We all want to ignite a passion for reading in our kids and to make reading fun. One way to accomplish this is to visit libraries, especially ones with special features geared towards kids. We’ve scouted out the best of the best when it comes to libraries with rock star kids’ sections. So whether it’s the pirate-themed event center, magical reading nooks or the unmatched selection of books, these are the city libraries that you should add to your family’s travel bucket list.
1. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center
Charlotte, NC
CREDIT: Charlotte Center City
The ImaginOn is a 102,000-square-foot center designed to promote a love for literature and drama in kids. It offers everything from homework help to professional performances and camps in two different theaters. You do not want to miss this interdisciplinary extravaganza, all dedicated to the igniting a passion for learning in kids.
2. Vancouver Community Library
Vancouver, WA
CREDIT: Burgeon Group
Venture through a beautiful four-story atrium to reach the 2,000-square-foot children’s floor at the Vancouver Community Library. Vancouver boasts the largest library-based early learning center in the country. There are continuous story time offerings as well as crafts, games and interactive stations to encourage learning—so make sure to include this destination on your next trip to the Northwest.
3. Hardesty Regional Library & Connor’s Cove
Tulsa, OK
CREDIT: kk architects
This popular, pirate-themed venue for kids is the perfect way to entertain and excite young minds. There’s no chance of a lackluster show with the number of diverse programs offered at Connor’s Cove (all centered around the importance of reading, of course!). When there’s no show going on, there are plenty of kid-friendly computers, educational toys and games, music, movies and, of course, books to go around.
Scottsbluff, NE
CREDIT: Norfolk Library Foundations
The Lied Scottsbluff Library is all about community support and creating a positive atmosphere for reading from a young age. Visitors will love the reading wall, full of cubbyholes and friendly monsters. Story time includes not only books, but everything from songs and puppet shows to films. To top it off, there is an interactive (and large!) Lite-Brite board as well as a wall full of the 100 best children’s books.
Brentwood, TN
Explore Brentwood
Enter into a whimsical land of oversized storybooks and talking owls, complete with musicians, magicians, puppeteers and live animals making their frequent summer visits at the Brentwood Library. It is the ideal place to take a break from the Tennessee summer heat and dive into a land where reading and learning is anything but boring.
Have we missed any top-notch libraries? Let us know! Email [email protected]
