Discover the Magic of the Library During National Library Week

By Katrina Thomas | April 7, 2017

Ring in National Library Week from April 9-15th with this year’s theme, “Libraries Transform.” Ever since the 50s the American Library Association (ALA) has been encouraging folks to spend less time with their electronic devices and more time reading. For fear that reading would lose its place in the world, the ALA has continued pouring into National Library Week and other outreaches that promote the use of libraries and explain the benefit of them. Check out the magic of your local library branch during this annual event.

A special treat for National Library Week:

Storytime with Councilman Chris Cate

Celebrate National Library Week by listening to Councilman Chris Cate read his favorite childhood book. Bring your kids for a day of crafts, face painting of the book characters, and a Dewey Decimal Scavenger Hunt. This story and craft time is designed for those with kids in the 6th grade and younger.

When: April 12 from 1-2:30PM

Where: Balboa Branch

Ongoing activities to discover during National Library Week:

Exercise Activities

Zumba Basic

Come discover the world of Zumba, an aerobics style fitness program that is influenced by Latin American dance music. Get moving with a little flare, and feel your body getting fit.

When: April 10th from 4-5PM

Where: Mission Valley Branch

Yoga Storytime

Introduce your children to yoga, by practicing a few basic steps while listening to a story and participating in songs that encourage relaxation and gentle bonding. Help your kids learn how to relax and be flexible at an early age, and watch how the process affects other parts of their lives.

When: April 10th from 10:30-11:30AM

Where: North University Community Library Branch

Teens

DIY 4 Teens

It can be difficult to find activities that teens want to engage in, but if they enjoy arts and crafts–this is a great fit! If your teen needs a little post-curricular fun, bring them to the library for an hour of do-it-yourself crafts.

When: April 11th from 3:30-4:30PM

Where: Central Library

Do Your Homework @ The Library – Homework Help

The school system continues to add new material that pushes our students to learn, however as parents it can sometimes be difficult to remember enough of it to where we can actually be helpful. Bring your child into the library for “Do Your Homework @ the Library” and see if it helps them flourish. Homework Centers are free of charge to students and their families.

When: April 12th from 3-7PM

Where: San Carlos Branch

(Homework help is offered at other library locations on different days and times; check your local library.)

After School Movie

Take a break from school before hopping back into homework. A screening of X-Men: Apocalypse will be played with free refreshments. Invite a friend and experience this free movie opportunity where ‘only the strong will survive.’

When: April 13th from 2:30-4:30PM

Where: Point Loma Branch

Others to Check Out

Adult Writer’s Group

Have you always wanted to write, but don’t feel like you have what it takes? We are here to tell you that you do. Join a group of other adult writers and enhance your skills while learning to believe in yourself. Let your talent develop, and make friends while doing it.

When: April 13th from 2-3PM

Where: Balboa Branch

Lego Time
Can’t make it out to Legoland, but have a child that’s obsessed with small building blocks? Let them build to their heart’s content with Lego Time. The library provides legos of all kinds, while teaching basic building skills that will help your kids on the road to engineering–maybe. Why not let help stretch their imagination?

When: April 14th from 4-5PM

Where: Linda Vista Branch

Paws for Reading

Dogs, and books, and kids, oh my! This great combination is provided for kids to practice reading out loud, by reading to trained therapy dogs. Children ages 8 and younger are encouraged to come to the library and hone their skills of reading out loud. We all remember those days when we first began to read out loud–they can be scary. These therapy dogs are there to help create comfort and confidence so that your kid isn’t afraid.

When: April 15th from 10:30-11:30AM

Where: Carmel Mountain Ranch

With so many classes to choose from, this isn’t even a fraction of what is offered. Check out all the events at the library on their main page, and help celebrate National Library Week!