Rediscovering Libraries as a Parent

From Kids’ Storytime to Digital Book Rentals: Why Libraries Are a Lifesaver

The following post is part of a Seed Pod collaboration about libraries. Seed Pods are a SmallStack community project designed to help smaller publications lift each other up by publishing and cross-promoting around a common theme. We’re helping each other plant the seeds for growth!

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Before my son was born, I hadn’t set foot in a library since college. As for borrowing a book? Probably not since I was eight. (Sorry, Mom!) Growing up, I wasn’t much of a reader, and by the time I got into books in high school, Audible and Kindles were everywhere. I mostly read my dad’s non-fiction collection, which provided plenty of material.

As a parent, though, libraries become as essential as playgrounds. After exhausting every toy in the house by 9 a.m., you need a change of scenery. That’s where the library comes in. Whether it’s kids’ programs or just a space to explore new books and computer games, it’s always helpful.

Discovering Libby

Libby is a free app most libraries use to loan digital books. I don’t borrow physical books often—1) my newsletter’s called “Dad Tech Rescue,” not “Dad Paper Rescue,” and 2) I’d probably lose them or forget to return them. Libby fixes that by automatically returning books once they’re due. It also has a handy audiobook feature with a sleep timer that I love using before bed.

You do need a library card to use Libby, but once you have it, you can borrow and return books without ever visiting the library in person.

More Than Books

Libraries offer more than just books. Many, like ours, provide access to newspapers, magazines, and digital learning tools. We can even access the Wall Street Journal and Tumble Books, an online collection of picture books and games for kids.

Our local library also has historical records my wife uses for her work on Hometown History.

Conclusion

Even if you’re not a heavy reader, your local library can keep your kids entertained and save you money on books and media subscriptions.

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