The Secret Fun that is the Library

So when I think of toddler fun my first thought has not been a quiet library full lots of books for older kids and adults. And when I think of a toddler in a quiet studious library....wait that's pretty hard to imagine right? What I used to picture was Calvin running around babbling loudly and the librarian chasing us around saying shush every couple of minutes.

In all actuality libraries are a very fun, educational place for babies and toddlers to explore and play. Many libraries have story time and activities to cater to these various age groups.

On Tuesdays we attend the Waddler (early walkers) Story Time at the Evergreen Everett Library. Just as a side note, in case you are looking to go, the libraries in Everett take a break from story time in December. In addition, the Evergreen branch, which is the one we attend, will be doing remodeling in 2019 and will be temporarily closed. However, there are baby and waddler story times offered at the main Everett library and they will be finding a location in South Everett to be conducting the story times in the meantime. If you live in a different location simply Google the library closest to you and view their calendar to see what story times and activities they offer.

Anyway, back to the fun stuff. During the waddler story time they conduct a thirty minute story time which includes: reading, singing and dancing. These story times are themed and the stories vary from pop ups, to textured books, to peek a books and sometimes just fun age appropriate books. Story time is followed by bubble play and then an hour open play with a wide variety of toys. The open play is a great time for your little one to have social interaction and to develop with other kids his or her age

This library activity stimulates every part of his toddler mind and body AND it's free AND you don't have to think or plan anything. The librarians do that. It is a great opportunity to watch them learn and have fun and for us moms to relax. I especially love this outing when we have been up all night and I'm zombied out in the back of the room while he is having a great time. These activities are so wonderful for the kids and it takes pressure off of us moms trying to fill time in the day keeping our little ones busy, especially when the weather is gross.



These pictures were taken from the Story Time on November 27th. The theme of this story time was family.



Throughout the story time they dance with rattles and scarves and sing songs to give the kids a break from reading and to get their bodies moving. The songs are usually related to the theme.





Calvin and the other kids love bubble time which closes story time. I believe that bubbles are to toddlers what laser pointers are to cats.









After story time and bubbles the librarian hands out a variety of age appropriate toys for the kids to play with.

Besides story times, which are AMAZING, many libraries have children's sections and within these sections are toys, puzzles and books that are age appropriate for your little one. I have always felt welcome and encouraged by librarians to take my son and to let him explore and start developing a love for books and a for the library. If you haven't taken your child to the library yet I encourage you to do so! I would also encourage you to jump on the internet and Google other community activities and events within your neighborhood. These activities are a great way to get out, to give yourself a break from entertaining the little one and to meet other mother's within your community.