I've always loved a library. Thus I started taking Eli to the library when he was just a baby. We love story time, special programs, and our weekly trove of everything from picture books to DVDs to audio books. The library is an exciting spot for new ideas.
Lately, we've taken to using the library in a new way. During the heat of the afternoons this summer, we were always looking for something to do indoors. (And although school has started back, the weather hasn't broken, so we still need something to do in the afternoons.) At least once a week, Eli begs to use his 30 minutes of daily screen time at the library computers.
The Children's Department has a set just for kids that are full of educational software. Parents have to stay with their kids, which put me off at first. Sitting there in a chair while my child absorbed himself in a screen sounded boring. Sure, I could read a novel. But I realized what sounded really good was to take time to look at the sort of slow-savor books I usually don't get a chance to read. Now when we arrive at the library we first wander through the adult nonfiction section upstairs. There is a visual feast to be found up there. I gather up an armload of books about art, travel, cooking, or crafts. Sometimes I haul down a weighty pile of coffee table type books. Then while Eli plays, I take an inspiring armchair journey visiting faraway places, lovely rooms, and fantastic studios page by slow page. When his computer session times out, I find myself relaxed, happy, and inspired.
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