In my childhood and adolescence, the local library was always my source of refuge and happiness. My mother and father instilled in me a love for books, stories, and even research. And when life got rocky for me, you would often find me tucked away in some corner in the library reading for hours on end. And now as a mother, I have passed on the same rich inheritance to my boys. So we often find ourselves in libraries around the city enjoying not only what libraries are best known for, a free book lending resource, but all of the wonderful programs and activities that Stockton Libraries offer. Every week in our Mac Kid calendar you will find plenty of library events but I wanted to take the time to highlight some pretty awesome things that are happening at a library near you so that you too can pass on rich experiences and memories to your kiddos around books, storytelling, and community.
Here are my Top 5 Library Resources:
Storytimes and Playtimes: When my son was a year old I began to take him to the storytimes at the Cesar Chavez library. I was so embarrassed that he wouldn't sit on that first visit to the library and I will never forget the patience of the librarian and storyteller as she said to me "Let him explore, he doesn't have to sit, just let him enjoy." It would be YEARS before he would sit for storytimes, but he LOVED the stories he heard and going to the library. Storytimes at the library are a great way for babies, toddlers, and preschool aged little ones to socialize, to hear a fun story, and to do a simple craft after. It's also a great place for moms to meet other moms and to share in the challenges and joys of parenting at this age. Every library in Stockton offers a storytime hour. One of the special storytimes some of the libraries are offering now is the Read with a Hockey Player storytime where a Stockton Heat player reads to the kiddos!
Tutoring and Read to Rescued Animals: Parents often message me and ask about free or low-cost tutoring for their kiddos and I always say "Check out the library for free tutoring". Every library in Stockton offers tutoring to help students with reading, writing, and/or math. Some branches even offer tutoring for older students in Junior High and Highschools which is often the time many students begin to fall through the cracks in terms of educational resources. If transportation is an issue and you can't get your child to a tutoring session check out the Stockton Public Library page which offers a list of other online tutoring resources. The Read to Rescued Animals at several of Stockton's branches also offers young readers a low-stress environment for them to practice reading and storytelling skills as they read to animals.
Teen Activities: A library is a place for all ages, even teens. What I love about our Stockton Libraries is the intentional support they provide teens at the various branches. Teens can participate in Arts & Crafts, teen clubs like the anime club at Weston Ranch library, Strategy Games (Magic, Pokemon, etc..), even Teen movie events. Some branches also have teen advisory groups who inform the library on the type of events and activities they think should be offered to other teens which is a great leadership opportunity available to teens as well. And right now there are quite a bit of college resources offered at various libraries such as practice ACT/SAT testing and workshops on scholarships and college planning.
Family Fun Activities: Every library offers a variety of activities that families can do together: Arts & Crafts (our favorite is the Color Me Calm sessions at Weston Ranch), Family Game Nights, Music Performances, monthly STEM activities for the scientists and builders in your home (Lego clubs and activities with the WOW science museum), and other Holiday themed activities for the whole family. All of these events are FREE. Family fun doesn't have to cost you anything at all.
Makerspace Centers: A Makerspace is simply a place where children, teens, and adults can create something but they are also spaces for learning and experiencing technology in different ways. Several of our library branches house Makerspace Centers. In these centers you will find 3-D printers, laser cutting machines, sewing machines, Virtual Reality devices and other equipment that vary by branch. Makerspaces are not open daily so be sure to check the Mac Kid calendar or the Stockton Public Library website for the schedule on the best time to check out one of these cool centers. Or better yet take a month to tour all of them!
Hoopla: Okay so this is not a program you will necessarily find at your local library but it is a free resource you can use with your County Library Card. I LOVE Hoopla. With your library card you can check out 4 digital books, audio books, CDs, or movies or a combination of all these each month. Right now in my Hoopla library I have the Coco CD book for my son to listen to in the car, The Sun and Her Flowers poetry book, Eat that Frog (a self- improvement books which is life changing for me), and the Fart Ninja (mom of boys here, don't judge me). There is an excellent selection for whatever your interests are (I have my eye on a cookbook I want for next month). Every library card and smartphone or tablet owner in Stockton should have this app and make use of this great resource.
This list is only about half of all the other great programs and activities our libraries offer. You will also find knitting classes, computer classes, genealogy research classes, book clubs and the list goes on. You pay for these services through your tax dollars, why not make use of them?! Take an afternoon or evening to stop by your local public library to see what they offer. Or do what we do, visit a different one each month. As you look for family fun here in Stockton make sure to include your Public Library!
