Check out your local library
Loveland Public Library’s motto is “Where you can!” It’s not alone in providing programs and services so northern Colorado families can do more than check out books.
As health guidelines change, libraries are returning to more in-person programing. Many have special activities planned for upcoming spring vacations (See Events Calendar for details).
Clearview Library District
Serves West Greeley, Severance, Windsor
https://www.clearviewlibrary.org
The main library is located at 720 Third St. Windsor. Bookmobiles travel to different areas of the widespread community.
Clearview’s known for its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Each of 10 levels contains 100 books. Once all levels are completed, winners get invited to a party.
Clearview offers a monthly family art challenge and cardholders can pick up supplies for online programs or take-home Explorer Kits. Choices include a metal detector, kite, juggling kit, and a remote-control car.
According to staff member, Foster Helpler, “Paws to Read is perhaps the library’s most popular offering.” Children develop confidence reading to therapy dogs.
Estes Valley Library
https://estesvalleylibrary.org
Families select from dozens of theme-based discovery kits in their “Library of Things.” Topics range from Bye-Bye Diapers to Birds of Prey. Choose an electric voice changer, magic kit, or Critter Cam. Patrons wishing to use the library’s “maker space,” can take the orientation prior to visiting.
High Plains Library District
Serving Greeley/Weld County, HPLD is comprised of seven branch libraries, bookmobile services and six autonomous member libraries
High Plains Library District is also joining libraries across the country that follow the national initiative offered by 1000BooksBeforeKindergrarten.org. This program is ideal for parents to track reading and know that every book they read with their child is moving toward his or her future success. It develops a very solid foundation for children to be ready for school while at the same time, fosters a love of reading in their household.
Beyond books, you can stream and download movies, check out audiobooks, music, State Park Passes, a telescope or a projector.
Go to the website for daily activities at your local library. Find storytimes, music and movement classes, teen drop-in crafts, drop-in games and so much more! You can also find many activities on the RMParent calendar.
Loveland Public Library
https://www.lovelandpubliclibrary.org
At the library children can use a light table, a puppet theatre, or work on crafts projects. Kids in 3rd to 5th grades now have their own space, the Treehouse, no grownups allowed! On the library’s second floor families can use a green screen and do 3D printing.
Children earn prizes by taking the Kids 365 learning challenge by reading and completing activities each month. Andrea Cleland, library staff member, says “Check-out kits are very popular. The ukulele and the microscope are most sought after.”
On their way out families can stop at the seed library or pick up Kids Packs if their family is food insecure. Outside, children will enjoy the storywalk around nearby Foote Lagoon.
Poudre River Public Library District
https://www.poudrelibraries.org
Council Tree Library, Harmony Library, Old Town Library
All three libraries have their own personalities, but all offer the Gadgets and Things menu. You’re able to checkout a karaoke system for a songfest or a projector for a movie night. Get a cake pan for a themed birthday party (Think pirates, or Barbie). Drew Bagby from Harmony Library says, “The GO Pro is popular with middle-graders who want to video their adventures.” Council Tree is one of several NOCO libraries that lets you check out a Discovery Pass, which is good for any of the Larimer County or Colorado parks.
Wherever you live, your library card is a ticket to entertainment and adventure.
