"What free stuff is happening around town for kids?" - This is a question I get ALL the time at Boise With Kids. I totally get it! I'm always lookin for a fun, FREE opportunity too. Kids are so dang expensive and the more free stuff we can enjoy, the better! One of the best places to find FREE events, activities, fun, support and so much more is your local library. So let's take a look at all that Boise's public libraries have to offer families in the Boise area.
There are five branches all around town, each with their own unique offerings but all utilizing the same system and library card. Cards are offered to all Boise residents and those owning property within Boise City limits. You're able to use your card at any of the Boise Public Library locations as well as some Idaho public library systems. Having a Boise Public Library card gives you access to not only books but online resources like ebooks and emagazines, CDs, DVDs, video games, special Kidpacks, book club sets and SO much more. Pro tip! My kids love to rent DVDs for long road trips in the family van! It's fun to borrow them and change things up from the two or three DVDs we've had in our van for the past 6 years.
I think one of the greatest offerings that our libraries offer is their events - for all ages - but especially for the kids! Check this calendar to explore all of the options happening across the different branches. You can sort by age group and by location which is awesome. There are all kinds of Storytimes for young children in the mornings, after school offerings for school aged kids and fun weekend events for ages 0-100+ - always something for everyone! (I've even added a BUNCH of them to the Boise With Kids calendar for your convenience- check it out here.)
And don't forget about the annual Summer Reading program which begins May 25th and runs through August 16th this year. There will be fun events and prizes for participation as well as a Summer Reading and Learning Celebration event on Saturday, May 21 at JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place). Mark your calendars!
As if this wasn't awesome enough, there are other public libraries in our area that you can enjoy and explore as well! The Ada Community Libraries include multiple branches in Boise and Star. Plus there are public libraries in Garden City, Meridian, Eagle, etc. that each have their own awesome resources and offerings. More on those soon!
Which is your family's favorite library?
Boise Public Library! Information:
Website:
Locations:
715 S. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, ID 83702
2153 E. Riverwalk Dr.
Boise, ID 83706
7557 W. Ustick Rd.
Boise, ID 83704
4724 W. State St.
Boise, ID 83703
5246 W. Overland Rd.
Boise, ID 83705
Hours:
Main Library Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Neighborhood Branch Locations Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Closed