Wake Forest has a fantastic library!  It may seem a little small but it is packed with activities and brimming with a thorough collection of books for both leisure reading as well as resource tools for school projects.  Located in downtown Wake Forest it is easily accessible and many neighborhoods are within walking distance.

Some great benefits of this library are the wonderful programs that they have for children.  You can register (FREE) for story times (not all require registration) that are geared to all age groups.

• Baby and Me (ages 6 to 18 months)
  Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
  This program is for our tiniest patrons and their caregivers. The program encourages interaction between caregiver and child through songs, fingerplays, baby sign language and short books. No registration is necessary.
• Time for Toddlers  (ages 18 to 36 months)
  Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
  This program is well-suited to the wiggly toddler, with a succession of short, age-appropriate activities, including storytelling, fingerplays, puppets, flannelboards and songs. No registration is required.
• Fun for Preschoolers  (ages 3 to 5 years)
  Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m.
  This program encourages our preschool patrons to have fun at the library. Various puppets host and preschoolers get to stretch, sing, dance and help with the storytelling. No registration is required.
• School-Age Adventures (grades K through 5)
  Mondays at 4:30 p.m. This program features activities and crafts for elementary-age children.
  Please register!
• Twilight Tales  (All ages are welcome!)
  One Wednesday evening each month @ 6:30 p.m.
  The sun goes down, but the fun never ends at the Wake Forest Branch Library. The whole family is invited to attend our special evening programs held one evening each month.
  Please register to join in on the fun!

• Pizza and Pages! (6th- to 12th-graders)
  Select Fridays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 
  Come hang out, eat pizza and talk about books. Registration for this book club is required so we know how much pizza to order!  More info coming soon!
  Call for more information and to register: 919-554-8498
• Teen Art Competition - the 3rd Annual Teen Art Explosion is here!
  Awards Ceremony April 18 at East Regional Library, Knightdale.  Plus, you can vote for the winners -- vote at the East Regional Library until April 15.  See the YS desk for more info.
• Trash to Treasure
  Friday, April 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Make your own work of art out of found and reclaimed objects in celebration of Earth Day! Reduce, reuse, recycle!  Please register for this event.  
• Teen Advisory Board
  The Teen Advisory Board meets every other Thursday to plan teen events, give input on library services for teens, and to write the Zen newsletter. Pick up an application at the library or call 919-554-8498 for more information and meeting dates.
• Teen Library Corps
  Love the library? Volunteer for fun or for service hours. Pick up an application at the library or call 919-554-8498 for more information.

My son falls into the last two categories of School Age Adventures and Twilight Tales; we have had some GREAT times there!  He has made sundials, an edible snowman, learned about the Chinese New Year and they have a great program for Halloween.

It is a quiet spot in the afternoons for homework!  I try and take my son most afternoons for homework and most of the children from Franklin Academy venture over when their classes are out as well.  It is always a treat to check out a few books after homework!  The staff is extremely friendly and helpful - if they don't have a specific book that you are looking for you can request it from another library in the system and in just a matter of days you will have it.

Right after homework in the Spring, Summer and Fall, we will walk over to Kiwanis Park right next door.  Great little playground and picnic shelter with two tables - perfect for me to read while he lets off a little of his energy! 

The hours for the library are:

Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

They are located at 400 E. Holding Avenue.  Be sure to check out Wake Forest Branch Library for more news, special storytimes and upcoming events - it really is an exciting place for everyone!

Just another great resource in My Back Yard....