When we’re looking for good, free fun, we often head to our local library. Whether for story time, the summer reading program, or just to get more books to read, it’s a favorite destination. I feel fortunate that our libary is only a few miles away and I can oblige the kids when they ask to go. When I was growing up in North Dakota, the library in Grand Forks was an hour away, and although it was always a stop when we were in town, it wasn’t somewhere we’d go unless we were already in Grand Forks.

A beautiful thing about libraries is that you can go to any one you want. Even if you can’t check out books, you can go in with your kids and browse, play with the puzzles and games, see the fish, use a computer, look at the artwork, and . . . well, you get the idea.

I’ve written about the St. Paul Central Library before, as well as the libraries in Mankato and Springfield, Minnesota. Here are some other libraries we visited this summer.

Gaylord (MN) Public Library: Recently opened in a renovated building down the street from its old location, the new Gaylord Library is beautiful. It’s warm and welcoming, with artwork from local artists, coffee brewing for the adults, and a raised story area and special computer station for the kids.

Morgan (MN) Public Library: We enjoyed a special program at the Morgan Library, a concert by folk singer Dennis Warner, where the kids in the audience enjoyed the performance so much that they just sat there at the end, not moving until we convinced Dennis to perform an encore. The special programs that go along with summer reading programs are great for kids.

New Ulm (MN) Public Library: Here we were treated to a reading and book signing by author Jill Kalz, whose book Farmer Cap received a Minnesota Book Awards reader’s choice award. It was a delight to watch the children as they tried to guess exactly what it was that eccentric Farmer Cap was growing in his field. The children’s area at the New Ulm library was moved and expanded a few years ago, and is an inviting place for kids to visit.

Excelsior (MN) Public Library: In Excelsior, we needed the library for information. We wanted to ride on the Excelsior Streetcar, but we didn’t know where to board. The reference librarian helped us then, as well as on our return when we decided we might like to ride the local steamboat. Libraries are information sources even if you’re not there to check out books.

What interesting things have you done at your local library? Do you ever visit other libraries just for fun?

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