Good news, parents! Having children gives you an excuse to go to the library again, and remember why it’s so awesome. Los Angeles (and its surrounding towns) have many wonderful libraries in which you can introduce and foster a love of reading and learning for your children. Not all libraries are the same, though—there are standouts that are worth a visit with your kids for their visual features, updated reading rooms or creative activities that engage visitors with music, storytelling and crafts. Here are seven to put on your to-do list.
1. Burbank Library, Buena Vista Branch
Where: 300 N. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA
The children’s room at Burbank’s Buena Vista branch hosts baby and toddler story times and—excitingly—a “sensory storytime” tailored especially for children with special needs. Plus, their computers have educational computer games, a great tool for preschoolers or kids who need help with learning.
2. Beverly Hills Public Library
Where: 444 N Rexford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA
With a gleaming, redesigned children’s area that they somehow keep white, the Beverly Hills Public Library welcomes children to regular story times and special events. Also attached to the library—a coffee and fudge shop!
3. Los Angeles Central Library
Where: 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA
Hands down, this LA landmark is a must-visit for any local (especially those who have kids in tow). It’s always recommended by school librarians, and for good reason—the library’s top-notch features include a recently refurbished theater, murals that depict California’s history, regular craft and story times, and a STEAM class for kids. The LA library systems allow you to reserve books online; it sends an alert when they are ready for pickup. Their event calendars are comprehensive, too—each lists dozens of free daily activities. Visit lapl.org or colapublib.org to sign up.
Where: 9001 Mines Ave, Pico Rivera, CA
Pico Rivera’s library is cooler than yours. Besides the usual books and story time sessions, the library’s free events for kids include great options for all ages. Fun events currently cooking include a teen manga book club, a parent-child workshop, and an ancient Egyptian art activity.
Where: 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA
Where: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA
The Los Angeles area is home to two presidential libraries—the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley and the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Orange County. Both locations house sizable archives and interactive ways to research the life and times of the presidents. For younger kids, though, the draw will likely be the chance to go inside the flying vessels: an Air Force One jet at Reagan, and at Nixon, Army One—the helicopter used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford.
Where: 18025 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA
This Cerritos Library, located in a suburb of LA, makes us wish we were kids again because their children’s section is truly unparalleled. Giant books make the arches of the entranceway; there’s a T.Rex and a rocket ship; there are Chihuly works of art; there’s even a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Oh, and there are some books, of course.
Where: 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA
Pasadena’s library has its very own children’s wing! How many libraries can say that? You’ll find more than 60,000 books and other multimedia materials that will keep little ones engaged and passionate about reading for (hopefully) a lifetime. There are also, as with any good library, story time hours and classes galore.
