Winter Days Out
There is so much to discover at your local library Life is never boring when you’ve got a library card! With pages and pages of imaginative new worlds to explore, new toys to borrow, activities and entertainment for kids of all ages, there is so much to discover. It’s the perfect place to while away a few hours on cool winter’s day!
small monthly fee can save you heaps on the toys you don’t have to buy, and there’ll be less toy clutter in your home too. Find your local toy library here: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ toy-library-brisbane-and-beyond
There’s more than just books Of course, there are lots of books. The great thing about the libraries’ children’s areas is that most of the picture books are at child-height, so small children can work through their selections and choose titles that visually appeal to them. But that’s not all that happens in the children’s area. Many of the local Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, and Moreton regional libraries have interactive play spaces, Lego building areas, and fun school hours, after school hours and school holiday activities just waiting for your children to enjoy. All you need to do to be involved is to get there!
First 5 Forever 90% of a child’s brain development happens in the first 5 years, so the Queensland Government and State Library of Queensland introduced the First 5 Forever program. Local libraries host regular Rhyme Time, Baby Play, and Play Times sessions for babies and children up to five-years-old. These sociable sessions are FREE!
Toy Library Most of us are feeling the financial pinch at the moment. If you find yourself plotting a route around the shopping centre to avoid all the toy sections – much to the alarm of your child – plot a course for your local library instead. As well as lending books, some of our regional libraries have a huge range of toys and games available on free loan, too. We all know how quickly children can become bored of their toys and games, and a toy library allows you to have the latest on a never-ending free rotation! Not all council libraries have a toy library, but there are other toy library organisations to which you can subscribe. Even paying a
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Special events Your local library is a hive of noisy and free activity. Children are invited to join in movie nights, STEAM activities, craft sessions, Lego challenges, Dungeons & Dragons, themed fun (like Frozen and Star Wars events), yoga, guest entertainers, robotics and coding, console game challenges… it’s amazing just how much is on offer!
Finding your library There are big libraries, small libraries, and mobile libraries, and all offer something a little different. You don’t have to hold a membership to the library to be a visitor, but we think that once you go the first time, you will want to become a member because all libraries are free to join! Your library membership is not restricted to your nearest library either. With a library membership card, you can borrow from all the libraries in your local council area. State Library of Queensland Even if you’re not a State Library of Queensland member, the library is always worth a visit. The State Library spreads over many floors, but if you are visiting with kids, we recommend you head straight for “The Corner”. The Corner is a creative learning and play space especially for children under 8. We particularly recommend that you visit their current display. The Great & Grand Rumpus is a sculptural, digital, and immersive installation, born of the imaginations of local children around Brisbane. There is a huge dragon and a one-eyed robot taller than the buildings and many more wondrous creations, but they are only there until July 10, 2022. Brisbane City Libraries There are 33 libraries in the Brisbane City Council region, and with your Brisbane City Council library membership you can visit them all. We love the Secret Garden theme of the Garden City Library
Your Local Families Magazine June / July 2022 www.familiesmagazine.com.au
