Going to the library can be a lot of fun for kids, but it can also be an overwhelming experience for some.
Picking books can be a challenge, for instance, as there are so many choices to pick from.
Another challenge might be remembering the rules of the library.
Then there might be other challenges like knowing how to check out books, when to return them, finding a book in the library, and so on.
But hopefully these free social stories about going to the library will help prepare your child (or yourself!) for trips to the library.
Below, you'll find a variety of social stories. Some are written for specific libraries or branches. Others only cover certain aspects of going to the library such as library rules, using self checkout, or going to library story time. I tried to cover a variety of topics. So let's dig in!
Free Social Stories About Going to the Library
Have you been looking for a social story about visiting a library? Then look no further than these free printable library social stories. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.
I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you find the best library related social story for yourself or your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).
Some of the social stories below are specific to certain libraries, but they will give you a good idea of things to consider including in your own story. Plus, they serve as a reminder to check your local library to see if they already offer a social story of their own. Who knows...your library might already have a story written that you can use!
Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them.
1. Sensory Story Time at the Library Social Story from ASERT - This story discusses sensory story time, which your library may or may not offer. It uses colorful clipart, but the story itself is super basic.
2. Checking Out Books and Materials at the Library Social Story from ASERT - Here's another simple story about the library. This time the topic is checking out books, borrowing limits, and finding the return date for the materials you borrow. This story uses colorful clipart and is really short.
3. At the Library Social Story from ASERT - There are two stories here. One describes what the library is and the other discusses how to find what you need, as well as library rules. Both stories use colorful clipart.
4. At the Library Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - This story is mostly text only as it only includes one photo. It is super basic and somewhat dated as most libraries have moved away from stamping a date inside the book by now.
5. Library Time Social Story from Profesora Adelita on TPT - This story uses comes as a Word document so it's likely editable. It uses Boardmaker symbols. I'm not sure how detailed this story will be, but I'm guessing it's pretty basic.
6. My Visit to Toronto Public Library from Toronto Public Library - Yes, this story is specific to one city's library system, but it could easily be adapted for other purposes. The story is quite detailed, uses full color photos showing diverse people, and comes in a variety of formats including eBraille!
7. I'm Going to the Library Social Story Template from Dimensions - This story comes as a Word document for you to edit and insert photos as you'd like. It gives you a good template to work with to create your own from scratch.
8. Library Social Stories from Nashville Public Library - There are lots of social stories here, specific to different library branches in Nashville. There are also stories about different programs like story time included. The stories are text only though (at least the ones I checked). No photos included.
9. I am Going to the Library from Lethbridge Public Library - Again, this story is specific to a particular library, but it may still be a good tool that you could adapt. It uses full color photos.
Video Social Stories About Visiting a Library & Using its Services
Here are some video social stories that talk about different aspects visiting a library. You can use these in teletherapy sessions, social skills groups, at home, and/or classroom settings. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.
Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great and they may be written about visiting a specific library. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping your child understand different aspects of trips to the library.
Can't Find Exactly What You Need? Try the Library Time Social Story Bundle!
Didn't find quite the right social story above? Don't feel like writing one from scratch? Sometimes the free ones aren't the way to go (or aren't nearly detailed enough).
Well, that's where the Library Time Social Story Bundle comes in handy. Plus, they're editable, which means you can customize them to fit your needs.
Grab your copy of the library social story bundle
Remember to always check your local library first to see if they offer free social stories about going to the library that are tailored to your specific library. If not, feel free to use the above stories or customize one of my paid stories from the shop.
