Confession. I haven’t been inside a library since college. And that was my college’s library. I haven’t been in library library since probably high school. But ever since starting this website, I’ve rediscovered why libraries are so valuable. Sure, there are books, and lots of them. But they have SO much other stuff! All kinds of resources on loan, activities, children’s events, book sales, movie showings…they even host Mom’s Night Out! Who knew?
We want to share all of this with you, and because of that, SeacoastKidsCalendar has started our Library Tour of these area goldmines. Each week we’ll feature a library and give you an insider’s view on each one’s facility and services. First up…Lane Memorial Library in Hampton!
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The Lane Library is a beautiful stone building off Winnacunnet Avenue in the heart of downtown Hampton. Although the outside looks like a quintessential small town library, the inside is quite expansive and it’s obvious that if you can’t find what you’re looking for in here, it simply may not exist.
The Vibe
The Lane Library in Hampton has a large Children’s Room which is located downstairs, safely housed far enough away from the main floor where children’s voices might be considered distracting. The room is bright and set up with several reading areas including a corner nook with bean bags for some comfy downtime. There are also tables with coloring pages and crayons which will keep the little ones busy while older siblings check out the latest reading material.
What’s On Loan
The library offers an enormous collection of children’s books, both fiction and non-fiction, appropriate for any reading and grade level. To my surprise, I was happy to see newer titles which blew my “libraries-haven’t-seen-a-new-book-since-1973” theory out of the water. They have everything from board books and story books to novels, reference and tween titles.
In addition to reading material, the Lane Library also has an entire section of movies (both DVD and VHS), audio books, foreign language learning systems, computer games, puzzles and even stuffed animals available for loan. Need something more interactive? The Children’s Room hosts two computers where kids can play learning games and safely search the internet. How about an online tutor? The Lane Library’s website hosts a variety of “Homework Helper” games where kids can brush up on a myriad of school subjects like music, math, science and more!
Other Cool Stuff
The Children’s Room host several weekly story times (for kids ages preschool and younger) and invites kids to read a story, see a puppet show and participate in making a special craft. During the summer months, they will be hosting “Entertainment Wednesdays” where the library will be visited by musicians, magicians and story tellers. Fun!
Need more? Library card holders can reserve area museum passes where families can receive free (or deeply discounted) admission rates for places like The Children’s Museum of NH, Boston Museum of Fine Art, Boston Museum of Science, Currier Museum of Art, New England Aquarium, Seacoast Science Center and more.
Want some alone time? Based on your children’s age, the library allows kids to stay in the Children’s Room while parents or caretakers visit the main floor for their own book-scoping. There’s even a Keurig machine on the main level where you can enjoy a cup of coffee for $1…while in the library…since when were you allowed food or beverages in the library? Nice!
How about a movie? Most Friday afternoons, the Lane Library shows a Disney/Pixar family feature where kids and parents alike can enjoy free popcorn and refreshments. You don’t have to be a library card holder or even a Hampton resident to enjoy this event, it’s always free and open to the public.
There’s so much to see and do at your local library, and it’s all FREE! Visit today and go get your fun on!
Lane Memorial Library
2 Academy Avenue, Hampton (603) 926-3368
