Probably one of the hidden gems in every community is the local library. As a book lover and educator I have always loved and had a respect for the library and the librarians who care for the books. I know there is this image of librarians that you see in childhood movies where its a mean old lady who shushes you at the tiniest sound. To me, however, the library is so much more.
As a child I loved doing the summer reading program and collecting prizes each week. As a teenager the library became a place to read a variety of books at a limited (zero) budget. Now, as an adult, it has become a place of business for tutoring and sharing my love with my kids. Because of this I wanted to share my three favorite things about my local library.
Online Library
For a few years now the library system has provided access to several online databases for E-Books. This is literally the best thing ever, but probably the worst for my productivity level. But hey, we have to make sacrifices somewhere. Anyways, each of these databases has a phone app where you link your library card number and can download the books to your phone to be read at any time regardless of whether you have internet access. One of the apps will even send the book to the Kindle app so that if you have a Kindle you could read it on there as well.
This has been one of my favorite things recently because it allows me to take a break and read anywhere without carrying a book around. My favorite places to read in the recent past have been on my lunch break when I was working, in the waiting room for my million and one doctors appointment when I was pregnant, and riding in the car on long drives. If you haven’t already, I highly suggest you see if your library has this!
Welcoming Atmosphere
I have had many positive experiences in a variety of libraries in my county. One of the things that I love is that you can go in and find all types of people doing all kinds of things. Personally, I have used the library for tutoring, when I’ve need to print something in a pinch, and obviously to borrow books and movies.
While I have been in the library I have seen people giving and receiving job counseling and computer help. My local library system also has some amazing programs for people of all ages such as knitting circles and family movie nights. I love that libraries can truly be a gathering place for people to come together and connect or accomplish something.
Recently, I have loved being able to share my feelings about the library with my girls. M already loves to go to the library. Our closest location has an awesome play area with toys and puppets. We have started borrowing books so that we can read new stories at home without the added expense, although I am still a sucker for buying books.
Story Time
Before having kids I don’t think I paid much attention to the library programs beyond the summer reading program. But right around M’s first birthday, I decided to try out the program for babies and it was awesome. I was amazed by how many people were there, but after seeing the leader and her love for the kids I could understand why.
When I went back to work in the fall my mom continued to take her almost every week. To the point that we were in a nearby store one day and the teacher came from another aisle and said hello because she recognized my daughter’s voice! I was amazed and I loved seeing videos and pictures of how much M enjoyed dancing and singing and playing with the other kids.
We now go to the toddler class which is also awesome. It’s like a mini pre-school. Where they learn a letter each week and sing songs and read books about the target letter. Each class ends with a craft featuring the letter of the day. It really is an amazing program and it’s one of the things that I love being able to take the girls to now that I am home. It is also one of the only places that I will venture to by myself with all three. The reward of having M involved in something that she enjoys is worth the effort of getting there.
Finally, I highly encourage you to check out your local library and see what they have to offer. If you live near me, I can almost guarantee you will be surprised by what you find. They truly have something for everyone. Happy reading! And remember Reading is FUNdumental!
Martina