CADL Downtown will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 22 for Silver Bells in the City. Regular Library hours will resume Saturday, November 23.
Tips for Exploring the Library of Things
Posted on: February 4, 2022
Did you know that you can check out electrical guitars, sewing machines and even American Girl Dolls?
You can use these items to create experiences with your family that you’ll never forget. Here’s some ideas to get you started!
Find Your Inner Indiana Jones
Life is better with adventure. Check out a Metal Detector and go on a search for treasure, hiding some loose change in the sand box or even inside for the kids to find. If you're very lucky, you might find a long forgotten treasure buried in your backyard.
For more supernatural fun check out our Ghost Hunting Kit! The whole family and get in on searching for EMF disturbances, EV phenomena and use a “spirit box” to communicate with spirits.
Or for the less supernatural, order a Potter Park Zoo Pass for a family of four to go to the zoo for free.
Make a Night of It
A family that does bad karaoke together, stays together. Check out a Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone. It’s easy to use with a television set or phone. Cue up your favorite Disney song on YouTube or a karaoke app and let's talk about Bru-no-no-no!
Not into performing? Rig up an Epson PowerLite Projector for a big-screen movie night.
Engage Your Little Scientist
Nothing nurtures a child’s inner scientist like hands-on experiences. Check out a Portable LCD Digital Microscope and go on a bug hunt in your yard! It’s easy to pack and travel with.
Check out an Orion Portable Telescope for a night of stargazing. Winter is a surprisingly great time to go stargazing, as the sky is clearer!
An Ollie Robot or Botley Robot is fun for exploring robotics. Use a Coding Critters or Code and Go kit to learn about coding. All of these are designed for children so they’re fun and educational!
Early Literacy
It’s not always easy to know how to help your children learn to read, but the Library of Things, Jr. collection has all kinds of games and activities to help! Simple Words Learning Locks have children practice spelling by matching locks and keys. The Letter Construction Activity Set uses beautiful see-through letters to help children form letter shapes.
The Problem Solving Stem Kits that are themed after different fairy tales! Your child can help all their favorite fairy tale figures with different challenges.
Build a Fort
Although it is fun to use all your couch cushions, blankets, and pillows to build a fort, it’s also a bit of a fire hazard. A Crazy Forts kit offers a more structurally sound option. Your child can build their own little hideaway (without destroying your living room).
There's lots more in the Library of Things and Library of Things, Jr. collection. We’re always here to provide services that enrich you and your family’s life, whether it’s through a banjo, a bird-watching kit, or yes, a book.
