Use the Library!
A criminally underrated resource for parents looking for things to do
Libraries are the best. Do I need to go on? This could be the shortest post in the short posting history of this newsletter.
I know that most kids are “doing stuff” most of the time these days. Kids are in a lot of programs. Mine aren’t, yet, (that’s another post!) and so every once and a while we’ll be hanging around without much to do and everyone will start to get a little antsy.
The library is an amazing solution for these moments.
Our local library is a 15 min walk away, so if it is nice out we can stretch our legs. If it isn’t we’ll all pile in the car, and often we’ll take the opportunity to try out a different one within driving distance.
Think about the features of almost every library:
It is free
It is peaceful & quiet
It is full of a ton of books for you and your kids
Often it has a kids area with colouring, basic toys, etc
It is free
Our library is small enough that can hang out with the kids in their section for a few min, get them settled, and then wander through the adult stacks; I’m never too far away. The kids will pull a bunch of books off the shelf, look through everything, and select a few to check out and take home. It’s an easy way to spend 30 min, minimum, not counting the commuting time.
I also think that libraries are underrated as far as an “adult” resource goes. Do you have a library card? If so, when was the last time you used it? I think if I did a poll of my friends neither question would get much action. I think this is such a miss! I put stuff on hold liberally, based on reviews I’ve read or citations / references that point to a specific resource. I definitely don’t read everything I check out, but I love having a steady flow of new / random books moving through the house.
So, make the library your friend. Good for your kids, good for you, good for everyone.