Local libraries often offer more than just books! Here are our favorite freebies we get from ours.
1. Learn a Language
Anytime we have a road trip planned, we pick up a language learning CD. Although we’re fluent in nothing but English we can say some basics in French, Russian and Spanish so far. Deutsch ist neben!
1. Learn a Language
Anytime we have a road trip planned, we pick up a language learning CD. Although we’re fluent in nothing but English we can say some basics in French, Russian and Spanish so far. Deutsch ist neben!
2. Marvelous Movies
Why rent for one night when you can check it out for a week for free? You may not get the newest release but we’ve had a ball revisiting classics such as ET, Superman, Indiana Jones, tons of Disney flicks and, unfortunately, Jaws. My kids will never go into the ocean again. Not my best Mommy moment! Here are a few other ideas for free movies.
3. Kindles and E-books
Our local library allows us to check out Kindles (there’s a wait list which I get on a few weeks before we go on a trip) and has E-Books as well for those that already own portable media readers.
4. Incentive Programs.
Over the summer, the kids and I entered the summer reading program. At the end, we were given great goody bags that included free swimming at area pools, free food at Chick-Fil-A and free visits to the Children’s museum.
5. Classes
Keep an eye on your library’s schedule of classes. You can get free, hands-on advice on gardening, couponing, nutrition and many other intriguing activities.
6. Kids activities
Our library offers reading and arts and crafts once a week for kids 6 and under.
7. Book sales
We go to Barnes and Nobles to browse; we hit the library to buy. About twice a year, our library has a book sale. I let my kids earn some extra money on chores a few weeks ahead of time and they have a ball sorting through the bargains. Near the end of the sale, you can find books for free or next to nothing. We always make sure we donate books before the sale as well.
8. Free Attractions
Check with your librarian to see what community activities they may offer. Several libraries in NC offer passes to the zoo and free tickets to science and children museums.
What does your local library have to offer?
Why rent for one night when you can check it out for a week for free? You may not get the newest release but we’ve had a ball revisiting classics such as ET, Superman, Indiana Jones, tons of Disney flicks and, unfortunately, Jaws. My kids will never go into the ocean again. Not my best Mommy moment! Here are a few other ideas for free movies.
3. Kindles and E-books
Our local library allows us to check out Kindles (there’s a wait list which I get on a few weeks before we go on a trip) and has E-Books as well for those that already own portable media readers.
4. Incentive Programs.
Over the summer, the kids and I entered the summer reading program. At the end, we were given great goody bags that included free swimming at area pools, free food at Chick-Fil-A and free visits to the Children’s museum.
5. Classes
Keep an eye on your library’s schedule of classes. You can get free, hands-on advice on gardening, couponing, nutrition and many other intriguing activities.
6. Kids activities
Our library offers reading and arts and crafts once a week for kids 6 and under.
7. Book sales
We go to Barnes and Nobles to browse; we hit the library to buy. About twice a year, our library has a book sale. I let my kids earn some extra money on chores a few weeks ahead of time and they have a ball sorting through the bargains. Near the end of the sale, you can find books for free or next to nothing. We always make sure we donate books before the sale as well.
8. Free Attractions
Check with your librarian to see what community activities they may offer. Several libraries in NC offer passes to the zoo and free tickets to science and children museums.
What does your local library have to offer?