft. interactive area designed to develop early literacy skills through play.
•Wee Explore PlaySpace
•Regularly hosts author story readings and hands-on literacy activities.
•San Jose Public Library Events Calendar
Updated at 19 Mar 2026