Where can you snag a copy of the latest movie release, catch a performance by Paul Mesner puppets (for FREE), and research an upcoming family vacation … all on the same day? Why, your local public library, of course!
Since becoming a mom, I have discovered what some have known for YEARS! Your local library is a treasure trove of opportunities and entertainment for your family … ALL FOR FREE! Can you believe it? FREE!
This summer alone, my children attended a wild bird show, a professional puppet show, countless story times, and a concert by Mr. Stinky Feet!
As a parent, our local library has been a life-saver! In the dead of winter, when we’re all a little stir-crazy and we just need to get out of the house, we head to our library and the boys can read books, play computer games, build with blocks, or play with puzzles.
While the library is a fantastic place for toddlers, it’s also an amazing resource for your school-aged children. As a middle school teacher, my students participate in a month-long writing celebration called NaNoWriMo. Our local library has weekly gatherings for NaNoWriMo participants, students and adults alike, where writers can gather to share ideas and help each other with their work. Our library also has a weekly “teen night” geared toward middle school students. They watch movies, read books, make candy sushi, and a whole slew of other fun activities!
My 7th and 8th grade students participate in a national writing competition called National History Day. This year, we took our students to the Central Branch of the Kansas City Public Library. The librarians were AMAZING at helping our students with their research. They answered questions, located resources, and taught my students how to use microfiche.
Interested in doing some learning of your own? In a 10 minute search of the Mid-Continent Public Library’s website, I discovered a class for small business owners, a class on decorating your home, and an informational session about Tom Pendergast and Harry Truman and the relationship between them.
Your local library is a wealth of amazing, and most often free, family entertainment, information, and opportunities.
If you have not checked out your local library, I highly recommend you do so today!
