Libraries were one of my favorite places to visit when I was a kid.  I just loved checking out books and exploring all of the activities the library had to offer.  Library story times were one of the first activities I took my 8 year old to when he was a baby.  Even before he really understood what was going on we would go and he would sit in my lap, listen to the music, and bop up and down on my knee.  Then when he started walking he would walk around the entire children’s section and pull out books to read.  Since the pandemic started when my two year old was just a baby he did not really have an opportunity to visit the library as a little toddler, but we are making up for that now!  We love exploring libraries around the area and participating in their activities. 

One of our favorite local libraries is the Laura Bush Community Library.  When we first moved to Austin the library was still shut down for in person visits, however they were nice enough to offer a drive through where you could order books through the catalog online and pick them up.  The librarians were really nice even through the drive through and always offered a craft or activity for my kids to do.  One really neat thing I noticed the first time we visited was the incredible view from this library!  I have never lived somewhere with so many hills and I have to say the views never get old.

A few months after we moved to Austin Laura’s Library started opening back up so we were able to go inside and check out books and visit the Children’s area.  I still remember the first time we walked in, I felt so happy because I love being around all of the books.  Laura’s Library is not a huge library, but they still have a good selection of books and plenty of places to sit if you would like to read or use your computer. I would not mind just sitting in one of those chairs and admiring the incredible view of the hills!  

The kids play area is nice and just the right size.  It is in a separate room with a door and windows so you can see inside.  They have toy cars, magnet puzzles, and a few objects to climb on.  They also have a little cove under a pretend tree that the kids seem to enjoy going in.  My two year old loves playing with the toy cars and driving them all over the carpet.  Also, the children’s books are right outside the play area so you can grab some books to take home without taking an eye off your little ones playing.

The backyard of this library is one of our favorite parts.  They have an oversized chess board on the grass for the older kids (or grownups!) as well as other lawn games and toys.  There are plenty of places to sit to have a snack or just relax.  This is also where they offer the Backyard Storytimes which are currently taking place on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.  I was so excited when I found out they were offering in-person story times again.  They sing songs, read books and kids love it!  If there is poor weather and the group is not too large (to still allow for social distancing) they will bring the storytime inside.  Either way I would recommend bringing a sweater or jacket to stay warm (or if it’s the summer bring some sun screen and water!).  You can find all of the details for storytime or for any other activity you may be interested in by clicking on the event title from their calendar page which you can find here: https://westbanklibrary.com/calendar/.

Laura’s Library is a place my family really enjoys!  Both of my children love books and I enjoy being able to take them to the library so they can pick out their favorites.  The librarians there are also incredibly helpful and friendly.  There were a few times my two year old got a little loud because well…he is two, but they never made me feel bad about it and even tried to help by giving him an activity to do.  I hope you get a chance to check it out! Happy Reading!

A few items to note if you are interested in visiting the Laura Bush Community Library:

-You will need a library card to check out books from this library.  You can find all of the details on that here: https://westbanklibrary.com/membership/ 

-I would recommend checking their hours prior to visiting.  With Covid sometimes hours may change, but you can find the most updated information here: https://westbanklibrary.com/

-The library offers both onsite and online activities for both kids and grownups and you can find them all on the calendar here: https://westbanklibrary.com/calendar/.  Make sure you check the location because there are activities located at both Westbank Libraries on this calendar.

-The library does have restrooms which are always important for kids!

-Laura’s Library still offers drive through pickup for books so if you do not want to go inside you can still search their catalog and order books to pick up.