Libraries are an essential parent resource in every community. They provide free, educational programs for our children and give the community a safe place to gather. In Louisville, we are so lucky to have 19 libraries throughout the city, with one more on the way! Below I highlight some of my family’s favorite activities for the libraries in the Louisville-Central region but you can find information about all the libraries and services offered at lfpl.org.
Story Times & Teen Times!
My kids’ favorite things about our local libraries are the kid-friendly events like Story Times and Teen Hangout times. They also have special events like the How To Fest and Once Upon an Orchestra shows. Below are the recurring Story Times and Teen Times for the Louisville-Central Libraries. You can find these and other fun library events on our Event Calendar.
Bon Air Library
Combined Story Time- Mondays- 7:00-7:30 pm
Teen Activity Kits- Mondays- 3:30-4:30 pm
Highlands-Shelby Park Library
Baby Story Time- Thursdays- 10:15-11:00 am
Toddler/PreK Combined Story Time- Thursdays- 11:15-12:00
Teen Table Top Gaming- Mondays- 3:00-5:00 pm
Kid’s Club- Tuesdays- 3:30-5:30 pm
Teen Post Up- Tuesdays- 6:00-8:00 pm
Teen Art Club- Wednesdays- 3:00-5:00 pm
Teen Movie Matinee- Thursdays- 3:00-5:00 pm
Newburg Library
Family Story Time- Thursdays- 5:30-6:30 pm
Preschool Story Time- Fridays- 10:30-11:30 am
Anime Club- Thursdays- 3:30-4:30 pm
South Central Regional Library
Baby Story Time- Mondays- 9:30-10:00
Toddler Story Time- Wednesdays- 10:15-11:00 am
Preschool Story Time- Wednesdays- 11:15-12:00 pm
Teen Time- Mondays- 4:00-6:00 pm
Book Bundles
I love, love, love the book bundles. So often we have topics that come up in our house that I need books to help me help my kids process their feelings. Things like going to the doctor, Grandma getting sick, or using the potty. Or maybe we've just become obsessed with a new animal. The Book Bundles the wonderful librarians put together have saved my sanity more than once (or a dozen) times. It's like they designed it all with my busy schedule in mind!
Here's How it works...
- Visit lfpl.org/form/request-a-book-bundle
- Fill out the form including target age, topics and where you want to pick up your bundle
- Read.
It's that easy!
Makers Lab….say what???
The one thing we haven’t used yet but I think is THE coolest thing about our Louisville Free Public Libraries…..THE MAKER’s LAB. Literally, a Lab, where you make things! Don't have a sewing machine at home but you want to learn, the Maker's Lab has you covered. Want to teach your kiddo how to crochet but it's been 15 years since you did a project and you don't know where your needles are, the Maker's Lab has you covered.
Here’s some of the equipment they have:
- Janome and Baby Lock sewing machines
- Makerbot 3D printer
- Cricut Easy Press (9”x9), BrightPad, Explore Air 2 and Maker 3 machines
- Glowforge Laser Cutter
- Roland Vinyl Cutter
- Button Makers
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Crochet hooks and Knitting needles
- Embroidery hoops and DMC floss
I’m going to be honest and say that I don’t know what half of those things are. But have no fear! The Collider Artist-in-Residence Program gives everyday people like you and me an opportunity to learn from a real expert! How amazing is that? And with a new Artist-in-Residence each month, there's so much to learn! For more information on workshops and studio hours, visit the Collier Maker’s Lab.
Community- These are our people
My kids have all grown up going to libraries regularly. We’ve lived in little bitty towns without a stop light and now the big city with over half a million people. The library has always been a place I know I can take my kids, even if it's because we just have to get out of the house. My kids have met friends. I’ve gotten to talk and commiserate with other parents. The librarians always make us feel welcome and they never seem to tire from all the questions my 3 little ones have to ask. Our libraries have given us a place to find our people and grow our community, something the world needs a little more of at the moment.
Check out our Events Calendar and plan your next visit to your local library this week. You’ll love watching your kids have fun and knowing that they're learning and making friends too!
