We can't all have libraries as beautiful as the Melk Benedictine Abbey Library in Austria, but all libraries are awesome. Photo: Public Domain

We can’t all have libraries as beautiful as the Melk Benedictine Abbey Library in Austria, but all libraries are awesome. Photo: Public Domain

We are fortunate to live in an area with a very active public library. Our area has a large retired population, and they often like to contribute money to local causes. Our local library system is a significant recipient of money and volunteers. Partly because of this, the library hosts all kinds of community activities, and we have taken great advantage of them since the kids were babies.

From story time to book clubs to puppet shows to science presentations to art classes to social opportunities for teens to Irish step dance performances to chamber music performances, our library system offers a wide variety of opportunities for learning and socializing. Not to mention the books and other materials on the shelves. And we take advantage of it all.

I like to give my kids as many kinds of experiences as possible, and our local library system is a significant component to this greater picture, along with children’s shows at the local community college, and various other activities. The kids really enjoy their time at the library, where we spend some time almost every week, and get a lot out of the classes, shows, and groups, in addition to the books they check out.

What are your favorite activities at your local library?