In a world where you can order any book online and have it in your hands in a matter of days, it’s easy to forget the wonders of a library. But for children, there’s nothing like roaming shelves full of colorful books, taking them home to explore, and then simply returning them when finished. Also, libraries are a fabulous place to build community, meet new friends, and share in some good old-fashioned storytelling! Here are a few of my favorite Houston libraries with plenty of activities for little ones.
4 Houston Libraries for Worlds of Educational Fun, Story Times, and More
Parent Resource Library
The Parent Resource Library is a specialty branch of the Children’s Museum Houston dedicated to encouraging literacy in children and providing adults with helpful parenting resources. Kids and their grown-ups can visit to check out books and audiobooks or attend one of their engaging events inspired by reading!
The Family Literacy Involvement Program is a multilingual program for kids from birth up through the age of 8 that provides families with an activity kit and a book to instill a love of learning and reading. There are also plenty of ways to connect books with the exhibits your kids will love exploring throughout the museum! Visit their website to learn how your child, regardless of age, can play and grow at the Parent Resource Library!
Collier Regional Library
The Collier Regional Library is one branch of the Houston Public Library, and they have a calendar chock-full of events the whole family will love! They host weekly storytime events for babies and their grown-ups, toddlers, and families of all ages, complete with age-appropriate activities and interactions.
Collier Regional Library also hosts craft events for kids and tweens! One of their most popular programs is their Read with Pawsitive Pups event, where kids ages 4 through 9 can volunteer to read to their resident therapy dog, Baby! Their children’s book section has plenty to explore and engage with in play, perfect for a fun day at the library.
Harris County Public Library
Harris County Public Library has various events and meetings for kids of all ages to enjoy! Yes, many of them are centered around reading. Still, there are gatherings like Gaming Bonanza for 2nd – 5th graders, all about board games, card games, video games, and snacks.
Parents of younger kids have no fear – they also have Itsy Bitsy Babies with songs, finger plays, and stories, as well as Little Sprouts Baby Story Time and Wiggleworms Story Time. Older kids will love their book clubs and the Lego Construction Club!
Vinson Neighborhood Library
Vinson Neighborhood Library is another branch of the Houston Public Library. Their nautical-inspired children’s section is great for inspiring imagination, as are the jumbo stuffed animals lining the shelves.
While the programming at this branch is a little limited, they have a successful Preschool Storytime gathering! It’s a half-hour full of songs, stories, and activities to help prepare your child for school readiness, covering important concepts like ABCs, 123’s, colors, and shapes.
Houston Libraries
Whether you’re looking for storytime, a quiet place to read together, or a fresh stack of books, visiting the library can be rewarding and special! Be sure to check out your local Houston libraries to see what they have in store for your little one’s imagination – and yours, too!
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