- August 18, 2014

Free Bilingual Programs for Kids in Austin

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Catherine recently wrote about the fun she had attending Dual Language Storytime at Austin Public Library, which sparked numerous requests for more information on local bilingual programs for children.  We’ve rounded up a few upcoming events below, but please feel free to share if you know of more!

Cuentacuentos: Storytime en Español – Wednesday, August 20 at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy a reading of Que duermas bien, pequeno tren (Steam Train, Dream Train). Sweet and silly dreams are guaranteed for any budding train enthusiasts. This a Spanish-language storytime with word practice activities afterwards. FREE! Barnes & Noble Arboretum, 10000 Research Blvd #158, Austin.

A Child’s Garden of Language


A Child’s Garden of Language – Saturday, August 23 at 4 p.m. Try a donation-based Hindi immersion class with your child at All Things Kids in the Domain (3220 Feathergrass Ct, between iPic and Dillards, Austin).  Then, on Saturday, September 13, you can try a FREE Spanish class at the Family Fun Fest and Diaper Drive (Northwest Recreation on 2222/Koenig Lane near Mopac). If there is a regularly scheduled immersion class that you would like to try to see if it is a good fit for your child, contact Sarah at [email protected].

Cuentacuentos: Storytime en Español – Saturday, August 23 at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a reading of Que duermas bien, pequeno tren (Steam Train, Dream Train). Sweet and silly dreams are guaranteed for any budding train enthusiast. This a Spanish-language storytime with word practice activities afterwards. FREE! Barnes & Noble Sunset Valley, Sunset Valley Village, 5601 Brodie Lane Suite 300, Austin.

Dual Language Storytime – Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas – Fall Session starts on Monday, August 25. Austin Public Library branches host this all ages storytime which uses both English and Spanish to present books, rhymes and songs. It differs from a traditional bilingual storytime in that some material is presented in English while other material is presented in Spanish, allowing for a natural transition between stories and activities and exposing children to both languages in an inviting environment. FREE! Offered at 9 times weekly at various Austin Public Library branches.

Round Rock Public Library (Round Rock) – Tuesday, August 26 at 10:30 a.m., enjoy a Spanish Bilingual Storytime. Tuesday, September 2 at 10:30 a.m., enjoy a Chinese Bilingual Storytime. See the September schedule for more Tuesday bilingual storytimes, including one with American Sign Language. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main, Round Rock.

Teach Your Tot Spanish – Thursday, August 28 at 11:30 a.m. Then, starting in September, Laura’s Library will host Hola, Hola! on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Road, Austin.

Hola-Hola! Story Time – First Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. This story time is for all ages, but in español! Join Ann Benson from SOMOS AMIGOS for stories, songs, fingerplays in Spanish. Ms. Benson is a bilingual educator and recording artist. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.


Kyle Public Library (Kyle) – Fridays at 10:30 a.m., starting August 22. Bilingual Story Time is presented in English and Spanish. It is an opportunity for young children to engage through stories, finger plays, music and activities. If you have any questions, you may call 512-268-7411, email [email protected], or just drop by the library. FREE! Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott Street, Kyle.

Semillitas de Espanol – Try a FREE Canta demo class this month! Canta is a parent and child (0-5 years) program to teaches Spanish through music and movement. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the language to your child or reinforce it if you already speak it at home. Choose from 5 times at 3 locations

Leer y Crear: Family Story Time at Mexican American Cultural Center – Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is proud to offer Leer y Crear, a bilingual story time for families, on a monthly basis. Each program date, an instructor will read a story from the library and lead participants in a themed activity that relates to the book. This program is FREE and all ages are welcome. On September 13, enjoy Diego Rivera by Duncan Tonatiuh. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult. It is suggested that participants arrive 30 minutes early to secure a parking pass and fill out proper registration forms. Space is limited. Emma S. Barrientos MACC, 600 River St., Austin.

Pflugerville Public Library (Pflugerville) – Bilingual storytime will be offered again starting in September. The calendar is not yet online