November 1st is recognized annually as Family Literacy Day. Instilling a love for reading in children has endless benefits. Reading improves communication skills, stimulates the imagination, and helps combat short attention spans. Every household is different when it comes to reading levels and book collections, which is why the public library is such a great resource for families! It provides new books at every visit and a fun location to stimulate kid's minds. Frequent trips to your local library can aid in your child becoming a lifelong reader. These public libraries in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan have excellent children's areas:
The Main Library in downtown Toledo is a haven for young learners. The Saloff Children's Library, located on the second floor, offers a Creativity Lab, a School Readiness Room, the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection, a Rainbow Fish Tank, and endless activities for kids. There's a teen space on the first floor that houses reading collections for junior high and high school kids.
All photos courtesy of Toledo Lucas County Public Library
The Heatherdowns Branch has 24 public computers, 2 children's computers, and a 3D printer. Between 2015 and 2016, the building was renovated and a Media Wall was installed in the children's section. It features a 90 inch TV and interactive large screen tablets.
The South Branch, located on Broadway Street, features the Hispanic Collection. Here you can find diverse children's books written by Spanish-speaking authors. Latin music CDs, Spanish language videos, and videos with Spanish subtitles are also available in the branch.
MCLS is a 16 branch library system serving Monroe County, Michigan. The Bedford Branch offers many opportunities for family fun. They have Family Storytime on Wednesday evenings, Preschool Storytime on Thursdays, and Toddler Time on both Fridays and Saturdays.
The Oregon Branch expanded in 2014, allowing for a more interactive kid's area. This library has 4 children's computers and a 24/7 Lobby that allows you to pick up books placed on hold anytime of day. Oregon also has an extensive collection of maker's equipment, including a Cricut machine, editing software, film to digital converter, and a telescope kit.
The Mott Branch is located on Dorr Street. They offer 20 public computers, 4 children's computers, 10 laptop kits, and 10 ipad kits. After being rebuilt, the new Mott Branch opened in 2019. It is one of the few libraries in the area that offers a convenient 24/7 Lobby.
The Point Place Branch opened at its current location on 117th Street in 1999. It has 11 public computers and 2 children's computers. Little ones will love the kid's section and activity boards. The Point Place Branch also has a teen center.
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is phenomenal for young children. Their Early Literacy Center serves children up to 5 years old and features an interactive sensory wall, an activity wall, play tables, and special reading collections. The project was 100% funded by donations. Another activity highlighted on the library's website is StoryWalk, which is located in Findlay's Riverside Park. If you walk the path clockwise the story continues through the park and ends at the Waterfalls Pavilion. The story changes at the beginning of each month.
This spacious branch offers 48 public computers, 4 children's computers, a 3D printer, and a creation studio that hosts GarageBand for Mac.The branch is such a staple in the community that the surrounding neighborhood is referred to as Library Village.
After moving several times since opening in 1950, the current Sanger Branch building was constructed in 2000. It has 27 public computers, 2 children's computers, and an adorable woodland themed kid's section.
King Road is the newest branch in the Toledo Lucas County library system. It's located next to Sylvania Southview High School and offers many programs and learning opportunities for students. King Road was designed as an open concept space to facilitate a collaborative atmosphere. The branch features a 24/7 Lobby, 12 public computers, 2 early learning computers, and interactive screens in the children's area.
Waterville Branch opened at its current location in 1964. Since then, it's undergone several expansions and was renovated in 2004. The branch features 12 public computers, 2 children's computers, a 3D printer, and a 24/7 Lobby.
