Hit Your Local Library For More Than Just Books

If you’re looking for frugal summer ideas to do with the kids, look no further than your local library! Oh yes… your library is more than just books.

Have you been to your local library lately?

Not only is it a great source of books and perfect for summer reading, libraries have so much more to offer these days… They do a great job making your job easier during summer break.

Be sure to check out our other fun family-friendly kid activities and crafts!

Frugal Kid Activity Visit your local library for more than just books!

Hit Your Local Library For More Than Just Books

You know it’s important to encourage your kids to read as much as possible during the summer.

It’s one of the best ways to ensure their minds stay active and that they retain much of what they’ve learned throughout the school year.

But getting the kids to actually sit down and read is another story. This post contains affiliate links.

Summer Reading Challenges

Almost all libraries host summer reading challenges for kids of all (reading) ages. Head on over to yours with the kids and get them signed up.

These challenges usually involve a reading log and the kids can win some sort of prizes.

Many libraries will also host kick-off parties and various events throughout the summer to get kids into reading.

Find even more FREE Summer Reading Rewards Programs!

Kid Activities & Programs

Speaking of events, your local library may be just the spot for some fun and frugal entertainment. Speak to your local librarian or check out the website to see what kinds of class, activities and performances your local branch offers during the summer.

Many offer various different things for kids of all ages and even adults. From book readings and crafts to movies and magic shows, you never know what you might be missing unless you check the calendar.

We just saw a show on electricity at your local library, which inspired my kids to learn even more about how electricity works.

Enjoy the Games

You’d be surprised at how many games and puzzles your library has on hand.

Our local library often hosts a children’s craft each week, and we even have a puppet stage.

Don’t be afraid to grab the library schedule even if you have little ones.

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what’s available.

Our local library actually has a puppet stage (including puppets the kiddos can use).
Our local library actually has a puppet stage (including puppets the kiddos can use).

Pick New Books

Take the kids and encourage them to pick out a new book or two on the way out.

Getting in the habit of reading daily and being curious about books and the information and imagination shared in them is one of the best gifts you can give your little ones.

To get out of our comfort zone a couple of years ago, I started getting a couple of non-fiction picture books for the kids… and these have actually turned into some of my favorite books lists!

From women to African Americans, it’s been a wonderful way to expose my boys and get some important conversations started.

Find out how to encourage your child to read more books!

Grab a Movie

Before you leave, explore everything else your library has to offer.

Most will let you rent movies and audio books in addition to regular books.

Even in the winter, we love coming here and grabbing a movie for a chilly day.

DVDs

Go Digital

And let’s not forget about digital files. Got a Kindle?

You can download kindle books and digital audiobooks to your eBook reader or smartphone via the Library website as well as your computer.

Ebooks are a wonderful way to keep up with kids who love reading but you can’t keep up with their book habit. Check with your helpful local librarian for more information.

Discover New Music

And don’t forget about trying out some new music.

When the kids were little, I hated wasting money on children’s music that they just didn’t connect with. At the library, I could try out a new CD first instead.

Now that the kids are older, we love going to the older CD section and finding “new to us” artists.

Some have been just awful (and I was thankful I didn’t buy the CD) while others have turned into our favorites.

I encourage you to take advantage of your library this summer.

Find your local library with this fabulous search engine!

It doesn’t matter if you’re single, a parent with young kids or a senior.

Anyone can benefit from the various resources and services your local library has to offer.

Plus it’s nice to support them by showing up often and making good use of what they have to offer.

We even spent a summer traveling to different library… it was awesome! Why not take my library challenge and check out new libraries?

Join the Library Challenge from Mommy Evolution

7 Comments

  1. I absolutely love the library! I had not been in years, but recently went a few weeks ago and I keep going back! I love being able to check out books and read them on the Kindle! So convenient!

  2. We love the library! we go a few times a week; unfortunately our library doesn’t offer much in the way of programs or games/ entertainment but we have a great inter library loan program that allows us to check out so many interesting books, movies, and audiobooks.

  3. I still need to check out my libraries digital library. I grabbed a card earlier this week when we were there but I haven’t checked it out yet.

  4. We love our library! I actually got a new library card before a new drivers license when we moved, ha ha.

  5. Just borrowed my first ebook from my local library. So cool! Love the way our industry embraces tech. #MansfieldPark #amreading Thanks for subscribing. We’ve sent you a confirmation link you’ll need to click on to verify your email address.

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