Learning to Love our Local Library

When the weather is sunny and warm, finding ways to entertain a toddler is easy. However, in the lovely Pacific Northwest, rainy days are more the norm. We often find ourselves sitting (or in my daughter's case, bouncing) around the house looking for something to do. I found myself falling into the trap of feeling the need to buy more toys. "You bored sweet pea? Lets go to Toy's r Us and get some new toys." Actually its more like, "you're driving me nuts, lets go buy you some entertainment." Even worse is the temptation to turn on the cartoons. Anyone with kids knows that the novelty of a new toy quickly wears off and it is soon forgotten - its a vicious cycle. So began our search for less expensive, more fulfilling entertainment. Plus, I don't want to teach my children that shopping is an appropriate antidote for boredom.

We started with an obvious one, our local library. Remember those? I'll admit I've long neglected my library in favor of bookstores (which have been my financial downfall). But I'm committed to using the library more and my credit card less to support my book habit. Anyways, the library, it turns out, is a great source of entertainment for a toddler. On nice days we walk, on the rainy days we ride the bus (don't let public transportation with children intimidate you, they love it!). Some days we attend story time, other days we just read a few books and pick out some to bring home. My daughter never tires of these trips or reading.

Seems simple, but that's the point. Family entertainment doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. A $2 bus ticket and a library card - endless enjoyment that will last long after the next hottest toy leaves the shelves.