If you think of the public library only as a place to check out books, you are missing out! Public libraries across the country have evolved to offer not only creative, fun library activities for kids, but invaluable resources that people may not expect — from museum passes and tool rentals to tutoring services and more.
“Our chief librarian Tom Fay likes to say that public libraries are the great equalizer, one of the few places in our society where you can spend time, no purchase required,” says Elisa Murray, digital communications strategist at the Seattle Public Library (SPL), who adds that the library serves a special role for children, youth and families.
“Our chief librarian Tom Fay likes to say that public libraries are the great equalizer, one of the few places in our society where you can spend time, no purchase required.”
— Elisa Murray, Seattle Public Library Digital Communication Specialist
Read ahead for 10 library activities for kids.
1. Library activities for kids that go beyond reading
Most parents know about storytime at the libraries, but there are so many other enriching programs beyond story hour that are fun for kids. Sherlonya Turner Zobel, associate director of public experience and desk service at the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) says that libraries look to kids’ interests when planning programs to keep things exciting for their youngest patrons. “We pay attention to what’s popular. If a certain book is flying off of the shelf or if we know a new kids’ movie is coming out, we might do a related event.”
“We pay attention to what’s popular. If a certain book is flying off of the shelf or if we know a new kids’ movie is coming out, we might do a related event.”
— Sherlonya Turner Zobel, Ann Arbor District Library Associate Director of Public Experience and Desk Service
“Our local branch also hosts monthly clay classes in partnership with a pottery studio and a variety of other monthly arts and enrichment classes that my older two children especially enjoy,” says Julia Pelly, a mother of four and doula from Charlotte, North Carolina. “Some weeks include arts and crafts classes, a paws-to-read session (dog reading buddies), gaming nights for teens, music classes for kids who need social-skills support, time in the maker-space and more.”
Cindy Marie Jenkins, a mother of two, says when her family first moved to Orlando, Florida, the library story hour with playground time afterward became built-in playdates. Those were a game changer when they didn’t know other families with small children. “Now that [the kids] are older, we go to Pokémon Clubs and cultural activities … including an African American read-in to kick off Black History Month.” added Jenkins. “Over the school holiday weeks, I found a LEGO robotics class that ran for three days, and the kids loved it!”
2. Free museum and activity passes
We all know that admission fees to zoos, museums and state parks for family activities can add up. Did you know that your local library may offer a way to check out free passes? Murray says that SPL’s museum pass allows patrons to check out free passes to some of the region’s most popular museums — including the Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Aquarium — up to 30 days in advance. “Patrons can also check out a Discover Pass, which allows you to visit Washington state parks for free, through our Outdoor Recreation resources.” Meanwhile, the Ann Arbor District Library offers a Michigan Activity Pass, which provides “free or discounted entry to more than 360 attractions across the state.”
“We’ve gotten free tickets to the zoo, art galleries and even theater tickets just by having a library card,” says Jenkins. Look up what’s offered by your local public library.
3. Lesser-known library loaners
Depending on where you’re located, it is likely that your local library may offer collections of nonconventional items to borrow beyond books. “We offer a variety of materials one might consider unusual,” says Zobel. “Telescopes, sewing machines, big bags of tumbling dominoes, games, puzzles: It’s almost as if the question should be what don’t you offer?” Indeed, the AADL eclectic tools collection includes music and art equipment, home improvement tools and science apparatuses like metal detectors.
The Phoenix Public Library offers a seed library, where patrons can check out (and keep) a variety of fruit, vegetable and perennial seeds.
“We offer a variety of materials one might consider unusual. Telescopes, sewing machines, big bags of tumbling dominoes, games, puzzles: It’s almost as if the question should be what don’t you offer?”
