Saturday, February 3rd is Take Your Child to the Library Day. This is a great day to celebrate all that libraries offer to children–and adults!

I absolutely love my local public library, the Chelmsford Public Library, and it’s often #TakeYourChildtotheLibraryDay around here! We’ll stop by after school sometimes and always go at least once on the weekend.

If you haven’t been to your local library in awhile, this Saturday would be a great day to go check it out. Many libraries are offering special events for children, you could check out the library’s calendar. My library is offering drop-in play and crafts for children of all ages.

While you’re there, sign up for a library card if you haven’t already. Make sure you bring proof of address (a utility bill or your license works). Once you’re signed up, you and your little ones could check out some great new books from the children’s room. And while you’re at it, borrow a few new titles for yourself! If you’re not sure where to start, maybe check out one of the books from these posts: Books to Curl Up With this Winter, Get Ready for the Oscars of Children’s Books, Books and Podcasts for the New Year, Are there “Windows and Mirrors” on My Child’s Bookshelf?, or Windows in the Books We Read.

You could also choose a dvd to check-out for a weekend movie night (often for free!), some magazines to relax with, and take a peek at the museum passes your library offers.

Grab a library events calendar to take home as well. There are so many fun, free activities for adults and children available at the library–storytimes, crafts, book clubs, author visits, special guest speakers and much more.

Beyond the physical library, there are many digital resources you can take advantage of as well. Did you know you can download audiobooks and ebooks (for free!) from your local library?

You can also go on the library’s online catalog and request any books you want. If they don’t own the book, they’ll borrow it from another library for you. And if it’s checked out, they’ll place a hold. Then you’re alerted when the book comes in, and it will be waiting for you when you stop in the library. Magic!

I’ll have more tips on navigating all that your library offers online in an upcoming post.

Happy reading and I hope you enjoy #TakeYourChildtotheLibraryDay!