In yesterday's post On Being Grateful: Day One - Glasses, I mentioned that my kids and I spent part of Halloween at our local public library. I actually live in the county, so we have to pay $50 per year for my family to have access to the library. But it is well worth it. The city built this library as part of a project to revitalize downtown Nampa. It's only about three years old; in fact, it opened just a month prior to us moving to our home here in Canyon County from the next door Ada County.
It's a huge building with three levels, and it was so well thought through in my opinion. They provide an enormous amount to the public and there is something for everyone, no matter what place you are in your life. They have internet and computers, tablets, areas specific to certain age groups (Tweens feel cool being the only ones allowed in that area and the Teens love their special chairs and sideways bookcases along with workstations to do homework.) There is a full Spanish section, audio, large print, and even a balcony that overlooks the downtown. And, the number of books available in all genres is outstanding.
They also excel at programs. They do so many events and programs, again there is something for everyone. My kids are now in school, but I brought them to a weekly preschool storytime and STEM program for nearly three years. They grew to love going to the library and still request to go despite our large collection of books at home. As I mentioned, we experienced Virtual Reality on Halloween. One storytime they showed us how a 3-D printer worked, as they were donated a small one for teaching purposes. These are things that I would have never sought out, but are really neat and are technologies that are changing the world. They do movie nights, Spanish storytimes, ESL classes, events for writers, and so much more. I used to go to the library in our previous county, but I've never been to one quite like this one. I just love it. I'm extremely grateful that my family and I can participate and learn, and that I can teach my kids the love of books and education from a place like this.
For more information about the Nampa Public Library, check out their website. And if you are local, make sure to take advantage of its many opportunities.
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