Crack open a book filled with beautiful illustrations and captivating words, and you open a whole new world to your children. Your local library is the perfect destination to find that next great book, but rows of stacked shelves aren’t the only attraction. Libraries in the DMV amp up that library day experience in a big way. Check out these activities and level up your next library outing.

Makerspace at Gum Spring Library

Loudoun County Public Libraries

Put those cool coding and robotics books into action with the Makerspace tools. Your little inventors can design a playdough controller with Makey Makey, or try their hands at coding with Spheros. Kids of all ages will love watching the 3D printer in action. Littles 10 & under need adult supervision in these spaces.

24600 Millstream Dr.
Stone Ridge, VA 20105
571-258-3838
Online: library.loudoun.gov/LOCATIONS/Gum-Spring

Hours: Mon.-Thurs.,10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Storytime at Library of Congress

Ben S. via Yelp

There is something special about having storytime at the world's largest library.  Spanning three palatial buildings with a mammoth collection of 16 million books, The Library of Congress offers a surprisingly cozy nook for little readers in the Young Readers Center. Due to space limitations, free admission stickers are distributed to the first 50 participants, so arrive early. 

Young Readers Center
Thomas Jefferson Building
Room LJ G29 (ground floor)
10 First St. S.E.
Capitol Hill
202-707-5000
Online: loc.gov

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Storyville in Baltimore, MD

Baltimore County Public Library

This fun play-and-learn center was designed to get little ones 5 & under excited about reading. Your tiny tot can build in the Construction Zone and sail the high seas of Toddler Bay. Storyville is a featured space in the Rosedale and Woodlawn branches of the Baltimore County public libraries. 

Rosedale Library
6105 Kenwood Ave.
Rosedale, MD 21237
410-887-0512

Woodlawn Library
1811 Woodlawn Drive
Woodlawn, Maryland 21207
410-887-1336
Online: bcpl.info/youth/storyville.html

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Music and Movement at Mt. Pleasant Library

Bilingual Birdies

No one will be shushing your little Mozart during this raucous musical playtime.  Your little one can grab an instrument and compose a tune with their library friends.  Singing is encouraged and dance parties are mandatory (OK, not really, but who doesn’t love that wiggle?).

Mt. Pleasant Library
3160 16th St. NW
Mt. Pleasant
202-671-3121
Online: dclibrary.org/mtpleasant

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Sensory Storytime at Kings Park Library

We Rock the Spectrum

This multi-sensory storytime is an interactive half-hour filled with songs and stories for kids with special needs. The activities invite social interactions and a fun time for all.

Kings Park Community Library
9000 Burke Lake Rd.
Burke, VA 22015
703-978-5600
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/kings-park

Hours: Mon.-Tues., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thurs., 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Creative Play at Aspen Hill

Jelleke Vanooteghem via Unsplash

Two hours of STEM creativity sounds like a great morning for your little designer.  Blocks of all shapes and sizes spread out for little hands to stack and knock over, over and over again.  You might even get a few minutes to yourself while they get those creative juices flowing.

Aspen Hill Library
4407 Aspen Hill Rd.
Rockville, MD 20853
240-773-9410
Online: montgomerycountymd.gov/library/branches/aspenhill.html

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m – 8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Game Day at Capitol View Library

Michal Parzuchow

Try your hand at old and new board games.  Bring the whole family and challenge them to a mean game of Monopoly.  Don’t forget about Connect Four, fun and educational.

Capitol View Neighborhood Library
5000 Central Ave. S.E.
Capitol View
202-645-0755
Online: dclibrary.org/capitolview

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

—Angelica Kajiwara

 

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