The Library Post
Do you have a library card? If not, after reading this post, you’ll be getting one. Michele and I have spent many days at the library, browsing for books to use in our playgroups and at home as well. The library is a magical place your little one can explore practically on their own while you stand by to read book after book and then bring a stack home. We each took the time to share our library with you and all it has to offer. We hope this encourages you to stop by your library, whether it's your first time or the millionth time, you always find something new!
Evesham Library
Quiet - For when it’s been a crazy, hectic, fast, busy, LOUD week…head to the library. It instills a sense of peace, calmness, and breathing room.
AC - Summer is HOT. And sometimes it seems so hot there is nothing to do, but you just have to get out of the house. The library is air conditioned!
Free - It’s free! Just don’t be late with book returns!
Themed book bundles - Don't have time to browse the library but you know a little sister or brother is on the way, or maybe you are planning a trip to the zoo? At the our library, there is a table of book bundles themed in categories such as “Sibling books” “Zoo books” “Books about Halloween” “Books about making friends” and more.
Free crafts and classes - Whenever we walk in one of the first spots we stop is the table where there is usually a take home craft (supplies limited), coloring pages, and a calendar of events.
Aquarium - Another favorite stop before we even get to books is the aquarium, we always have to say hi (and bye) to the fish.
Museum passes - There is a list museums and local family outings which the library has passes for. You can reserve your tickets online through the library’s website and pick up (or some may be emailed to you). I highly recommend planning ahead of time to reserve because they are a hot commodity and may not be available tomorrow.
Read to a service animal - One of our favorite activities on the library’s calendar is read to a service animal. A group of people bring their service dogs who lay around just waiting to be read to and given a few good belly rubs
Computer access - There are computers for adult use such as browsing the internet and such but also computers on low desks for little legs and fun, safe websites ready to browse.
Toy share - New to our library is the toy share shelf. Just like checking out books, there are sensory rich toys you can borrow! Our favorite is the transparent, rainbow colored, wooden shapes.
Online resources - reserving books, museum passes, calendar of events and more.
And lastly, our library is connected to the municipal building, so we usually get to say hi to a police officer or a council person going to and from work.
Cherry hill
New picture books shelf- Whenever we visit the library I always stop by the new picture books shelf. I like to discover new titles and authors that I haven’t heard of before. Usually this shelf has a wonderfully varied array of multicultural topics and characters.
Book bundles- Located on top of the picture book shelves are book bundles on a specific topic like “birds” or “the seashore”. The librarian curates the books and you can just grab them and go!
Activity Bags- Also located on top of the picture book shelves are activity bags. Each bag has a topic and age range and includes laminated game boards and pieces. We’ve tried counting games and shapes. They are great for littles to play when you need a quick activity at the table. Play together at first then see if they can do it on their own after they understand the concept.
Computers- The library has computers in the children's section for research and to play games. Great for entertaining older children while the littles play in the picture book section.
Themed books table- Each month the library curates a selection of books for monthly topics and holidays such as Spanish Heritage month. They display the books and you can browse and check out any that peak your curiosity. I find so many books that we have enjoyed from these wonderful displays.
Free craft- Before we leave I make sure to grab a free craft. Usually located by the desk and in brown paper bags. It’s already prepared for you. Just add glue and voila! afternoon craft time is set! Sometimes I grab a few more for our neighborhood friends and we deliver them later that day. Two activities in one!
Feed the dinosaurs- On the way out we feed the dinosaurs a few coins so don’t forget to bring those pennies and nickels.
Events- Lastly, check your local libraries websites often. There are usually fun and informative events for all ages. Cherry Hill offers Rhyme Time for babies, story time with day and evening times, and an upcoming Fall Festival.
What’s your favorite part of the library? Drop a comment and let everyone know!
Now, go play!
