When I was a kid, I was lucky enough to live right across the street from our neighborhood’s public library. It was an incredibly small and cozy place where my brother and I spent hour upon hour after school. I have very fond memories of sitting cross-legged in a random aisle, absorbed in books, unable to put down one after another. I lost track of time on more than one occasion. And I remember feeling greedy about all the knowledge that was at my fingertips. Shelves of books were like gold to me.
And you know what? Nothing has changed. I still feel that sense of awe whenever I enter a library. It’s like I’ve hit the jackpot– all these books, and I can just check them out for free?!!
My boys are exhibiting signs of the love of the public library already. We have a big blue reusable bag that is sturdy enough to accommodate more than 20 books, and it is a struggle to narrow it down to that few sometimes! But the point is, they are becoming lovers of books, and that makes me so happy.
Our local library is not across the street from our house, but it may as well be. In the warmer months, we walk there with a wagon or stroller, and the children’s librarians all know us by name. They know what books Milo and Oliver are into, and make recommendations accordingly. It is one sense of community that I cherish in a world that often seems too big for my little guys.
The children’s area is upstairs, where there are not only rows and rows of books by some pretty awesome authors, but puzzles, games, stuffed animals, a few “reading bathtubs,” and a fish tank! It is a destination for us, especially on cold or rainy days.
We start upstairs in the children’s area. The boys do puzzles and collect books, and if Emil is up for sitting still, we even get to read a few (usually cuddled up on the giant bear’s lap). After that, we go on a “walkabout” around the library, during which the boys practice their best library voices while exploring the mazes of shelves, sculptures, and interesting nooks and crannies.
We end back downstairs, to give the city mascot a smooch or a pat, then check out our books before heading home to devour story after story. The library is a place I hope we always have access to, no matter how internet-based this world becomes.
Do you hang out at your local library? Donate to it? Enjoy it? If not, you should at least check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised!
Guess where I’m reading this? At my absolute favorite place from childhood: the main public library in my hometown. Oh the memories your boys and you are making, oh the big readers these little readers will turn into. Thanks for a sneak peek into your library life. A good library life is very important imho.
I love the library! And I love seeing pictures of other libraries.
We’re lucky enough to live close to the larger, downtown library and a smaller library branch, so we have two to choose from. It makes me feel very rich, the luxury of two libraries.
Our library dedicates the basement level to kids, which is awesome. But, if I’m being honest, at this point I prefer trips to the library all by my lonesome . . . I feel empowered and I love the reference section where I feel like I can learn to do ANYTHING! My kids are currently book-eaters and book-rippers, so we read library books at the library, but I haven’t ventured to borrow any kids books yet. Do you have a good strategy for keeping track of borrowed kids’ books once you get home so that they make it back to the library?
Yes, Adah! We have a special library book basket which we keep in our living room. The boys have gotten into the routine of putting the books back into the basket once they are finished reading (most of the time) and that makes it easy to find them when it’s time to return. Also, our library prints out a receipt-like list of all the books so we can double check that we have them all!
I don’t know how we’d function without a library! Granted, we’ve been spoiled by amazing libraries in the past and don’t have a big one nearby, but still. I love these pictures. Your boys are so full of joy and imagination.
We love the library!!! And you described that magical feeling perfectly! There is just something about books no matter how high-tech the world becomes!
We love our library, too! Our downtown branch has a huge children’s area, and my 5-year-old can bounce between sections and she loves that indepenence. Unfortunately, she’s on a borrowing ban right now. She purposefully wrote in the last books we borrowed (I was SO embarrassed), so I allow her to visit the books but not take any home. I think one more visit will end her ban, then we need to find a better system to keep track of the books. No more books in her room when she’s by herself, that’s for sure!
My 17 month old hasn’t figured out that books are not for ripping, so no borrowing for him yet. 🙂
Oh, Carol! That is so hard when that happens! We have been really lucky so far, but Emil has ripped plenty of our books. It’s only a matter of time. It’s such a destructive age! I like that you are holding your 5-year-old accountable though. She will definitely not make that mistake twice! 🙂
So happy to read this post! My husband and I were just wishing we could go to the library. We live in Hungary and our Hungarian is so-so… so although the libraries are great, they aren’t so great for us. I treasure the memories of going to the library with my grandmother and hoarding books for checking out. I can’t wait to start taking my children when we move back to Texas. I’m so glad your children are enjoying their library time. It will be the best destination on warm, summer days!
First and foremost, sorry the little guys were so sick! I’m glad they’re, and your sleep, are on the mend.
Second, we too, love the library. Reina and Liam each have their very own cards, complete with their signatures.
Third, we missed your five this weekend at what is looking to be a possible tradition of family skiing and mayhem…next year?!?
Fourth, Liam requested spaghetti and meatballs tonight, I’m making yours. Mixing in a little venison with the beef, I’ll let you know.
Fifth, did I say we missed you?
Annie!!! That sounds like so much fun (though I’m sure I would break both legs skiing)! And we miss you guys very very much.
Let me know how those meatballs turn out! And recently I added some roasted shallots to mine… it was divine. I’ve also heard that soaking the bread crumbs in a bit of red wine takes this meatball to a whole new level!
I love love love the library and have loved that same U City library for years, it’s such a good one. I used to live off of Midland and Dartmouth and would visit that very building with great frequency. Even now I sometimes go back to enjoy it, the last time being just before Isadora was born. I hope she has the same wonderful library relationship is your boys as she ages.
I love the library too! I had the most beautiful charming little one in my town growing up, and now we have a good network of options in the city. I can’t walk to any of them easily, but we make the rounds and take advantage of free sing alongs, and of course the books.
I just found myself lurking around your blog! Haven’t been here on a while. I miss this library – and just love the smell of it! The children’s librarians were so good to help Liam find books on his latest “research.” Hello from all of us!