— Sherlonya Turner Zobel, Ann Arbor District Library Associate Director of Public Experience and Desk Service
4. Library activities for kids that love Pokémon and gaming
“Most children’s library sections have computers with educational programs. It’s usually the first place my kids go when we arrive because the games are so fun!” says Jenkins. The educational games can include anything from Minecraft to PBS Kids games. Murray says that interactive games and animated stories through BookFlix, in both Spanish and English, are also beloved by SPL users.
For older kids, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library hosts everything from gaming sessions with Xbox S and Nintendo Switch, a teen lounge, Dungeons & Dragons events, a chess club, literary scavenger hunts and more. And, of course, the Pokémon phenomenon for all ages shows no sign of slowing down. Libraries across the country are hosting Pokémon battles and parties.
5. Room rentals for private events
Some libraries, like AADL, have rooms available for private events. You could even hold a book-themed birthday party in one of the rooms. (Other libraries have facilities for rental for public events only, but they’re definitely worth checking out for your next event.)
6. Social services
Though social services aren’t explicitly for kids only, libraries offering these forms of support can make a vast improvement in the lives of children. “Our library has a social services team to connect insecurely housed and unhoused patrons with lifeline services, such as healthcare, housing, food, job resources and more,” says Murray. “We also have events such as free tax help and workshops in things like rental assistance, free phone and service enrollment, tax help and help accessing transit.”
“Our library has a social services team to connect insecurely housed and unhoused patrons with lifeline services, such as healthcare, housing, food, job resources and more.”
— Elisa Murray, Seattle Public Library Digital Communication Specialist
A part of a greater trend for libraries across the country, many libraries now offer a “Meet the Social Worker” event, like this one at the Orange County Library System, says Jenkins, whose parents are both librarians.
7. Young entrepreneur resources
These days, kids are starting businesses and social change initiatives. The library can help them get entrepreneurial and learn the skills needed to make an impact in the world. “We offer all kinds of classes and services for people to build job skills and start a business, including one-on-one meetings and workshops with our business librarians and partners; all kinds of digital classes, including with Microsoft Imagine Academy; and much more,” says Murray.
Read more:
8. Student essentials
What can students do in the library? There is so much more than the obvious! “For high school students and beyond, I wish that people knew about test prep guides [available at the library],” says Zobel. “Those can get pricey, and we lend them.” She also points out that free printing (for up to 30 pages in the case of AADL) is something students and other library goers can take advantage of, especially for those who may not have a printer at home. SPL and other libraries loan out wi-fi hotspots for any patrons who need more reliable internet at home or on-the-go.
“Here at The Seattle Public Library, we have some great resources for students, both in person and virtually!” says Deborah Sandler, a children’s librarian. “Several of our locations offer Homework Help, which is in-person tutoring, but another very useful service to students is our virtual one-on-one tutoring, offered through Tutor.com.” Sandler also wishes more students knew about SPL’s databases and student research resources available 24/7 for students of any age or grade level, which include:
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries.
- Science, social studies and country information.
- Online articles from magazines, newspapers and journals.
- Language learning materials.
9. Library apps
“One thing we did not realize at first was that our library card gave us access to a huge selection of audiobooks through Libby,” says Pelly. (Libby is the library reading app that can be used to borrow e-books, audiobooks, magazines and more from your local library at no cost.) “We love renting audiobooks for quiet time, bedtime and even long car rides.”
Murray says SPL patrons rave about their experience with Libby and adds that it’s also easy to access e-books (including picture books), films, TV shows and even digital comics through apps like:
10. The generous wisdom of librarians
Last but not least, every librarian we interviewed stressed how much they love to help young patrons answer their questions. “You’ll never find better customer service — their literal job is to help you find resources and answers to your questions,” says Murray. So next time your child asks you a random question, you might head over to the library.
“Not long ago, a parent reached out on social media to ask a burning question, ‘Is there poop on the moon?’ on behalf of their child,” says Sandler. “My colleagues put their heads together and compiled this book list.” There are some really fun articles and books in the list compiled by Sandler and team. Look for those books at your own library and help make a librarian’s day by having your child ask their own burning questions.
