A Parent’s Guide to Austin’s Full Spectrum of Reading & Writing Programs for Children
Author: Co-Founder & CEO of Recess, Amy Kiska In celebration of National Read a Book Day
My parents are writers, and some of my most cherished childhood memories are trailing behind them through bookstores, the intoxicating smell of fresh pages filling the air as we explored our favorite sections together. Those special “take your daughter to work” days in the newsroom taught me something profound: words have power. They can inform, inspire, and ignite change. Now, as a parent to an 8-month-old daughter, I’m determined to pass on this literary legacy. This guide is both personal and practical – a comprehensive resource for Austin families who want to nurture their children’s love of reading and writing, from those first board books to their first bylines.
Whether you have a newborn ready for their first storytime or a teenager crafting their debut novel, Austin’s vibrant literary community offers programs for every age and stage. Here’s your comprehensive guide to reading and writing opportunities throughout the city.
Baby & Toddler Storytimes (Ages 0-3)
Austin Public Library System
The crown jewel of Austin’s early literacy programs, the library system offers age-appropriate storytimes across the city:
Books and Babies (0-12 months)
- Lapsit program with short stories, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays
- Multiple locations weekly including Terrazas Branch, Twin Oaks Branch, Milwood Branch, and Hampton Branch at Oak Hill
- Brief playtime follows each session
- Perfect for non-walking babies and their caregivers
Toddler Storytime (1-3 years)
- Features stories, songs, fingerplays, and games
- Offered at Ruiz Branch (Mondays), Hampton Branch (Tuesdays), and John Gillum Branch (Wednesdays)
- 30-minute sessions designed for toddler attention spans
BookPeople
Austin’s beloved independent bookstore hosts storytimes in their charming BookKids amphitheater:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:30 AM
- Features themed storytimes with special guests
- Musical storytimes with Amber Blue include sing-along songs, rhythm instruments, and scarves
- Free and open to the public
Barnes & Noble
Multiple Austin-area locations offer consistent programming:
- Saturday Storytimes at 11 AM across all locations
- Baby & Me Storytime for ages 0-2 (select locations)
- Special seasonal events like The Polar Express readings in December
- Includes café coupons for grilled cheese lunch deals
Preschool & Early Elementary Programs (Ages 3-8)
Austin Public Library Preschool Storytimes
Designed for ages 3-5, these programs include:
- Stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and crafts
- Locations include John Gillum Branch, Spicewood Springs Branch, and Central Library
- All Ages Storytime options for mixed-age families
Bilingual & Spanish Storytimes
- Spanish-English Storytime: Imagination Station at various library branches
- Erika Martinez and El Niño y El Cuento Spanish storytime at BookPeople
- Perfect for bilingual families or those introducing a second language
Special Programs
- Barking Book Buddies: Children read to therapy dogs at select libraries
- Literature Live!: Austin Public Library’s puppetry troupe performs throughout the year
- Thinkery: Daily storytimes integrated with hands-on STEAM activities
Elementary Writing Programs (Ages 8-12)
Young Writers Austin
Led by novelist and PhD Jennifer Hritz, this program offers:
- Month-long weekly creative writing workshops
- Once-a-month workshops for 4th and 5th graders
- Focus on both creative and academic writing skills
- Small group instruction with personalized attention
Austin Bat Cave
This literary nonprofit provides free and low-cost programs including:
- Writing workshops covering poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction
- Partnerships with local libraries and community centers
- Zine-making, journaling, and storytelling workshops
- Programs at locations including Pflugerville Public Library, Round Rock Public Library, and San Marcos Public Library
Badgerdog Creative Writing Program
Run by the Library Foundation, Badgerdog offers:
- Summer camps for grades 3-12 exploring poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting
- Small, intimate camps led by Austin’s professional writers
- TEKS-aligned classroom visits during the school year
- Wade Martin Scholarship Fund for financial assistance
- Emphasis on reading, writing, and sharing work publicly
Middle & High School Programs (Ages 13-18)
Austin Bat Cave Teen Programs
Comprehensive offerings for older students:
- Spoken word poetry workshops
- Playwriting and screenwriting instruction
- Food and gardening storytelling
- Folklore and scary story workshops
- Partnerships with organizations like Urban Roots and Austin Youth River Watch
VORTEX Voices Youth Creative Writing Workshops
Free programming for teens ages 13-18:
- Regular Saturday workshops throughout the school year
- 10 AM – 2 PM sessions at The VORTEX Theatre
- Spoken word poetry and playwriting focus
- Professional performance poets and playwrights as instructors
- Community service hours available
- No experience necessary
- Check vortexrep.org for current schedule
