Your local library is a powerful tool for reading and education, but it’s also your ticket to a whole lot of fun. Whether your kids are already avid readers or you’re looking for a way to inspire them, you can count on your local library for unique resources. It’ll also carry a massive selection of reading material for adults.

Not sure what a library card from the Montgomery County Memorial Library System can do for you? That’s where our preschool in The Woodlands comes in. We’ve put together this guide to some of the great resources you can expect when exploring our local library.

Resources for Kids

Two children read a book from The Woodlands public library

“two childrens reading book while sitting on brown sofa” used with permission via Unsplash by benmullins

There’s no better way to get your kids to develop a lifelong love of books than by getting them interested in their local library from an early age. The Montgomery County Memorial Library System will help in your quest because they feature a range of resources just for kids.

The BookButler feature lets children request a personalized reading list, making reading fun and exciting. The library also offers story time and other events, access to websites for help with homework (or just having fun), and various e-Book options for early learners and young readers.

BookButler

MCMLS’s unique BookButler service isn’t only for kids. You can also explore this great library to discover new, interesting things to read.

The library lets you submit an online request, then gets back to you with a personalized reading list compiled by an experienced staff member. You can even subscribe to monthly newsletters if you want regular recommendations. You’ll get a specialized BookButler every month with a new selection of three titles.

Mobile Apps

Sometimes you want to read or learn while you’re on the go and you just can’t work a trip to the library into your busy schedule. Fortunately, your local library has you covered. By providing access to a variety of apps, the Montgomery County Memorial Library System lets you download books and media right at your fingertips.

With apps like Libby, OverDrive, Hoopla, and Flipster, you can enjoy e-Books, audiobooks, and more even if you’re on the move. Transparent is a great app if you want to learn a new language, while the MCMLS app lets you manage your account and browse the library’s catalog from any location.

E-Books, E-Audiobooks, and E-Magazines

The Montgomery County Memorial Library System immerses you in your favorite authors’ works and brings you close to your favorite books. The library features several ways you can “check out” e-Books and e-audiobooks without ever going into the library itself. Whether you want to read on your own device or listen to a book while you’re driving, walking, or jogging, you can count on your local library.

Resources for e-Books MCMLS that offers include:

  • EBSCO eBook Collection.
  • eBook Central.
  • Hoopla.
  • OverDrive.

Looking for e-Books especially for kids? Try these:

  • BookFLIX.
  • Tumblebooks.
  • World eBook.

OverDrive, Hoopla, and Tumblebooks also offer your choice of e-audiobooks.

If you’re in the mood to read your favorite magazine, you can turn to this library for electronic options as well. MCMLS has various e-Magazine resources available. In addition to access to the New York Times and Consumer Reports Magazine, MCMLS gives library card holders access to Flipster. That translates to a huge amount of digital magazine subscriptions, all for free. You can even access Flipster via the mobile app for more flexibility.

Other Electronic Resources

Your local library might be your go-to spot for reading material, but the resources you can access electronically here go far beyond books and magazines. Thanks to your library card, you can also enjoy movies and TV.

The Montgomery County Memorial Library System’s OverDrive and Hoopla accounts let you stream videos, movies, and TV shows for free. The Hoopla app is available on Amazon’s Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku devices, further taking the guesswork out of watching your go-to media whenever the mood strikes.

Book Clubs

If you’re looking for a way to get inspiration for reading while connecting with the community, check out the Montgomery County Memorial Library System’s book club offerings. You’ll find virtual book clubs on platforms like Facebook, GoodReads, and GoToMeeting, so you’re sure to discover a book club experience that meets your needs and fits your schedule. Some book clubs allow you to post a comment at your convenience, while others have a set virtual meeting time in place where you’ll get to connect with other local readers with similar interests.

From fiction and mysteries to cookbooks, MCMLS makes finding a genre a breeze. Additionally, the library system offers adult book clubs and preteen book clubs.

Library Events

Your local library also hosts events throughout the year to keep you and your family engaged with the community while you explore your interests. Want to delve into your own writing? Check out a writers group. Time to try out a craft or create some art? You’ll find events for that, too.

What’s more, MCMLS hosts various events designed with kids in mind, so you can easily get your whole family involved. From games like charades and interactive stories to space-themed activities, your local library does it all. Check out the events calendar regularly and you’ll always have something fun and educational planned.

Crème de la Crème of The Woodlands just gave you a guide to some of the great offerings at our amazing local library. Whether you want some reading inspiration or educational resource you can’t find anywhere else, chances are the Montgomery County Memorial Library System has exactly what you need. You may even find new authors, stories, and skills you didn’t expect to discover. Did we miss one of your favorite resources that other local families need to know? Drop us a line so we can add your recommendation.