Let me count the ways I love our local library.
The Round Rock Public Library holds a very special place in our hearts. I will admit that I did not grow up going to our local library, or even my school library. Reading was important to our family but we never utilized the public spaces and programs in our area.
Once I had kids of my own, it took me a minute to realize all of the amazing FREE things we can utilize at our local library. We started our library adventures when my oldest was about 18 months. The Round Rock library was still at its Main Street location. We enjoyed the red reading tub, the lego tables, the underwater-themed reading nook, and story times. And then things got even more exciting.
The City of Round Rock announced the groundbreaking of the new location of the library across the street. Not only did we have everything the library offer, but now we had tractors and excavators and cranes and dumper trucks to watch! It was an exciting time for all. And an even more momentous occasion when they opened the doors to the new library in January 2023.
Our local library has become a weekly adventure for us. We try to go at least once a week (or at least I do so I can get a few minutes of peace and quiet on the third floor!) to check out books, run around the zen garden, and partake in the programs.
A few of my favorite library things:
- All of the Programs! From adult programs, teen programs, youth and baby programs, there is something for everyone nearly EVERYDAY at the library. Some of our favorites include the summer and winter reading challenges, the train exhibit over the holidays, and indoor/outdoor story time. There are also several free educational series and classes available to the public.
- All of the Books! You know what the best bookstore is? The bookstore where all the books are FREE! Yes, FREE! As long as you have a little patience with the wait times, the free reads are totally worth it. Waiting a while for your next read? Ask a librarian to suggest a similar read to keep you entertained while you wait. Personally, I love to check out cookbooks. I love to try recipes out and then I will purchase it if it is something I will use regularly.
- Local Seeds Library: I do NOT have a green thumb. Seriously, I kill succulents. So it is difficult for me to purchase plants and seeds in hopes of a thriving home garden. But kids love to watch things grow and the seed catalog available at the Round Rock Library provides guilt free germination! I am grateful to the local volunteers and gardening experts for providing some pretty neat science and nature exploration at our home.
- Play Spaces: Kids gotta move. They need to run and play and explore. Our library has so many wonderful spaces for kids to be kids. The third floor is a quiet space which I love and appreciate. But if you’re like me and need the kids to get their wiggles out before dinner time, we love to play outside the main floor, in the zen garden on the second floor, or in the play area on the second floor. And sometimes it is nice to enjoy some reading while soaking in the sunshine.
- Robot Kits: Warning: these guys have a LONG wait. My suggestion is to put your name on the waitlist for the one above your current level. Whenever they are ready, these robots (donated by the wonderful Friends of the Library) are an incredible STEM activity for kids of all ages. I have had a lot of fun playing with them and learning the simplest form of coding.
Some other great resources from the library include:
- Libby audiobooks and ebooks
- Computer and printing services
- geneology services
- The Book Nook
- Local art and artists
- book donations
- and so much more!!
Round Rock has some pretty incredible resources open and ready for the public. I highly recommend taking a trip to Downtown Round Rock and taking in the beauty of our public library.