Can't make it to the library? Try some reading apps for kids and teens!

Reading apps can help kids learn to read and practice reading. They're fun and easy to use and can give students a variety of learning platforms and approaches to keep them engaged and motivated. And they're convenient for busy families who want to encourage reading engagement on the go! Try one today:

The Big List of Children's Authors' Read Alouds & Activities

There's something magical about hearing authors bring their stories to life. Many of our favorite writers have created videos and activities on social media to be shared with kids all around the world.

Hoopla

Hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone--even on your TV!

International Children's Digital Library

The ICDL Foundation promotes tolerance and respect for diverse cultures by providing access to the best of children's literature from around the world. Start by clicking the very first link, "Read Books."

Lee en línea (en español)

Lee y toca las estrellas. Los Bloguitos es un blog para niños y niñas que hablan y leen español. Encontrarás cuentos, poesías, adivinanzas, dibujos y mucho más.

LOTE4Kids

Digital books in 50+ languages together with English translations. New books and languages are released each month.

Libby: Northern California Digital Library

A diverse collection of digital titles are available to you. Browse, borrow, and enjoy titles from the Northern California Digital Library collection, or download the Libby app.

SORA: The Reading App for HUSD Students

Get eBooks and eAudio books using your school ID - no library card required.

Tumblebooks

Read, watch and learn with this collection of animated, talking books! You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device.

Learn More

Just for Kids

Storytime at Southland Mall

Monday, April 7, 11:00 a.m., Southland Mall Food Court

Join us for a special storytime at the mall with Ms. Martha! It'll be 30 minutes of stories, songs, and movement activities.

Learn More

Storytimes

Monday-Saturday, Downtown Library; see schedule for details

We offer a variety of storytimes for little learners! Most are in English but we also offer Spanish and Mandarin bilingual storytimes. All of our storytimes help children develop early literacy skills through reading, singing, writing, talking, and playing.

Schedule

Homework Support Center

Monday-Thursday afternoons; see schedule for details

Welcome back to the HSC! Bring your kids, grades K-12, for support from trained volunteer tutors and college students. We work with students in small groups (5:1 ratio), directly on their homework assignments and projects. School supplies, computers, and free lunches are provided.

Once you register your kid, this free service is provided on a drop-in basis. Check it out!

Schedule

Just for Teens

Teen Craft Session: Fusible Beads

Wednesday, April 9, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Come make a keychain, bracelet, or other small item using fusible beads (also called Perler beads)! We’ll have templates available or you can create your own design. All supplies provided.

All teens ages 13 - 17 welcome! No registration required.

Learn More

Teen Craft Buffet

Wednesday, April 16, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for an all-you-can-craft buffet and make whatever you want! We’ll have all sorts of supplies, including...

Washi tape & stickers

Paper

Markers, colored pencils, brush pens

Beads & bracelet-making supplies

Pin-making supplies

Teens ages 13 to 17; no registration required.

Learn More

Teen Craft Session: Pressed Flower Bookmarks

Wednesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Decorate a wooden bookmark with a selection of real dried flowers!

All teens ages 13 - 17 welcome! No registration required; all supplies provided.

Learn More

Teen Game Day

Wednesday, April 30, 4:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for video games & board games in the Teen Room! Drop in anytime from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. All teens ages 13 to 17 welcome. No registration required.

Learn More

Teen Center Homework Support

Mondays, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, 5:00-6:45 p.m.

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Thursdays, 3:30-5:45 p.m.

Downtown Library

In-person homework help from a trained tutor specifically for teens, in the Teen Room on the 2nd floor. Registration is required.

Learn More & Register

Announcements

We're taking a break!

There will be no storytimes from Tuesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 5. In the meantime, check out the Big List of Virtual Author Activities from We Are Teachers. It includes tons of children's book authors reading their books aloud, along with activities for kids.

Virtual Author Activities

The library will be closed on Thursday, April 24 for staff development.

But you can use our online resources 24/7/365! Download an ebook or audiobook; stream a movie; learn a new language or how to repair your car; get help with homework or research. All you need is a Hayward library card!

Learn More & Get Started

Got bored kids?

We can help! Use your Hayward Library card and Discover & Go to get free and discount tickets to tons of Bay Area attractions including the California Academy of Sciences, the Bay Area Discovery Museum, and more! Check it out:

Learn More

Curbie is Coming

Lots of times and places! Check our schedule.

Our bookmobile, affectionately known as Curbie, is coming to a neighborhood near you. When Curbie is there, you can check out books and movies, play games, get a new library card, and more!

Schedule

What else is going on at the library?

Don't just sit there wondering; visit our online event calendar! Special events, weekly and monthly programs, holiday closures, bookmobile stops... it's all in there. Check it out:

Event Calendar

Library Hours
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.