Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Putney Public Library
★4.1(106 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 0-12. Babies and toddlers enjoy story time sessions, preschoolers love the interactive activities and picture book collections, while older children can explore chapter books and participate in library programs.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Putney Public Library offers a welcoming haven for families with its extensive children's sections, regular story time sessions, and engaging activities designed for young learners. This free community resource provides a perfect rainy day activity or quiet afternoon retreat where kids can explore books, participate in educational programs, and develop a love of reading in a supportive environment.
Highlights
- ✓Free story time programs featuring interactive reading sessions for different age groups
- ✓Extensive children's book collection spanning picture books to young adult fiction
- ✓Regular educational activities and workshops during school holidays
- ✓Quiet, climate-controlled space perfect for London's rainy days
- ✓Community atmosphere where children can develop library skills and reading habits
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the library's website before visiting for current story time schedules and special children's events, as these often require free registration.
- 2.Note that the library is closed on Tuesdays, plan your visit accordingly. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday offer extended hours until 8:00 PM for working parents.
- 3.Bring your child's library card from home if they have one, as many UK libraries participate in reciprocal borrowing schemes.
- 4.The library can get busy during school holidays, so arrive early for popular story time sessions to secure a spot.
- 5.Combine your library visit with a walk along the nearby Thames Path for a full day out in Putney.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) are ideal for avoiding crowds and catching scheduled story times. Sunday afternoons (1:00-5:00 PM) work well for families wanting a quieter weekend activity, though hours are limited.
What to Know
Entry is completely free and no membership is required to browse or attend events, though borrowing books requires registration. The library is accessible by public transport with Putney railway station nearby, and street parking is available in the surrounding residential area.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with special programming during school holidays including half-terms and summer breaks. Check ahead for any closures during UK bank holidays.
Nearby Eats
Putney High Street is a short walk away with family-friendly options including Gail's Bakery for pastries and light lunches, or Ask Italian for kid-friendly pizza and pasta meals.
More Activities Near Putney
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Putney Park Lane
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Putney Park Lane offers families a quintessential London park experience along the River Thames with sprawling green spaces perfect for energetic kids to run free. The combination of well-maintained playgrounds, riverside paths ideal for scootering or cycling, and plenty of room for picnics makes this a go-to spot for families seeking outdoor time without the cost or crowds of central London attractions.
Park
Chestnut Grove
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Chestnut Grove offers a peaceful escape in Putney with lovely green spaces, shaded woodland paths, and well-maintained play equipment. This local gem is perfect for families seeking a quiet spot for picnics, nature exploration, and letting kids burn energy without the hustle of London's busier tourist parks.
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Putney Common
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Putney Common is a sprawling green oasis perfect for families seeking outdoor adventures in southwest London. With over 200 acres of woodland, scenic ponds, and several well-equipped playgrounds, this expansive common offers endless opportunities for nature exploration, picnics, and active play without costing a penny.
Sports
All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
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Home to the world's most prestigious tennis tournament, the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club offers families a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of tennis legends. The guided tours take you behind the scenes of Wimbledon's iconic courts, trophy rooms, and facilities, making it an engaging experience for sports-loving families and a fascinating glimpse into British sporting culture.