If you are searching for children’s programs at the Maury County Public Library or looking for free activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in Columbia TN, this library is one of the most welcoming places for young families. It offers weekly story times, baby friendly play sessions, and a colorful children’s area that makes early learning feel fun and accessible. For parents and caregivers who want simple outings that support development and create meaningful routines, the library is an easy place to start.
Right in the heart of downtown Columbia, Tennessee, the Maury County Public Library is a place many families know about but haven’t truly explored. It’s more than just a quiet space filled with books. It’s a vibrant, welcoming environment that offers so much to young children and their caregivers.
If you’ve driven by a hundred times but never walked through the doors with your kids, you’re not alone. But once you do, you’ll find more than shelves of books. You’ll find storytimes filled with laughter, play areas designed to spark imagination, and a warm community that makes it easy to feel at home. Whether you’re caring for a baby, chasing a toddler, or looking for something enriching to do with your preschooler, the library is a space where your whole family can slow down, explore, and connect.
As of October 2025, the Maury County Public Library building is temporarily closed for renovations. Several children’s programs are running on a reduced schedule, and many have moved to off-site locations throughout the community. Families can still check out books through curbside pickup, which makes it easy to keep library visits in your routine while the staff prepares an improved space for everyone.
A Magical Space for Young Explorers
Tucked downstairs from the main level, the children’s section at the Maury County Public Library feels like stepping into a storybook adventure. Whether you take the elevator or follow the mural-covered stairwell, the space immediately sparks curiosity and imagination.
On the way down, children are greeted by colorful wall art. One side features a space-themed scene with a rocket ship soaring through the stars. The other shows an underwater world filled with bright sea creatures and a friendly octopus. For many kids, these murals are a favorite part of the visit and help turn even the walk into something special.
The children’s area is cheerful and thoughtfully arranged. The play room is stocked with toys that encourage hands-on discovery, including:
- Magna-Tiles
- Building blocks
- A train table
- A wooden fire engine that kids can climb into for pretend play
- A few small rocking chairs just their size
Surrounding the play room are seats for parents and caregivers. The open setup makes it easy to keep a watchful eye while chatting with a friend or simply enjoying a quiet moment nearby. Whether your child wants to build, imagine, or explore, this space offers a safe and welcoming spot to play and unwind.
Magical Mornings: Weekday Storytimes That Delight
Every Monday through Thursday at 10:00 AM, the Maury County Public Library offers a Storytime that’s full of warmth, connection, and joyful learning. These weekday gatherings have become a favorite morning ritual for many local families. For parents and caregivers, they’re a low-stress, welcoming way to build routine into the week. For kids, they’re just plain fun.
Each Storytime includes a thoughtful mix of activities designed to engage young minds without overwhelming them:
- A letter of the week to help build early literacy
- A rotating monthly theme that brings variety and focus
- Short, engaging story readings
- Songs, fingerplays, and interactive elements
- A visit from Len, the beloved blue puppet who never fails to get a smile
- And a simple coloring sheet that ties it all together
Everything about Storytime is intentional, but nothing feels forced. The sessions are playful and relaxed, making them ideal for kids who might not yet sit still for long but still crave community and rhythm.
And if mornings don’t work for your schedule, the library also offers Bilingual Storytime on the third Wednesday of every month at 4:00 PM. This special session features stories in both English and Spanish, offering families a fun and inclusive way to experience language, rhythm, and culture together.
The staff brings heart to every detail, and one team member in particular, August, is especially beloved. Her cheerful presence and thoughtful preparation create a consistent sense of joy and comfort. My daughter lights up every time she sees her. August is the kind of person who remembers names, welcomes new faces with genuine warmth, and brings stories to life with a gentle energy that kids instinctively trust.
If you’re new to library programming or feeling unsure about bringing a wiggly toddler to a group activity, this is a wonderful place to start. There’s no pressure to stay the entire time, no judgment if your child wants to roam a bit, and always a friendly face waiting when you return.
Baby Play Date & Movement Time: Perfect for First-Time Parents
One of the most thoughtful offerings at the library is its programming just for babies and their caregivers. These sessions are designed to create a calm, age-appropriate environment where infants can safely explore and adults can connect without pressure. For first-time parents especially, they offer a much-needed sense of welcome and community.
The library currently offers two baby-focused options:
- Baby Play Date, a relaxed and unstructured time where babies can play and caregivers can chat
- Baby Movement & Music, a guided session filled with songs, motions, and sensory play that supports early development
During these events, the children’s play area is set aside exclusively for infants. To make the space feel safe and soothing, staff:
- Close the area to children 19 months and older
- Remove toys that aren’t suitable for babies
- Bring out soft, age-appropriate items like:
- Sensory bags
- Egg shakers
- Graspable toys
- Cloth and board books
Baby Movement & Music adds a little more structure while still staying gentle and developmentally appropriate. The session may include simple action songs, lap bounces, and rhythmic play to help babies build motor skills and enjoy one-on-one time with their caregiver. It’s a sweet, low-pressure way to bond through music.
Whether you come for the movement or just need a quiet morning out, both of these baby programs offer a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere where you can settle in and feel seen. It’s one of the most unique and supportive experiences the library offers to new families.
Special Events That Bring the Library to Life
While the weekday Storytimes offer a consistent rhythm for local families, the library also shines with special events that bring extra excitement and variety throughout the year. These one-time or seasonal offerings create moments of magic that help kids connect stories to the real world and give families something fresh to look forward to.
Events in the past have included:
- Outdoor Storytimes held in local parks, where books meet sunshine and fresh air
- Seasonal celebrations, like the library’s Trick-or-Treat Party in October, which gives kids a chance to dress up, enjoy themed activities, and explore the library in a whole new way
- Visits from local leaders, including a special Storytime with Mayor Chaz Molder that made a big impression on attendees
And with several reading programs throughout the year, the library is offering even more chances to celebrate reading and creativity.
If you’re the type of parent who loves building traditions or adding simple, joy-filled outings to your week, these events are worth watching for. The library shares updates through their website and social media, making it easy to stay in the loop.
Final Thoughts
The Maury County Public Library isn’t just a place to check out books. It’s a space where kids can imagine, explore, and grow, and where caregivers can feel supported, welcomed, and part of something good.
From weekday Storytimes and baby play sessions to monthly bilingual Storytime and hands-on special events, the library offers something for every stage of early childhood. The staff put genuine care into every program they offer, from the stories they choose to the creative activities they prepare. Their attention to detail and welcoming presence make the library feel like a place where families truly belong. And tucked downstairs, the play area gives families a safe and joyful place to spend time together without having to spend a dime.
If you haven’t visited in a while, this is your sign. Bring a friend. Bring your coffee. Let your kids lead the way.
You might come for the books, but you’ll stay for the joy.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 
Leave a comment