As a mom with a two-year-old at home, Gretchen Jones was in search for affordable things to do with her daughter. “Affordable meaning free,” Jones clarifies. She found her solution at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library (MRCPL).
Now, a decade later and a family of 5, Jones says that between her and her husband they are at the library at least once a week with their kids in tow, and she wouldn’t want it any other way.
As a parent Jones is thankful for the monthly programming available through the library and encourages every parent to take the quarterly library activities book and circle all of the activities they want to do with their kids.
“Our favorite activity each year is probably the Gingerbread House decorating. We started when my oldest was 3 and have not missed a year since, and that was 8 years ago! But we also love all of the monthly activities whether it’s a Descendants or Star Wars reading night, costumed character visit, the annual Night Before Christmas reading at Malabar Farm…we will basically attend anything and everything hosted at our local branch,” says Jones.
Similar to Jones, Candy Brenner is also incredibly grateful to the MRCPL for all of the various ways it has invested in her two grandchildren over the years. It was important to Brenner that her grandchildren be exposed to new ideas and experiences from an early age. “I started taking them to Storytime at the library when they were really young. It helped them learn to interact with other kids and was a great resource to prepare them for school.”
Now that her grandkids are older, Brenner says she loves seeing how the MRCPL “gives them an opportunity to be themselves.” She continues, “the librarians encourage the kids to go where they want. It encourages them to build independence and make decisions on the kinds of things they’re interested in as they grow. As a grandparent, there’s no better feeling than seeing that excitement come to life in your grandkids and getting to share the experiences with them.”
According to Katie Gatten, Branch and Youth Services Administrator for the MRCPL, having a robust calendar full of engaging programming at all of their 9 locations is important. Programming ranges from craft events to movie nights to live performances and more.
The library also makes it a priority to incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming at all of their branches each month to do their part to spark the interest of STEM in today’s children. This may include using marshmallows to learn about building, exploring how elements interact by creating slime, learning about birds while making a bird feeder or building new worlds together through Minecraft.
In addition to the vast array of programs available, the MRCPL also hosts special exhibits. In fact, MRCPL’s main branch will soon be hosting Discover NASA: From Our Town to Outer Space. This interactive exhibit will give children and adults the opportunity to learn about Earth, the International Space Station, a journey to Mars, the solar system and beyond, aeronautics and technology.
The exhibit will include a wide array of activities such as the Discover NASA game show, touch-tables to learn about space exploration, hands-on space rock demonstrations, a green screen where children can forecast what weather is like on other planets and more. This 12-week exhibit will run from March 21st through May 30th and lead the library into its Summer Learning Program, “A Universe of Stories.”
Past exhibits have included topics around technology, dinosaurs and the life of pioneers.
Reflecting on all of the many activities and experiences her kids have had through the MRCPL, Jones is left feeling grateful. “Having people care and invest in your kids’ education is a wonderful thing. It also teaches your kids that they have a larger support network; people who want to help them to succeed. Kids who feel invested in strive to be their best.”
The best part is that all of the programming and resources available through the MRCPL adapt with you as you grow. The connection to learning and exploration never ends regardless of your age; it only deepens. Both Jones and Brenner emphasized that the kids aren’t the only ones who benefit and learn at the MRCPL. For Jones, participating in the local craft activities for adults has become one of her favorite things to do – noting how she has learned flower arranging, cookie decorating and string art, and she’s done it all for free!
Whether you are a parent of young kids looking for opportunities to get out of the house, or you are in need of a resource to make memories with your kids, or you are just looking for a place to explore new ideas, the MRCPL promises to have something for you.
For a full list of everything going on at all locations of the MRCPL, check out their spring At the Library newsletter and begin visiting your local library today!
