"Beyond Books: Exploring the Educational Resources and Programs Available at Your Local Library"

During this year's National Library week, I'd like to start out by saying libraries are the absolute plug (are the kids still using this jargon?) for resources! You would think that as an avid reader as myself, who would often frequent libraries, I would have known about the immense resources that libraries have to offer. It wasn't until I had my son that I would come to be introduced to this wonderful world. When my son was just an infant, I began to read to him daily because the experts state that reading to children on a regular basis helps to build their vocabulary, speech, and literacy skills. Once he turned one, I decided it was time to introduce him to the library. I wanted him to be able to see the wonderful array of books on display. After a couple of visits, I found out that the library had story times, in which librarians read books to s room full of toddlers and their families. I thought this would also be great opportunity for him to develop social skills by interacting with others around his age. Visiting the library soon became our weekly ritual- story time, computer time, and free play- to the point where he knows when we are going in that direction, and will become upset if I drive past it without stopping. And an extra special treat is when I hear of a new library opening, or find one that has some unique features, we go on a new adventure. What I've come to love about the library is that they work actively to keep up with the times and needs of their surrounding communities.

While I am going to discuss mostly what the libraries in counties near me have to offer, I implore you to do the work of researching what your local libraries offer for the unique needs of your family and community. Our local library offers services and activities for all ages. As stated earlier, families of infants to early school aged children can attend weekly Storytime sessions. Storytime includes story readings, singing, dancing, and crafts. Parents can sign children up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Station, which offers FREE books monthly to children up to age 5 (I believe many libraries across the US offer this program). Reading challenges are offered through the summer months to ensure that children are maintaining suggested reading times throughout summer break- preventing summer slide and loss of reading and vocabulary skills.

The library offers events, classes, and services to older children and teens as well.

Activities will pique many different interests. The crafty children can join knitting and crocheting classes, the soap carving club, or explore different types of art techniques while learning about art history. Stem clubs and activities are also offered. Children can pick up an oil simulation kit that teaches how our waterways are cleaned up after spills to protect wildlife, join various engineering challenges, or conduct candy experiments! Our library also offers writing clubs and financial literacy clubs for children and teens. Children can also have a safe space to read, play age appropriate video games, and have access to Roblox!

Libraries don't leave the adults out though! Various workshops, clubs, and resources are available at local libraries for adults. Passport services are available to help adults fill out and get the necessary paperwork to obtain one. Social services resources are available to help with questions about SNAP, childcare, temporary financial assistance, disability assistance, Medicare, etc... Adults can sign up for free digital literacy classes, financial wellness courses, and free tax preparation. There are also game nights, painting clubs, and crafting clubs. Book discussions are also offered, including those with the various authors.

Beyond in person and virtual services, libraries also offer plenty of digital resources and databases. Included in your library card's membership- patrons can check out books digitally. Many libraries also offer free access to apps such as Hoopla, Kanopy, Bookflix, etc... These apps have access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and movies and shows for all ages. And for the younger children, many libraries offer ABCMouse access with a library card account. If you need access to laptops or internet, many libraries now offer free rentals for laptops, tablets, and hotspots.

The library can be a wonderful place for your family. It offers many unimaginable resources that can add to the learning experience of children and adults. And did I mention that these services are mostly FREE? This week, take some time to go to your local library, apply for a library card, and explore the resources available to you. If you can't make it in person, go to their website. Make it an adventurous experience so that your children may also learn what is available to them. Also, if you have books your children no longer read, consider donating to your library for the next generation of readers!