Library Tour [Summer 2017]

Note: Check out other activities in our Summer Series!

Summer Break!

[Summer Series Repost] Whether these two little words bring you feelings of panic or happiness, we probably all have to agree that we have to find a rhythm for our summer days so we don’t feel overwhelmed by feelings of having too much OR too little to do. Our family has had summers of both those dynamics. There were laid-back summers when we didn’t have any plans and just went with the flow of whatever someone called us up to do in the morning or afternoon or evening. There were full summers when we signed up for all the things and packed it in from morning to night. Haha…just kidding, we’re the Moys, we never pack it in from morning to night. :p I (Joyce) am pretty much done peopling after a half day anyhow. But we did have some summers that were fuller than not. And…after finding out how much camps costs (we’ll have to budget for them in the future or use college funds), we have come up with our own flexible schedule for the three months we are “off” for summer (because you know we never stop learning!).

If you are local to us, you can join in on our “fun,” and if you are not local to us, you can survey your own friends to find out what activities they like to do and places they like to go and come up with your on summertime calendar ‘o fun!

Library Tour

So, an afternoon activity we came up with (because afternoon sun does not agree with our skin) is visiting new-to-us libraries in the area! After asking friends about their favorite libraries near and bar, below is the list we came up with for our “library tour” for this summer.

Fremont Main
Pleasanton Public Library
Dublin
Manor
San Leandro Main
San Francisco Main
Union City Library
Newark Library
San Lorenzo

And here are others we may or may not have a chance to visit this summer:

Castro Valley Library
Little Free Libraries
Cal State East Bay

And here are some other favorites of our friends that are not as close by:

Sacramento Library on I St
Sacramento State
National Library in Washington DC
Redwood Christian Elementary
Dixon, IL
Chabot College
Nixon Library in Yorba Linda

Here’s what our friends had to say about their favorite libraries near and far!

We just go to the Dublin one because it’s close to our home but we love it. Clean, organized and spacious. – Yumi

When I lived in the Bay Area I loved the Manor Branch because it’s the first library I remember visiting and I loved the way it smelled and how cozy it was. There was a sunken area which I thought was really cool. My favorite library of all time might be the Sacramento Library on I St. because if the beauty of the building. – Betsy

Castro Valley Library 📚 because there’s a special corner by the window that is really comfortable. ❤️️❤️️❤️️ – Rocio

Many fond memories of young childhood at the San Leandro Main Library before the remodel. And while not glamorous, I got to know the library at Sacramento State really well. Favorite all time is our National Library in Washington D.C. I’ve done the tours, but I’ve used it for research (in the generic reading rooms as well as in the main reading room under the rotunda) too. Amazing, disorienting, awe-inspiring in both cases. All three have one particular thing in common: they have the appropriate “old book” smell. That is key. And don’t trust anyone who says otherwise. – Carrie

For public libraries, CV Library. It’s close to us and the kids have fun – checking out books and movies and finding books to keep in the used book store. I have another answer for my favorite Bay Area library. It’s not a public library though. Redwood Christian Elementary school has the best library I’ve seen in any school – mostly because of it’s awesome librarian. She makes books and reading so fun! Favorite library of all time was the one in my little hometown of Dixon, IL. The outside looked like a castle and the kids department downstairs was full of cozy bean bag chairs and fun book related decor. Summer programs were awesome! Brings back some great memories. – Beverly

Dublin library. I usually go between Dublin and CV, but I prefer Dublin. Clean. Spacious. More variety. – Karen

Castro Valley because it’s local and modern and comfy Favorite library: Chabot College. – Tori

CV for the family because of convenience. The boys make requests online and can usually get whatever they want/need. Favorite library: Probably the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. – Josie

San Lorenzo because of the awesome playground. – Christy

For AC libraries, I like the SLz Library because of the playground…one section for toddlers and one for bigger kids. I’m also partial to it because of the Japanese American history (they had a great display featuring JA history) and the Greenhouse Community Room. Many members/families from my church are listed on the plaque next to that room. Plus in general the storytimes and events aren’t as crowded (though this year the Lunar NY Dragon Dance event was super crowded). For general libraries though I think the San Leandro Main Library is one of the best because of their full care, movie “theatre”/event rooms, law library, children’s library, huge variety of dvds/blue rays and variety in general. – Jessica

We have seen some amazing libraries and would like to visit them all, but since we don’t really have time to do that, please share your pics with us! And we’ll be updating with pics from our library adventures!

Which library is your favorite? What is your favorite thing about libraries – storytime, activities, movie screenings, the books, art / collections displays?