LLC Loves libraries! In celebration of National Library Week we’re giving you a look inside some of our favorite libraries. Going beyond the books to the amenities, programs, and features that make them our favorite places. Today we go inside the Wauconda Area Library.
Books are awesome! We read every night with our sons, snuggling up in bed or on the couch and gathering up some of our favorite picture books. This is the best way we know to help our kids learn to love reading. But besides reading at home, we love going to libraries and bookstores. The best part about public libraries is that you can access so much for FREE.
Last year we discovered the Wauconda Area Library, and right away our kids fell in love! We’ve been to lots of libraries but they always ask us to go back to this one. As soon as you get off of the elevator, there is a large, flat screen television with interactive games to play. The touch screen capability makes it like a giant tablet kids can play on.
Of course, the kids are always drawn to the airplane. They climb up and pretend to be the pilot or the co-pilot. They get ready for takeoff and plan where they want to travel to. I love that my kids are able to use their imaginations and play like this. It’s great for learning to take turns and language development.
There is even a slide in the back so kids can exit the plane that way! It’s a simple way to add in some movement at the library…and a perfect way to get any wiggles out.
Besides the airplane, we love playing store. Kids can shop and add items to their cart. Then they can place their items on a conveyor belt and practice checking out at the grocery store. Again, it’s a great opportunity to role play and pretend you are really at the store. This type of role play is perfect for enhancing little brains!
Even my older son loves to pretend and help with the logistics. Pretending opens up so many possibilities and it gives siblings the opportunity to be creative and flexible with each other. I know my two sons don’t always get along, but pretending means we can make things up as we go along, which allows us to have fun instead of worrying about who’s doing it the right way.
Be sure to check out what programs are being offered when you visit! They have STEAM and technology opportunities. There is also a Makerspace area with magnetic tiles. When we visited, the the kids were so busy there, they didn’t want to leave.
Speaking of technology, they also have iPad stations set up so children can explore kid-friendly apps.
But, of course, we really go to the library to find books! The Wauconda Area Library has some great forward-facing shelving so kids can easily look through and pick out books. I suggest going for the pretend play options and then reserving time at the end to choose come books to read before you leave. Our family definitely recommends the Wauconda Area Library!
Wauconda Area Library
801 N. Main Street, Wauconda | (847) 526-6225
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What is your family’s favorite activity at the Wauconda Area Library? Tell us in the comments below.
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