Some may say books are a dying art (we’re looking at you, Kindle lovers) but to us bookworms, libraries are still one of our favorite places in the world. Nothing beats the old books, the rows of unread stories and the cozy corners in which to curl up in with a good read. Every family probably has a local library they frequent, but there are a few special ones around the county that stack up beyond the rest. These libraries cater to kids in big ways! Here is our list of the best children’s libraries in the United States.
1. Children’s Library Discovery Center, Queens, NY
Where: 89-11 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY
Located in the Jamaica section of Queens, this 14,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art children’s library opened in 2011 with a focus on STEM learning stations. It’s gorgeously designed and bursting with books, computer labs, homework resources, multimedia areas, hands-on components and reading nooks. Plus, every afternoon the Discovery Team brings out the “Discovery Cart,” which includes theme-based activities and projects for kids.
2. Brentwood Library, Brentwood, TN
Where: 8109 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN
Oversized books and a story tree beckon kids to come inside this library’s children’s area. Once inside, they’ll find oversized book-shaped chairs and lots of cozy corners to curl up with a book. The library offers a ton of programs to kids like creative writing classes, book club and even things like Twisting Time Yoga and Lego Mania where kids make their own Lego designs.
3. Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver, WA
Where: 901 C St, Vancouver, WA
This beautiful library is worth going to just to see the building itself—it has floor to ceiling windows, an open stairway and a four story atrium. One of those floors is entirely devoted to kids. You’ll find area for reading, story times and a world map made entirely out of coins. The Early Learning Center for ages newborn to five offers the younger crowd a place to play and learn with exhibits and displays like steering wheels, fans, movable magnets and wooden pegs and portholes. There’s also a giant tee-pee for them to play in!
4. Laramie County Library, Cheyenne, WY
Where: 2200 Pioneer Ave, Cheyenne, WY
The play area in this library is unlike any other! Between the large playground-like area and the giant chess set on the children’s floor, kids who have trouble keeping still and quiet in libraries will have no problems here. After the kids are all tired out, stop by one of their daily themed story times like “Visit to the Zoo” and “A Trip to the Beach.” Drop in to one of their classes while you’re there, too, like “Baby Music” or “Bam! Pow! Paint!”
5. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, Charlotte, NC
Where: 300 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
ImaginOn is a combination library and a theater! Catch a show from PlayPlay! Theater (they regularly do performances for kids under three) or check out The Park Family Story Lab, which is home to kid-centric exhibits (Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog is on display through September 5). Have older kids? The Loft is just for teens ages 12 to 18 where they can find comics, magazines, graphic novels and computers to work on.
6. Cerritos Millennium Library, Cerritos, CA
Where: 18025 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA
Step under the larger-than-life book stacks to enter a truly awesome kids’ section! Kids can curl up with a book in the lighthouse, participate in a read-aloud session and check out the saltwater aquarium and T. Rex fossil replica here. For serious adult bookworms, peak into the Old World Reading Room. It’s not suitable for kids but this room with rare first editions, a fire place, study space and chandeliers is worth looking into when you happen to be sans-kids.
Photo credits: Children’s Library Discovery Theater, Brentwood Library, Vancouver Community Library, Laramie County Library, flickr/Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, ImaginOn, flickr/Cerritos Millennium Library
