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Educators

Nature Storytimes with The Morton Arboretum

Arboretum educators present nature storytimes at area libraries.

Content Detail

Do you work at a public library or other institution that serves families with young children? Our early childhood educators are glad to bring a nature storytime program to your audience! 

The program is provided at no cost to communities in Bolingbrook, Darien, Glendale Heights, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Lombard, Villa Park, Warrenville, Westmont, Wheaton, and Woodridge, from January to March each year.

Help support the development of young children’s reading, listening, and speaking skills while nurturing their connection to nature! Picture book selections highlight seasonal changes in nature and feature a range of family lifestyles and cultures. Storytimes are 30 minutes long and conclude with a process art activity that extends the ideas in the books.

While the program is free, availability is dependent on Arboretum staffing. Contact us well ahead of your desired program time for the best availability. Email childrensgarden@mortonarb.org for more information.

2026 Dates and Locations

January

Tuesday, January 6, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Indian Prairie Public Library

Wednesday, January 7, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Addison Public Library

Thursday, January 8, 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Friday, January 9, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Hinsdale Public Library

Wednesday, January 14, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Villa Park Public Library

Wednesday, January 14, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Warrenville Public Library

Thursday, January 15, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
West Chicago Public Library

Thursday, January 22, 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
White Oak Public Library Romeoville Branch

Tuesday, January 27, 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Fountaindale Public Library

Friday, January 30, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Helen Plum Library

Friday, January 30, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Glen Ellyn Public Library

February

Tuesday, February 3, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Indian Prairie Public Library

Wednesday, February 4, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Addison Public Library

Thursday, February 5, 10:00 to 10:30 am
West Chicago Public Library

Tuesday, February 10, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Westmont Public Library

Wednesday, February 11, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Warrenville Public Library

Friday, February 13, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Glen Ellyn Public Library

Wednesday, February 18, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Villa Park Public Library

Wednesday, February 25, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Helen Plum Library

Thursday, February 26, 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Thursday, February 26, 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
White Oak Public Library Romeoville Branch

Friday, February 27, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Hinsdale Public Library

March

Wednesday, March 4, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Addison Public Library

Tuesday, March 10, 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Fountaindale Public Library

Wednesday, March 11, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Warrenville Public Library

Tuesday, March 24, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Westmont Public Library

Wednesday, March 25, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Helen Plum Public Library

Thursday, March 26, 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
White Oak Public Library

 

Please note that Nature Storytime participants must register on the websites of the individual libraries.

Gallery (4)

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  • Arboretum staff read to a room full of children at a local library.
  • Arboretum staff read to a group of children celebrating pumpkin season.
  • The Arboretum’s Laura Kamedulski helps animate a story with a stuffed skunk at an Arboretum storytime event.
  • A mother and her children play with leaves at an Arboretum storytime event.