Oh library, how I love thee...

As some of you know, I was a school librarian in my former life and it was the best job in the world.  Not only did I work with some of the most amazing people I got to share my love of books with children.  There is something so magical about taking children on a journey through a book.  I don't get to do that with as many kids as I used to but I now have one very special kid that I get to share books with, my little munchkin.  We have been going to the library at least once a week since she was about one year old and I have discovered that there is so much more to the library than just books.  Here are some ways in which you can use the Phoenix Public Library to it's fullest potential.

Children's / Family Story Times 
Story time for babies, toddlers, and families has saved me from total boredom and loneliness on many occasion, along with sharing the love for books and learning with my kiddo.


Videos
Recently borrowed:  Crazy Stupid Love, Everything Must Go, 50/50, Instructional videos for kids on yoga, ballet, and hula dancing.

Books
Recently borrowed:  The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson, The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman, What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott and at least 10 new children's books every week.

Books on CD for children and adults
Great for roadtrips!

Music
Recently borrowed:  Evolver by John Legend,  Hard Candy by Madonna, Bon Iver by Bon Iver, The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band (kid music).

Culture Passes
Allows 2-4 entries to some cool local spots such as The Phoenix Zoo, The Children's Museum, The Desert Botanical Gardens, etc.

Holds
You can put books, movies, and CDs on hold at any location.  The library will notify you via e-mail when your item is ready for pick up. 

Reading Progams
The library currently has a winter reading program going on called "Catch BookBreath @ your Phoenix Public Library".  Children earn prizes by keeping track of the reading they do on their own or with their families.  The library also has a summer reading program to encourage reading throughout the summer break.

Library On-Line
The Phoenix Public Library also has many useful on-line resources.  One that we like to use is TumbleBooks-eBooks for eKids!   The Tumble Book Library offers a large selection of books that can be read to your child as they follow along with the words and pictures.  There are also books in Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian.  Click on the "Learning and Research" tab on the library's home page to access TumbleBooks.

How do you use your local library?