We are currently closed. Open again on Monday at 9:00 AM. View our full hours
We are currently closed. Open again on Monday at 9:00 AM. View our full hours
Welcome to the Children’s Department!
We’re a place for curious minds, big imaginations, and joyful discovery. From early literacy experiences for our youngest visitors to engaging programs for elementary students, we support learning at every age and stage—from birth through grade six. Whether your child is a brand-new book lover or a seasoned reader, you’ll find enriching books, hands-on activities, and dynamic programs designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning. Visit us to read, play, learn, and grow together—there’s always something new to discover at the library!
Check out our upcoming events at Welles Turner Library! From book clubs and storytimes to workshops and community programs, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out — join us!
A Family Reading Challenge for families with children in preschool – 6th grade
June 1 to December 31, 2026
Celebrate our nation’s 250th by reading a book which explores important moments in the past and present of our state and the United States. Choose one of the titles from the list below to read together. Participating families will be recognized with a star on the wall and will be entered into a drawing in December.
🐝Get ready to explore the amazing world of pollinators with our new Pollinator and Native Plant Explorer Kit, generously donated by the Glastonbury Pollinator Pathway!
🌼The kit includes books about bees, butterflies, and native plants, plus a laminated Pollinator & Native Plant Explorer Guide, a UV flashlight, and a magnifying glass for up-close discovery.
🦋Check it out, head outside, and see what you can discover right here in our own backyard!
🍂Storytime registration opens for Glastonbury residents on Tuesday, September 8th at 9am!
🍃Choose the age-appropriate 6-week session for your child and submit a registration form on-line through our website or in person at the Children’s desk.
Resident registration forms will be collected from September 8th through September 15th and will be processed randomly on September 16th.
After September 16th, spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Nonresidents may register on September 17th, if space remains.
ON-LINE: Visit www.wtmlib.info
IN PERSON: Visit the Children’s Desk during library hours.
Can’t get enough of Summerween? Beware! Our Spooky Glastonbury Writing Contest returns this fall for adults, kids, and teens. Details coming soon. #wellesturnerlibrary #glastonburyct #spookyglastonbury #spookyct
😎 Drop in to meet our new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Hurwitz, on Thursday, July 23rd from 6-8PM during this “Cool Night, School Night” event! WTML will welcome students with popsicles and has pulled together a special display of Dr. Hurwitz’s favorite K-12 books.
📚 Dr. Hurwitz will be looking for students to tell him about the best book they’ve read so far this summer.
🇺🇸🥳Celebrate our nation’s 250th by reading an exciting book about America with your family. From inventors to revolutionaries, these books explore important moments in the past and present of our state and the United States.
⭐️Choose a featured title to read aloud as a family. Once you have finished, let a children’s librarian know and your family will be recognized with a star on the wall. ⭐️Participating families will be entered into a drawing in January.
Due to the weather forecast, tomorrow’s storytime will not be held at Killam & Bassett Farmstead. Join us in the Friends room at the library instead! 9:30am on Tuesday, June 23rd. No registration required.
Get ready to Plant a Seed, Read this summer! For students entering K-6 and children ages 2-5, all you need to get started is a booklet to track your reading. Then start tracking on Monday, June 22nd!
How to get your booklet:
🪴Pick up at the Children’s desk during regular library hours.
🪴Print at home from our website. The link is on the Children’s Summer Reading page.
🪴Attend our Summer Reading Kickoff Party on Friday, June 26th at 6pm. Register for the party on our website.
Summer Reading is for everyone. Ask about programs for babies, teens, and adults, too!
We can’t wait to grow with you this summer!
We are excited to announce that our new WTML Toy Library was unveiled last Friday! This new collection of toys for children to borrow from the library was made possible through a partnership with Traveling Toys, Inc. with generous funding from the Norma and Natele Sestero Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.
Our grand opening was attended by Mary and Anna from @travelingtoysusa, Susan from @greaterhartfordgivesfnd and lots of kiddos who couldn’t wait to check out a new toy!
What to know about this new collection:
🏠Toys are for circulation only. They are intended for AT HOME PLAY.
✂️All the boxes are sealed with zip ties, which can be snipped off at home.
📅 The loan period is 21 days. No fines. No holds. No interlibrary loans.
🪁Toys may be checked out at the lending desk or at self-check.
🧸All toys must be returned to the Children’s Services Desk.
🚂Toys may not be returned in any of the book drops.
Toys may not be returned to other libraries.
🪀Toys will be sanitized before returning to the shelf.
#TravelingToys #ToyLendingLibrary #PowerOfPlay #GreaterHartfordGives #wellesturnermemoriallibrary
We’re on a roll discovering lots of fun facts behind one of the hottest foods in history—the hot dog! Did you know hot dogs used to be called “red-hot dachshund sausages?” Were you aware that “hot dog” was the very first word Mickey Mouse ever spoke? Let’s be frank: This is one title you’ll definitely want to ketchup on!
#wellesturnerlibrary #glastonburyct #bookrecommendation
📣We are excited to share our new collection - The WTML Toy Library!
🎉Join us in the Children’s Department for a kickoff celebration on Friday, May 29th at 11:15am.
Play is an important aspect of early childhood development, and all children should have free and easy access to a variety of quality toys. Children experience the world through play while also developing fine motor skills, cognitive concepts, language, and social skills. This collection, intended for families to check out for at-home play, includes toys which encourage talking, reading, singing, writing and, of course, PLAYING, all of which are important to the development of early literacy skills.
👏The WTML Toy Library has been created in collaboration with Traveling Toys, Inc. with generous funding from the Norma and Natele Sestero Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.
All are welcome to attend to learn more about the Toy Library and to borrow some fun!
Save the date and join us as Glastonbury celebrates America’s 250th Birthday with an unforgettable community celebration at Riverfront Park & Boathouse! Event will feature live music, kids activities, family fun, food and other vendors, community partner booths and an amazing choreographed drone show to close out the evening!
Vendor & Partner Applications are now being accepted online:
🔗 www.glastonburyct.gov/americas-250th
📅 Saturday, September 26
🕟 4:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Riverfront Park & Boathouse
🌧 Rain Date: Sunday, September 27
Tra-la-laaa! Captain Underpants is getting a crazy makeover. Be the first to catch a sneak peek at his all-new manga adventure at our next Comic Crew program on Wednesday, May 13 from 3:30-4:30pm. Enjoy “supa” fun activities and drawing exercises created by Dav Pilkey himself! Visit wtmlib.info for more information and to register.
#wellesturnerlibrary #glastonburyct #libraryprogram
Explore Our Space.
Browse our wide selection of books, then stay to play at the train table, cook up something fun in the play kitchen, build with LEGO® bricks and imagine in the playhouse. We also offer puzzles, games, and rotating activities like scavenger hunts, coloring pages, and take-home crafts. For growing digital learners, we have two Early Digital Literacy Stations and three internet access computers available for family use. We hope you will visit us often!
