The local Peoria, Arizona, library is a powerful resource for everyone in the family. At the Peoria Public Library, (PPL) you can always check out books, music, and DVDs. However, the library system has much, much more to offer from checking out packets of vegetable and flower seeds to homework practice programs. Because the Peoria Public Library has so many services to offer, our team at Crème de la Crème Peoria has highlighted services and programs you don’t want to miss.
Children’s Resources
With your child’s free library card, they have access to lots of resources, including special programs and events. Storytimes is always a popular program, and you can have the kids get involved with Storytimes in person or online. When your kids sign up for the ABC Mouse program, they’ll learn various academic skills like math and science in a fun and interactive way.
A really cool program that the PPL offers is PAWS 2 Read. In this program, your child reads aloud to therapy dogs. This program helps kids develop and improve their reading skills while interacting with sweet dogs. You can also pick up Culture Passes at the PPL. These passes get you and your child free admission to museums, performances, and cultural events in the Peoria, Arizona, area.
Games for Kids
An interesting way for kids to learn is through interactive games and play. The PPL offers a multitude of online games for kids and preschoolers. Your kids can access games like PBS Kids, Cool Math, Sesame Street, Curious George, and many more fun and educational online games.
Teen Programs and Events
Teenagers can have fun learning and meeting new friends at several of the teen programs and events offered at the Peoria Public Library. The Teen Alphabet Soup program is for a small group of non-specific gender teens and their friends to gather, play games, and socialize in a safe and supportive environment.
During select times of the year, your teenager can participate in Downtown Teen Art Night. The Peoria Arts Commission holds this program at the Peoria Main Library and offers new art activities every month. This program is a great way for aspiring artists to practice their skills.
The PPL has partnered with Driving-Tests.org to help teens prepare for their driving test. This service offers free Department of Motor Vehicles state-specific requirements for passing the driving test. Using this site lets users hear material read aloud, lets teens make the information into MP3s, and can increase the text size on their mobile device. Teenagers can even translate the material into other languages for those whose first language isn’t English.
School and Homework Practice
Doing homework is often challenging for young students and parents or caregivers. The Peoria Public Library offers kids a variety of study resources like Study Island, Funbrain, and Starfall. These online programs help kids practice their math, science, and problem-solving skills in a fun manner.
Additional resources include Lexile, which lets you look up books for your child’s grade ranking. Another resource, NoveList Plus K-8, lets you find books that are appropriate for your child’s reading level. The Student Resources in Context resource lets parents and kids access current and authoritative information related to specific research topics.
E-Resources
You don’t always have to stop by the PPL to access their varied resources. With your library card, you can access e-resources like the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, cloudLibrary digital library collection, music playlists, and language courses. Download e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and your favorite music from these amazing free online resources. Simply use the OverDrive app on your e-reader or mobile device to explore the collections and offerings of these digital resources.
Seed Library
The unique Seed Library program lets you check out vegetable and flower seeds for aspiring gardeners to plant. Several of the flower seeds will attract butterflies and other essential pollinators to your garden. Pollinators help your garden grow and bring delight to your children. You can check out three seed packets a week, and of course, there are no due dates or overdue fees.
Explore-to-Go
The Explore-to-Go program helps kids and families get outside to exercise and have fun. You can check out yoga mats, croquet sets, discs for playing disc golf, and more. Each kit comes with learning materials like DVDs and workbooks, so those using the equipment can fully grasp all concepts of the activity. After a day using the Explore-to-Go kits, stop by one of these family-friendly restaurants in Peoria to fuel everyone up.
StoryWalk @ The Parks
Kids can read books and exercise at the same time using the StoryWalk @ The Parks program. The library puts select laminated books on metal stakes in either Paloma Community Park or Pioneer Community Park. As you and your child stroll along the path, you’ll read a page of the book and do an activity related to that page. This is a really enjoyable way for kids to read and enjoy nature and exercise at the same time.
Another great way to get kids outside is to have them check out nature books and then take them to local parks to read. In addition, they can also find books related to some of Peoria’s great educational destinations so they can learn more about these places.
Locations of the Peoria Public Libraries: Peoria Main Library at 8463 W. Monroe St. and the Sunrise Mountain Library at 21109 N. 98th Ave.
Hours and Days of both libraries: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
As you can see, the Peoria Public Library system provides families with educational and entertainment possibilities. All you need to do is sign up for your free library card and the world of the Peoria Public Library opens up to you. Are there other programs or elements of the Peoria Public Library System that we missed and you can recommend? If so, feel free to let us at Crème de la Crème know, and we’ll add your suggestions to the list.