Your local public library is a wonderful resource for summer activities for the whole family! The public library is a community space available year-round where preschoolers, kids, teens and adults can access free education, entertainment, cultural activities, special programs and of course lots of books. The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program may also offer free healthy meals and snacks for young people in some community libraries. Visit your local library to see what they offer.
If you live in Maryland and are not sure where your local library is you can find all libraries listed by county or Baltimore City on the Maryland Public Library Directory.
The most popular activity is the free annual Summer Reading Program! This is offered by age group to preschoolers, children, teens and adults. Go to your local library and sign up! These programs encourage reading all different types of books, even comic books and manga. The program includes many family activities, fun events and games in addition to reading. You can win prizes for reading and for participating in the activities. Your library should also have resources in many different languages. Here are some of the fun things you can do:
Cook with your family - Summer is a wonderful time to eat fresh produce, either from your own garden, from your local farmers’ markets or from your neighborhood grocery store. Take a look at the children’s cookbooks in your library for kid friendly recipes you can make at home, often with a few simple ingredients.
Play outdoor games and activities - Did you know that many libraries offer items you can check out for activities you can do outdoors with your family? Check to see if a library near you has any of these great resources:
- GoPro Hero 5 Camera and Accessory Kit – get outside and explore nature.
- Board and Card Games – gather friends and family and play some games outdoors in a park.
- Ukulele kits – learn how to play this easy instrument.
- Fishing Poles – go fishing with your family.
Community events and resources – All summer long the libraries offer programs for families to have fun. There are Outdoor Family Film Festivals where you can bring a blanket and watch movies under the stars. Some libraries have a Seed Library and you can check out some seeds to plant beautiful flowers in a pot on your balcony or grow a tomato plant in your yard. If you want to relax try a family yoga class.
There are many options to choose from. So, stop by your local library today and join in the summer fun!
