Did you know National Library Week is next week? Since I had a ton of fun highlighting 6 must-see libraries in the Northwest suburbs last year, I thought it would be perfect to do so again with libraries in the Southwest suburbs. Here are a few libraries in the area that you and your little bookworm can enjoy, along with special ways the libraries are celebrating National Library Week.
Tinley Park Public Library
7851 Timber Drive, Tinley Park
Celebrate National Library Week: The library will be hosting an “Open House” to preview their new digital media studio to all patrons. On Tuesday, April 12 pop on by for coffee and donuts. On Friday April 15 from 7-7:45 p.m., the library will hold Family Pajamara, a nighttime storytime with crafts and games for kids 3-8. Kids are welcome to dress in comfy PJ’s.
Fun anytime: Solve puzzles or play a new-to-you board game. Kindles loaded with age-appropriate apps are available for in-house check out. Venture outside for a fun photo op in front of the red caboose, watch as Metra trains zip by or let the kids loose in the playground.
Orland Park Public Library
14921 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park
Celebrate National Library Week: On April 12, the library will celebrate Drop Everything and Read Day with storytimes every hour. Kids can also enjoy a special Earth Day storytime on April 16 at 10 a.m.
Fun anytime: Families appreciate multiple options for drop-in storytimes including one on Saturdays. Do the kids love to create? Stop by every Saturday for their Discovery Depot program where they are able to do so at the maker space station. Select Sundays are dedicated to building Legos. Kids can also play with puzzles, chug along at the train table or discover a new app on the iPads available for use. Then grab a book and plop down on any of the comfy couches or rocking chairs.
Mokena Community Public Library
11327 W. 195th Street, Mokena
Celebrate National Library Week: Celebrate with a family program on Saturday, April 16 featuring Pocket Circus. The whole family will enjoy juggling, magic, acrobatics, audience participation and humor. After the show, Pocket Circus will walk around juggling and perform magic. Stop by the photo booth in the library to transform yourself into a superhero. Props will be available and you’ll be able to take home a photo. Play a rubber ducky game and win a prize!
Fun anytime: Looking for a unique way to listen to a story? How about one that’s just a phone call away? Best for kids ages 4-6, Dial-a-Storytime (708-479-6001) allows children to listen to a short story any time they want.
One of our favorite drop-in programs, The Music Connection’s Music-in-the-Box, is provided at the Mokena Public Library. For thirty minutes, kiddos move and groove with maracas, ribbons and bubbles. And when kids aren’t reading books or engaged in a program, hang out in the kids room and stare at the fish in the huge tank, build with Legos or play with the number of toys and board games available.
Homer Township Public Library
14320 W. 151st St., Homer Glen
Celebrate National Library Week: During the entire week, kids will be able to create their own doodle book.
Fun anytime: Kids may flock to the train table, but there are plenty of other things to keep the them busy, including a Lego table, play kitchen, puppets, dinosaurs and blocks. They also have a nice program schedule including storytimes, movies and a Lego club.
