It used to be a rule, in my town, at least, that as soon as you could write your name you could get your very own library card. I practiced for weeks, writing all 18 letters of my name V-i-c-t-o-r-i-a-C-o-s-t-a-n-t-i-n-o. It was no small feat for a 5-year-old. I remember feeling so proud and excited as we entered the library in the coolness of the early evening to get my very own library card. And I remember how the tears burned my eyes and cooled my cheeks as the elderly Librarian rebuked me and chided my parents for letting me believe that I deserved the privilege of borrow a book from the library.
I clung to the books I dreamed of bringing home as the mean old librarian postulated "She is not old enough to get a library card...I am sure she can not write her whole name." Her unwillingness to allow me to attempt to write my name incensed every library patron within earshot of the exchange. And after what felt like hours of deliberation between the librarian and all the patrons she conceded and allowed me to try. As I blinked the tears from my eyes I wrote each of the 18 letters perfectly and left the library holding two books that I checked out using my very own library card.
Libraries have come a long way in the past 30 years. The mean old librarian has become a legend in our town for her many run-ins with the local patrons. But I am happy to say her legacy has faded to a new wave of librarians and library resource . Gone are the days of talking in hushed voices and taking out just two books.
Libraries are a wealth of information that goes far beyond the books on the shelfs. This week Jack and I visited the Middleborough Public Library and we found all the wonderful things that they had to offer.
Here is a list of just some of the things the Middleborough Public Library has to offer to their patrons. Go visit the library and be sure to let them know that Macaroni Kid sent you.
1. When You think of a library you often don't think of a outdoor nature space but The Middleboro Public Library has a brand new Nature Play Space just outside of the Childrens room. We loved playing with the sand, the chalk and exploring and discovering all that the play space has to offer. In the nicer weather the space is used for story times and story labs. But you can find lots of fun thing to explore everyday.
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2. Back inside the Children's Library there is a STEAM corner where each month there is a different question posted and resources that help your child discover the answer. While you are there pick up a pamphlet on how you can explore the question through books and activities at home.
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3. The Middleborough public library has a FUNBRARY which offers animal play kits, big books, outdoor/indoor games, stem kits and backpacks, tinker kits, writing kits and much much MORE! My kids LOVE these Funbrary kits and taking out and exploring all the different kits they have to offer. Check out everything from snowshoes to circuit boards. We are headed back later this week to check out the Night Sky Backpack and then we are hoping for some clear nights to view the night sky from our own back yard.
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4. The Middleborough Public Library has a packed calendar with story times and events almost every day. You can find all of their events on our calendar or visit their website to check out what they have to offer. From Baby Bookworms to Family Nature Clubs there is something for every age. Jack and I can wait to check out their Preschool Storylab, an hour long parent/children program for children ages 2.9 to 5 years old. It is designed with stories, hands on free play actives and crafts that follows a month theme. Be sure to check the website to learn which story times are drop in and which ones you will need to register for.
5. The Middleborough Public Library has a wonderful staff in their Chirldren's Department. Miss Amanda is the exact opposite of the mean librarian of my childhood. Her warmth and love of books is infectious. She and the rest of the staff are alway happy to share their love of the library with patrons of all ages. When you stop in be sure to say "Hello" from us too.
6. Puppets! Did you know that the Middleborough Public Library has the largest puppet lending library in the area. Check out all the furry, scaly and fun friends waiting to share a book with you.
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Over the next few weeks we hope to visit each library in the area and share all the wonderful things that they have to offer. Libraries are so much more than just the books on the shelfs. Gone are the days of the grumpy librarians and whispering in hushed voices. Todays libraries are filled with life, learning and fun and they are waiting for you to come explore. play and maybe even read a book.
Visit our Library Guide to find out more about the Library in your town.
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