Texas Book Festival Programs
Real Reads
- Brings renowned authors to middle and high schools
- Students receive signed copies of featured books
- Interactive discussions about the creative process
- Fosters connections between young readers and professional writers
Writing Barn
Located in Austin with both online and in-person options:
- Classes for writers of all levels
- Support for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse writers
- Focus on craft development and literary community building
Independent Bookstore Events & Community Programs
The Austin Texas Book Trail
Annual bookstore crawl celebrating local literary culture:
- Typically held each spring (check austintexasbooktrail.com for current dates)
- Features dozens of independent bookstores
- Special programming, discounts, and author events
- Morning kickoff and evening afterparty events
- Bookstore passport program with prizes
Notable Independent Bookstores with Children’s Programming
- Resistencia Bookstore: Focus on Native American, Latino/Latina, African American, and Chicano/a voices
- Reverie Books: Queer-owned South Austin shop with robust children’s section
- Monkeywrench Books: Collectively-run nonprofit bookstore and social space
- First Light Books: New location offering special events and discounts
Alternative & Specialized Programs
Austin Waldorf School
Offers a unique approach to literacy development:
- Integration of storytelling throughout the curriculum
- Emphasis on oral tradition before written work
- Creative writing woven into main lesson blocks
- Summer programs open to the broader community
Annual Literary Events
Texas Book Festival
One of the nation’s premier literary events:
- Held annually each fall (typically October or November)
- Free and open to the public
- Features 250+ authors annually
- Extensive children’s and young adult programming
- Book signings, panels, and demonstrations
- Special venues including the State Capitol
- Visit texasbookfestival.org for current year dates
Greater Austin Book (GAB) Fest
Annual celebration of local authors and illustrators:
- Held each spring at Austin Central Library
- Full day of panels, workshops, and programs
- Meet participating authors and get books signed
- Inclusive environment for all ages
- Check library.austintexas.gov/gabfest for upcoming dates
Tips for Building Your Family’s Literary Journey
- Start Early: Even newborns benefit from hearing language patterns and bonding through reading
- Be Consistent: Regular storytime attendance helps children develop social skills and routine
- Mix It Up: Combine library programs with bookstore events and writing workshops
- Follow Their Interests: Let children guide their reading choices while gently expanding horizons
- Model Reading: Children who see adults reading are more likely to become readers themselves
- Create Community: Join book clubs, attend festivals, and connect with other literary families
Creating Your Family’s Reading Rhythm
As someone who grew up surrounded by writers and words, I know firsthand how powerful early literacy experiences can be. Those newsroom visits taught me that stories matter, that words have weight, and that everyone has something important to say. Now, as I prepare to introduce my own daughter to Austin’s literary landscape, I’m grateful for the rich tapestry of programs available to families at every stage.
Whether you’re looking for that perfect first storytime for your baby, seeking creative outlets for your elementary schooler, or nurturing a teen’s passion for writing, Austin offers endless opportunities to grow readers and writers. The key is finding the right fit for your family’s schedule, interests, and developmental needs.
Start small—perhaps with a weekly library storytime—and gradually explore the wider world of Austin’s literary community. Before you know it, you might find yourself at the Texas Book Festival, watching your child’s eyes light up as they meet their favorite author, or celebrating their first published piece in a student anthology.
Resources & Contacts
Austin Public Library System
- Website: library.austintexas.gov
- Event Calendar: library.austintexas.gov/events
- Programs available at 20+ locations citywide
BookPeople
- Address: 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
- Storytime Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays at 10:30 AM
- Website: bookpeople.com
Austin Bat Cave
- Email: info@austinbatcave.org
- Website: austinbatcave.org
Badgerdog Creative Writing Program
- Email: badgerdog@austinlibrary.org
- Part of the Library Foundation
Young Writers Austin
- Website: youngwritersaustin.com
- Programs for girls grades 6-12, plus 4th-5th grade workshops
Texas Book Festival
- Website: texasbookfestival.org
- Annual festival plus year-round programming
Remember: Every reader’s journey begins with a single story, and every writer’s path starts with a single word. Austin’s literary community stands ready to nurture both, from those first board books to those first manuscripts, creating a new generation of readers, writers, and storytellers who will carry forward the magic of the written word.
Happy National Read a Book Day, Austin families! May your bookshelves be full and your imaginations fuller.
