When I was a kid, I remember crawling into bed at 7 or 8 p.m., taking with me every single stuffed animal I owned, leaving barely enough room for Mom to squeeze in next to me and read my bedtime stories. That is, until the tables turned, and I memorized all the words; then I'd recite the Golden Book stories to her, word for word.

As fun as it can be to read to kids, the opportunity exists to plop the whippersnappers down in front of someone else every once in a while. It seems that in Rochester, somebody is reading a story aloud just about every hour of every day. Practically every library in Monroe County has its own story time schedule, as do area bookstores, the zoo, even the Strong National Museum of Play. The trick is to sort through and pick out the ones best suited to your own schedule and your child's interests.

Most story times are free, though some charge admission; some let you show up in PJs, and others are accompanied by live animals or costumed characters. Here are just a few that stand out from the crowd. For more story times and other kids events, keep an eye on the Kids Events section of City Newspaper's weekly calendar.

Book and Beast

Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St, 336-7200, senecaparkzoo.org

Book and Beast takes place Wednesdays at 11 a.m., September through April. If more than 50 people show up, the zoo puts on a second reading at 11:30 a.m. The cool thing about this story time is you get to listen to a story then meet an animal related to the story, anything ranging from a duck to a snake to a spider to a rabbit. An up-close-and-personal look at one of the "beasts" usually only seen behind bars or glass should thrill a kid of any age. Free with zoo admission.

PJ Storytime

Barnes and Noble Pittsford, 3349 Monroe Ave, 586-6020, barnesandnoble.com

This story time happens one Friday a month, and includes a visit from a costumed character. In April, it's gonna be Biscuit the Dog from the popular kids series; in May, it'll be Arthur from the television show and books. This is a comfy, late-evening story time - it starts around 9 p.m. - and is perfect for when the little ones aren't quite ready to go to bed. You can put them in some pajamas, throw them in the car, and hand them over to the storyteller who will (maybe) coax the kids into the sandman's hands. Children can also bring their favorite stuffed toys.

Tales for Tails

Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield, 340-8720

A twist on other area story times. Here, it's the kids that do the reading. The Penfield library offers kids a chance to tell stories to dogs, specifically therapy dogs; the pooches welcome the attention, and kids get to feel confident developing reading skills to a nonjudgmental furry friend.

Thursday Morning Story Time

Barnes & Noble Webster, 1070 Ridge Rd, 872-9710, barnesandnoble.com

Every Thursday morning there's a "wee ones" story time at 9:30 a.m. for kids under 3, and then again at 10:30 for preschoolers, followed by crafts.

Toddler Book Club

Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Sq, 263-2700, museumofplay.org

The Strong Museum is a kid's destination in itself, but the toddler book club is another reason to go. Every Monday at 10:30, 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. kids show up to listen to stories and interact with their peers. Every month has a different theme, sometimes coordinated with an exhibit. April's theme is "Eric Carle's Animals" (he wrote the popular "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" books) and along with readings of his stories, kids will get to take part in activities and play relating to the stories.

Library Story Times

Library story times are numerous. They're usually split up by age group and time of day. Call ahead with questions, since some libraries require adults to stay with their children, and others do not; also, it's sometimes necessary to register in advance, or on the day of the story time. Schedules change seasonally.

-Chili Library (3333 Chili Ave, 889-2200) hosts a free drop-in story time for kids of all ages; it takes place Thursdays at 10 a.m. Call 889-2200 x321 for more info.

-East Rochester Public Library (111 West Elm St, East Rochester,586-8302) has a half-hour of drop-in story time Mondays at 4 p.m. for ages 4-6. This story time is followed by craft-making easy enough for the kids to enjoy.

-Hamlin Public Library (422 Clarkson-Hamlin Townline Rd) holds its Thursday Evening Story Time for ages 4-9 every Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Call 964-2320 for info.

-At Highland Branch Library (971 South Ave, 428-8206) school-aged children can drop in Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. and hear a story, or take part in activities. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult.

-Preschool age kids can drop in for story time Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Pittsford Community Library (24 State St, Pittsford). Call 249-5478.

-For kids and parents that prefer story time at home, the Monroe Country Library System offers story kits that can be checked out for up to two weeks. The kits have themes such as children around the world, farm animals, and the alphabet, and include books, puppets, puzzles, and toys. Visit rochesterpubliclibrary.org, select "Kids," and then select "Storytime Kits." Or call Children's Services at 285-8012 to reserve a kit or to get more information.