The Library - Oodles of Free Entertainment
I am a huge fan of the library. There are so many resources and programs for all ages, and they are almost always free; well funded by tax dollars regardless of whether you use the programs offered. We use the library for so many things.
We borrow movies, attend a story time, and in the summer Kellen (8) participates in a reading program called Battle of the Books. Over the years we have attended more library programs than I can count. Going to the library with the kids, though, can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips that help the library trip go smoothly.
1. Reserve your books before you go.
If I need a book for homeschool or for me, I go to the online catalog a few days before the trip, and reserve the books. The books are ready and waiting for me at the check out desk. So much easier than searching while the kids are running around.
2. One book per year.
The kids want to come home loaded with more books than we could read in a month. The solution; one item for each year of their age. Nolan can get three, Lydia 5, and Kellen 8. Kellen has also figured out unless the books are pretty small, he can't read 8 in a week, and often doesn't get that many. This keeps the load manageable, and I know how many books I'm looking for when it is time to take them back.
3. Check the library calendar.
There are many ongoing and one time programs offered. Free activities for the kids? Can't beat that!
Make use of your local library. It is a resource that works for me!
Works for Me Wednesday
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7 comments:
We plan om making a bunch of trips to the library this summer. Thanks for the great tips!
I couldn't agree more. My county library also has an online system that makes ordering books and movies a breeze. We haven't rented a movie in over a year because of the library's large selection of DVDs.
One book per year of age - love that idea! makes the number easy for them to remember, too!
Our library now offers titles on-line you reserve them then they email you when they are available. You can download them for six days and then burn them or just listen to them on your computer. I usually download them on the ipod for the twins to listen to on the way to school. Love the Library in all forms.
I love the library programs. Our new library doesn't have quite as many activities as the old library, but we'll be taking advantage of the summer reading program.
YEAH for the library! It is people like you that keep me employed... thank you!
I love the library, too!
I also use the online catalog, but our library doesn't allow you to place a book on hold if it is on the shelf. So, I write the title on a skinny tab post it and place the post it on my library card. I can usually search through one or two stacks without the kids going bonkers if I know almost exactly where it is!
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