Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

There are many good things about storytime at the library. It's free, and you don't have to register, so you can decide to go (or not) on the spur of the moment. You can preview books before checking them out. Hearing stories read aloud helps kids learn to love books, and it also prepares them for the sitting-still-and-listening in preschool and kindergarten.

When my daughter was younger, we were regulars at the Main Library's toddler storytime on Thursdays. You might think the library is no place for your antsy 18-month-old, but the librarians are skilled at mixing it up with short books, songs, and dances. At the end, kids can play freely with educational toys like wooden puzzles and peg boards. The toddler storytime is at 11:00 in the children's theater. Bring quarters to park at the meters along Broadway or Cedar.

Now that Bella's a little older, we go to the Friday preschool storytime at the Main, from 11:00 - 11:45. Children's librarian Chenda is full of energy and has an easy rapport with preschoolers. She chooses books that capture their interest. She also leads the kids in dances, teaches concepts like math and colors using flannel board stories, and plans craft projects tied to the themes of the books. On Lunar New Year, the kids made dragon puppets, and on Halloween, pumpkin lanterns. Kids also watch a short movie based on a picture book, like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or Space Case.

The librarian at Mark Twain on Tuesday mornings is gentle and patient. Kids sit on carpet squares, listen to stories, and participate in flannel board activities. Afterward, kids do crafts related to the stories' theme. There are generally just a few kids, so the vibe is mellow. Preschool storytime at Mark Twain is at 9:30.

What's your favorite storytime?