Libraries have really evolved! They’re no longer austere public buildings filled with rows upon rows of books and librarians who whisper “Shhh!” Today’s libraries are community centers that offer unique and interesting programs and services for every member of the family. Here’s a list of some of the fun and interesting library activities offered at no charge to patrons in Charleston, S.C. (marked with an asterisk) and a sampling of activities available in other libraries around the country, too.
Check out your local library today to see which of the following programs are at your fingertips:
- *Borrow tickets for museum admission (costing you and your family nothing)
- *Borrow a telescope
- Borrow a drone
- Sign out a GoPro camera
- Participate in seed exchanges
- *Take yoga classes
- *Use “ask a librarian” services to find answers to questions – via phone and text message
- **Participate in book clubs (I’m a member of my library’s Read Anything club where members discuss books they’ve read recently; it’s a great place to chat with people who are passionate about reading and get ideas for your next book!)
- Attend a Lego club
- *Borrow DVDs and audio books (for adults and children)
- Take part in an adult coloring club
- *Craft with other patrons
- Learn crafts (see “how to make a paper lantern” class photo, photos of Halloween decorations made from library books — below)
- *Listen to guest speakers
- *Attend a variety of unique events (like the Tiny Tim birthday party, art shows, magic shows and more)
- *Buy books inexpensively at book sales
- *Borrow music CDs
- *Use a recording studio (great for local musicians — coming soon at the new library being built near my house)
- Take children to STEM programs promoting science and technology
- *Take computer lessons (Microsoft office, email, etc.)
- *Learn how to download books to a Kindle or other electronic device
- *Get technology tutoring
- *Download music
- *Access books and magazines online
- *Use computers and Internet
- Check out musical instruments
- Borrow Santa suits
- *Take children to story time
- *Take children to teen activity events
If you find something you like that your library doesn’t offer — contact the manager and suggest it! The sky’s the limit — and it never hurts to ask.
Related blog posts:
- The Joys of Joining a Book Club
- A Fun Library Event: Tiny Tim Birthday Party
- The Alchemist: A Book Review
- The Art Forger: A Book Review
- James Patterson Bookshots: What’s Up with the New Mini Books?
- Books I’ve Read and Enjoyed in 2015
- 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People: A Book Review
- One for the Money: A Book Review
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- Fun New Fitness Activity: Disc Golfing
- A Tribute to Amazing Women, Fabulous Females in My Life
- Second Women’s Hiking and Kayaking Weekend in Brevard: Wonderful Except for the Near-Death Experience
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- Funny Friends: Laughter is the Best Medicine
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- Aerial Adventure Park: A Unique and Exciting Fitness Experience
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- Exotic Chair Dancing: Not Your Grandma’s Exercise Routine
- Aerial Yoga: A Fun and Uplifting Experience
- Dragon Boating: A Unique and Fun Team Sport
- Ping Pong: Not Ready for the Olympics
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- Sports and Hobbies: How Many Can You Squeeze into a Lifetime? 79 So Far…
- Zumba is Exhilarating
wow, I had no idea the library offered so many services. Thanks for sharing!
That museum admission is a cool benefit. I’ll bet it benefits the museum, too, because if people enjoy it, they may pay to return.
I was surprised when I read about some of these things, too! Thanks for stopping by.
Good point! I also belong to a read-anything book club at the library which is great, because it gives you a chance to talk to people who love to read as much as you do. We all walk out with a list of new books to read.