Aiken, South Carolina, September 2, 2025

News Summary

The annual Fall Story Time in the Gardens is set to begin in Aiken, featuring free storytelling sessions for families every Tuesday afternoon in September and October. The event promotes literacy and engagement by providing complimentary books to attendees and covering themes such as the fall season and community helpers. A Halloween-themed session on October 28 will offer spooky tales, making it a fun and educational experience for children. Families are also encouraged to bring gently used book donations to support community literacy programs.

Aiken, South Carolina will host its annual Fall Story Time in the Gardens starting on September 2. The event is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on the lawn of the Rye Patch, located at 100 Berrie Road. This popular community initiative is designed to engage families and foster a love for reading in children.

Sessions will take place every Tuesday afternoon throughout October. Participation in Story Time is free of charge, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for seating as well as snacks to enjoy during the reading. In the event of bad weather, the story sessions will be relocated indoors to the Rye Patch Reception Center.

Each family that attends will receive a complimentary book, aimed at promoting literacy and reading in the community. Story topics for the season will cover a variety of themes, including going back to school, the role of grandparents, the fall season, community helpers, farms, scarecrows, forest friends, and night creatures, among others. Additionally, there will be special themed sessions featuring stories that celebrate characters from the popular children’s program Sesame Street.

The Fall Story Time season will culminate with a festive Halloween-themed story session on October 28, where children can enjoy spooky tales in a fun environment. Furthermore, families are invited to bring gently used books as donations to the Little Free Library located in Hopelands Gardens. This effort aims to support community literacy programs and expand access to books for all children.

The event is supported by several local sponsors, including The Aiken Homes Team and The Friends of Hopelands Gardens, highlighting the community’s commitment to promoting literacy and family engagement. For those seeking additional information about the event, the Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism can be contacted via their website at cityofaikensc.gov.

Background Context

The Fall Story Time in the Gardens is a long-standing tradition in Aiken that brings families together to enjoy storytelling in a scenic outdoor setting. The initiative not only promotes reading but also aims to strengthen community bonds by creating an inviting atmosphere for families. With the ongoing support of local businesses and community organizations, this event continues to thrive and adapt, offering diverse and engaging content for children and parents alike.

Key Features of Fall Story Time

• Location: Rye Patch, 100 Berrie Road, Aiken, SC
• Start Date: September 2
• Time: Every Tuesday at 4 p.m.
• Duration: Through October
• Free Admission: Yes
• Special Theme: Halloween on October 28
• Complimentary Books: Provided to each family
• Support: Local sponsors including The Aiken Homes Team and The Friends of Hopelands Gardens

Frequently Asked Questions

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Additional Resources

• Aiken Standard: Story Time Returns to Rye Patch
• Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
• Aiken Standard: Today’s Events for Sept 2
• Google Search: Fall Story Time in the Gardens Aiken
• Aiken Standard: Story Time at Hopelands
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Storytelling

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.