Jane's Midlife Journey

Stay & Play sessions take place at local libraries offering children under 5 the opportunity play with the library’s collection of toys, games and puzzles. As well as books, of course. Orla loves visiting the library – lots of new books to read and toys to play with. Stay & Play is a great introduction to the world of storytelling, books and reading.

Sessions run throughout the year, with times detailed below. These are drop-in sessions; there is no need to book, just drop in when you fancy and stay as long as you like.

Stay & Play Schedule

Day	Time	Library
Tuesday	10.30 am – 12 pm	Springbourne
Wednesday	10 am – 12 pm	Boscombe
Thursday	10 am – 11 am	Castlepoint
Thursday	11 am – 11.30 am	Kinson
Friday	9.30 am – 11.30 pm	Pokesdown and Southbourne

Access

All BCP libraries have easy access. For more details, check with the specific library via the links in the table. If you are bringing a pushchair, you may be asked to leave it in a specific place upon arrival.

Price

There is no fee for attending Stay & Play Sessions.

Suitable for age

The sessions are aimed at children under 5, but all are welcome.

Details

There are no organised activities, just the opportunity for children to play with different books and toys to those they are familiar with. There is also the opportunity for group play, helping teach children how to communicate and share and aiding their personal and social development. Sessions also provides a chance for parents/carers to meet and have a chat.

Last summer, Stay & Play went on tour, with pop-up sessions in various parks during the school holidays. We attended a session at Littledown Park, with the opportunity to sit in the shade and do some crafting and colouring in between playing in the park and dips in the paddling pool.

Food & Drink

Food and drink is not usually provided.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

All BCP libraries have toilets with changing facilities. For more details, check with the specific library via the links in the table.

• Updated: February 2026

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.