Growing up, it was a ritual to visit my local public library at least once a week. The library was one of the top places my siblings and I requested to go, especially during the summer, when my mom asked how we wanted to spend our time on any unstructured day. And let’s be real: I’m sure my mom was delighted to get a little bit of peace and quiet in a place that required us to use a whisper.
But it wasn’t just that. As a child, it was truly a happy place for me (and still is). I spent a lot of time cozied up with my favorite books, reading in between the book stacks. It was where I fell in love with characters like Clifford from Clifford the Big Red Dog, where I checked out every book in The Baby-Sitters Club series, and it was my primary resource when I wrote my first book report on Olympian Figure Skater Michelle Kwan.
And the library doesn’t just house books. Now that I’m a mom, I appreciate the library even more with everything it has to offer. Many libraries offer resources that kids of all ages and adults can take advantage of, which are both fun and educational. It’s no wonder this ‘90s kids hangout seems to be trending nowadays with the rise of analog activities and screen-free play. From storytime to needlepointing classes to book clubs, it is one of the most underrated (and free) places to visit as a family all summer long. I’m sharing 16 things to do at the library you may not have considered before. And all the wonderful reasons why it’s one of my (and my kids’) favorite places. Not every library has these cool offerings, but you might be surprised to see what your public library has for its patrons.
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Why going to the library is a perfect summertime activity
During the summer, some parents use the library to get their kids engaged in reading and to combat the summer slide. However, it isn’t the only reason to visit this wonderful place. Parents nowadays want to give their kids a ’90s summer, and going to the library is one of the perfect ways to lean into the ’90s vibe. In the summertime, parents can sign their kids up for clubs, camps, and so much more. The biggest plus? These activities keep the kiddos busy and are either free or won’t break the bank.
1. Enjoy summer reading programs
Head to the library when school is out for the summer. I absolutely loved participating in the library summer reading program growing up, and I plan on doing this with my boys. Kids can log the books they read and get rewarded for it, too, with incentives like a gift card, a book, and other prizes. It’s a great way to enhance their love for reading.
2. See if the library offers summer camps
Scrambling for summer camp sign-ups can be quite stressful as a parent. It’s no secret that summer childcare is expensive these days, too. One place that might save money and provide free or low-cost summer camp options is the library!
3. Attend storytime for babies and toddlers
As a new mom, one of the first solo outings I took my son to was a storytime hour at the public library. Reading to babies and toddlers is important for language development, and what better way to do it than surrounded by other moms in the same stage of life? It’s the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon with little ones. Plus, my kids love when a librarian pulls out all of the best storytime puppet characters—a real hit with toddlers.
4. Take part in educational days for kids and teens
For kids, the library offers learning beyond books with classes tailored to their own interests. Your public library may hold educational classes geared towards science, technology, engineering, the Arts, and mathematics, or otherwise known as STEAM classes. Sign your kiddos up for a robotics class, a class on theatre production, or have them learn about the ecosystem, and so much more!
5. Download an ebook
In the age of the digital world, I do appreciate that many libraries allow you to download ebooks onto an e-reader. See if your library has partnered with popular apps like Libby, Hoopla, and Cloud Library that allow you to download books straight from your public library.
6. Join a book club
For both kids and adults, whether you’re a fan of thrillers, fantasy, or romance, some libraries even hold book clubs for an array of genres. There’s something about making a book a shared experience. And a book club allows you to analyze a novel with other people, giving you a whole new perspective on a storyline and pointing out things you didn’t notice while reading it by yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to get some social interaction—and even make friends!
7. See if the library offers STEM and Literary Kits
I was surprised to find that my public library offers STEM and literary kits for kids. At the time of this discovery, my son was learning his shapes and colors, and one kit I checked out included games, color blocks, and books focused on this area.
If your kiddo is currently obsessed with something at the moment, like my son’s love for dinosaurs, literary kits are books bundled together on any given topic, making it easy to find and check out. Ask your librarian if this is an option. If not, who knows? They may start implementing this if there’s interest.
Needless to say, my family loves a STEM or Literary Kit. It’s always so fun to see what new kits the library has available.
8. Rent out a DVD
Gone are the days of perusing the Blockbuster aisle for a movie. But don’t worry, you can still get that type of nostalgic experience at the library. Pull out the DVD player that’s been collecting dust, and give your kids a ‘90s and 2000s experience by checking out a movie on DVD.
9. Check out Tonies characters and Yoto cards
A Toniebox and a Yoto player are audiobook versions for kids and are kid-favorites these days. See if the local library has Tonies characters or Yoto cards available for checkout. It’s a fun way to still get some reading time in with a screen-free device.
10. Take a board game home
Another analog activity you can find at the library is a selection of board games. Learn how to play a new board game with the family and easily return it when you’re done. Maybe your kids will discover they love playing classic games like Scrabble and Monopoly. Better yet, try a new game you haven’t heard of before!
11. Use a computer
Most libraries have computers for their patrons. Before I had a computer of my own, the library computer allowed me to type up school essays and finish book reports. Nowadays, my kids and I often use the library computers in the kids’ area to play educational games that are readily available.
12. Use one of the available craft or print machines
I was delighted to learn that my library offers a 3D printer, a Cricut Maker, a sewing machine, a laser engraver, an embroidery machine, and even button makers. The library truly appreciates the art of crafting, without having to buy an expensive machine of your own.
13. Consider taking a free class for adults
Many libraries offer free classes for the best analog and grandma hobbies for adults. If you’re interested in learning how to crochet, sew, needlepoint, garden, bookbind, or even how to play mahjong, don’t forget to look up your local library’s event calendar. You just might find a new hobby!
14. Rent out a quiet room or a study room
The library is a perfect place to get some study time in for kids and teens. For adults, it’s a setting that allows you to finish admin tasks, work, and a place to sit with your kids while they do their homework. Sometimes, it’s even better if you have your own study room. Log in to your library’s website or call the front desk to reserve one the next time you need a more secluded area.
15. Get access to state parks and museums
The library truly encourages learning beyond its doors, too. Some states offer state park passes and museum access for free through local libraries. This is definitely a hidden perk for library cardholders.
16. Get your kids their very own library card
As a 30-something-year-old, I can still hear the lyrics to the popular PBS show, Arthur, where the characters sang, “Having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card.” The library is a magical place with so many benefits, and Reading Rainbow’s hosts, LeVar Burton and Mychal Threets, would agree.
So, maybe it’s time to get your kids their own! Depending on your library, kids can own a library card at the age of 5, as long as they have an adult present. In fact, a core memory for me when I was 5-years-old was when my mom declared that it was time for me to have my very own library card. It’s still a prized possession I carry with me today. Having a library card can unlock a love for books and literary classics. Most importantly, it’s the key to endless opportunities to learn new things. After all, Arthur and his friends are right. Having fun isn’t hard, especially when you’ve got a library card.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
