Storytime

Kids World offers story-based programs for all ages. For age specific storytimes, your child must be in the correct age range to attend. For developmental marker storytimes, you child must have particular skill to attend.

While there are multiple options for some age groups, to allow everyone to have a chance to participate, adults are encouraged to bring their child to one in-person storytime per week. However, adults are welcome to bring their child to their sibling’s in-person storytime if they had been included in the “Group” at the time of registration, with the exception of the Big Kids Storytime.

Storytime Schedule

Fall Storytime Session: September, October, & November

The Fall Session will be a mix of registered and drop-in storytimes. For drop-in storytimes, sign in will begin 30 minutes before the class starts. For storytimes requiring registration, the registration begins August 3rd. You can register by calling Kids World (708-867-7828) or by using the Library’s online Event Calendar.

Specifically For Non-walking Babies, 0-17 months Old

  • Drop-in Baby Storytime
    • 9:30AM on Fridays: September 11th through November 20th

Specifically For Walking Tots, Up to 35 Months Old

  • Drop-in Toddler Storytime
    • 9:30AM on Tuesdays: September 8th through November 17th

Specifically For Children, 0 to 5 Years Old

  • Little Bones & Big Moves Storytime with Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. Registration Required.
    • 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 8th.
    • Please note for this class, each child, regardless of age, needs an adult to attend with them.

Children 3 to 5 Years Old, Attending a Harwood Heights or Norridge Pre-school or Camp

  • Pre-School and Camp Visits
    • The Kids World Librarians will be visiting many of the local pre-schools each month to do storytime. Be sure to have your child wave hello!
    • Is your pre-school not in our visitation rotation? Have your teachers contact Kids World to arrange a visit.

Open to All Children, 12 Years & Under

  • Drop-in Family Storytime
    • 10:30 AM on Tuesdays: September 8th through November 17th
    • 10:30 AM on Wednesdays: September 9th through November 18th. Note: There is no storytime November 11th as the Library will be closed in honor of Veterans’ Day.
  • Polish Storytime with The Language Labs. Registration Required.
    • 6:00 PM on September 21st, October 26th, & November 23rd.
    • Please note for this class, each child, regardless of age, needs an adult to attend with them.
  • Spanish Storytime with The Language Labs. Registration Required.
    • 6:00 PM on September 15th, October 13th, & November 9th.
    • Please note for this class, each child, regardless of age, needs an adult to attend with them.
  • Drop-in Halloween Storytime
    • 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 22nd
    • Please note for this class, children under the age of 7 will need an adult to attend with them
    • Costumes welcome but not required.

Storytime Guidelines

  • Priority for our in-person storytimes is given to residents of Norridge and Harwood Heights. At the start of class, nonresidents will be called in the order of sign-in until the room is full.
  • For most in-person storytimes, each child should have a participating adult. However, for 3 year old & older attendees of Family Storytime, having an accompanying adult in the room is optional, but the adult should plan on staying close by in case of assistance for bathroom break and the like.
  • Children attending need to either turn the appropriate age during the current storytime month or have achieved the specified developmental marker. Children aging out of a storytime are welcome to finish out their birthday month before advancing if they so choose. In most cases, siblings in other age groups are welcome as long as they were included in the “Group” count during sign-in and if there is room.
  • If your child grows restless or upset, please give them a break from the storytime room to calm down.
  • Help us keep distractions to a minimum by leaving toys at home and going to the bathroom or having a snack before storytime starts.
  • You are a great example for your child. Participate to the best of your ability to encourage them to do so as well.
  • Listening is a learned skill. We ask adults and children to wait until play time to chat, call, or text with others.
  • If your child is sick, please stay home to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Have fun!

The Tick Tock Song

“The Tick Tock Song” is done in the beginning of most storytimes. During storytime, Mr. Duckie  jumps up from behind our storytime clock on the “Cuckoos.” It remains a favorite among parents and kids.

The song can be easily adapted for home use. Mr. Duckie (or even a clock) is not needed to have fun jumping and calling out “Cuckoo.” However, your child can follow along with the video.

Tick Tock Lyrics

Tick Tock, Tick Tock
I’m a little cuckoo clock
Tick Tock, Tick Tock
Now I’m chiming one o’clock
Cuckoo!
During storytime, we repeat the song for two and three o’clock. The number of times “Cuckoo” is said relates to what time it is. For example, for two o’clock, “Cuckoo” is said twice.

Tick Tock Directions

For Babies: Adult sits or stands, holding a baby face out. As adult sings the song, rock child back and forth. Adult lifts or bounces the child up on the “Cuckoo.”

For Older Kids: Child stands and rocks back and forth as the song is sung. Child jumps on the “Cuckoo.”