Children, Teens, & Young Adults
Gladstone Regional Libraries provides information, resources, and programs for young people of all ages.
We have you covered from birth with our First 5 Forever programs to school aged children with our After School and School Holiday Programs.
Our eLibrary has ebooks, e-audiobooks, videos, training courses, and literacy help. All free and all available 24/7 with library membership.
To help you and your family stay safe online we’ve provided a link to the eSafety Commissioner site or go directly to the eSafe Kids page.
Select from the tabs below to view more information:
After School Programs
Sewing Club
Do you love to sew or want to learn how? Join our sewing club each Friday afternoon during school term. Choose from our selection of projects or bring along your own. All you need to bring with you is a length of fabric and your creativity. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ages 9-99 years.
Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
Children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult.
STEAM Ahead
STEAM Ahead is a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) based after-school program aimed at children 8 years and older. Our STEAM program runs weekly on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm (school terms only) at Gladstone City Library.
Children must be at least 8 years old by the date of the activity session and no exceptions will be made for anyone younger. The age limit is strictly adhered to due to the use of products and/or methods unsuitable for younger children.
Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
Children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult.
First 5 Forever Programs
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
First 5 Forever is an early literacy program with the primary aim of providing strong early literacy foundations for all Queensland children aged 0-5 years. First 5 Forever connects families to the information, resources and support they need to build the best foundation for their child’s future language and literacy development.
The first5forever website has information about interacting with children aged five and under; including reviews and recommendations for books and activities. There are articles and videos to help you with your interaction with 0-5 year olds.
Programs for Children 5 Years and Under
Choose from StoryTime, PlayTime, ToddlerTime, and BabyTime to enjoy some library time with your youngster.
Discover ways to help young children learn and develop via talking, playing, singing, and reading.
Gladstone Regional Libraries offers a variety of programs at all branches.
The four main First5Forever Programs run across the region include:
BabyTime & Bubs Club: Has rhymes and movement for babies. BabyTime is aimed at babies at the pre-walking stage while Bubs Club is aimed at ages 0-3 and includes a morning of chatting, cuddles, rhymes session and outdoor play for the older siblings.
| Location | Time | Day/Date |
| Boyne Island Library | 10.30am-11am | Mondays |
| Gladstone City Library | 11am-11.30am | Fridays (not during school holidays) |
PlayTime: Includes songs, craft, and play for babies and children 0-5 years. PlayTime only runs during the school term time.
| Location | Time | Day/Date |
| Miriam Vale Library | 9.30am-11am | 2nd Wednesday of each month (not during school holidays) |
ToddlerTime: Includes songs, rhymes, and movement suitable for children who can walk and up to 4 years. ToddlerTime only runs during the school term time.
| Location | Time | Day/Date |
| Boyne Island Library |
9.30am-10am (Session 1) 10.30am-11am (Session 2) |
Wednesdays (not during school holidays) |
| Gladstone City Library | 10am-10.30am | Fridays (not during school holidays) |
StoryTime: Has stories, songs, and craft ideal for children aged 3-5 years.
| Location | Time | Day/Date |
| Agnes Water Library | 10.30am – 11.30am | Thursdays |
| Boyne Island Library | 10.30am-11.30am | Fridays |
| Calliope Library | 10.30am-11.30am | Wednesdays (not during school holidays) |
| Gladstone City Library |
9.30am-10.30am (Session 1) 11am-noon (Session 2) |
Thursdays (not during school holidays) |
| Gladstone City Library | 10.30am-11.30am | Saturdays (not during school holidays) |
| Mount Larcom Library | 9.30am – 10am | Tuesdays (not during school holidays) |
|
Millennium Esplanade (Creek Road stage end) Pershouse Park (Dedekind Ave Benaraby) |
10.30am-11am 10.30am-11am |
Last Tuesday of each month 2nd Tuesday of each month |
School Holiday Programs and Events
Gladstone Regional Libraries has plenty of school holiday activities for all ages.
There are library hunts, craft workshops, movies, and technology classes. There’s bound to be something for you, or your children, to enjoy!
Craft Sessions
Fostering a love of creativity and imagination, the library offers a range of craft activities each holiday period. Sessions range from free-for-all make it and take it (home), to guided activities to learn a new skill/art or craft.
Learn how to finger knit, do drag painting, big box craft, paper pots and grass heads, just to name a few previous activities. Check each session for details as some require bookings. Children under 12 will need a parent/guardian present for the activity.
Check our What’s On to see what each branch is offering across the region.
Robotics/STEM Sessions
It’s not quite the battle of the drones but Gladstone Regional Libraries offers a wide range of STEM based sessions each holiday period. Some of the previous activities held include:
Edison Robots – Compatible with Lego. Build your robot then fight/race until there is only one left
Mousebots – Build the maze and program your mouse to find the cheese
Ozobots – Colour code your way to programming with these little bots
R2D2 Droids – Follow the instructions to build your own droid
Scratch Jr. – Program your own computer game
Squishy Circuits – Electrify your play dough
VR Goggles – Bring your own phone to use for the full virtual experience
Check each session for details as bookings are usually required and for any age limitations. Check our What’s On to see what each branch is offering across the region.