Free Summer Library Fun for Kids Around Austin, Texas

If you live in or close to Austin, Texas and you are stuck at home with the kids all summer, needing something free to occupy their time you should check out your local public library.

The Austin Public Library and the libraries of the surrounding towns all have summer reading programs and activities for children from tots to teens which are free. This is a great way to get out of the house and give the kids something to do that won't cost a dime.

Many teachers complain that children spend several weeks "getting back into the rhythm" when school starts again in the fall. Going to the library is not only fun but can help to keep your children from falling behind over the summer. Going once a week to check out books, videos, dvds or cds and staying to watch a puppet show or listen to a story is a great way to spend part of the day.

Each library around Austin participates in the Texas Summer Reading Program. Over the summer, children read books and list them online or on a handwritten log and are awarded prizes at the end of the 8 week program. All of the libraries also offer expanded story time and shows during the summer.

Austin
The Austin Public Library system is comprised of one large central library and 22 other community branches. The Faulk Central Library located on Colorado Street in downtown Austin is convenient to 46 bus routes and is open from Mon-Fri 10am - 9pm, Sat 10am -6pm and on Sunday from 12 noon to 6pm. The central library has a wide variety of summer activities for kids which vary daily Monday through Friday. Nearly any time of the day, there is something to do. Many of the 22 community branches also offer children's programs and activities so you should definitely check the website for the schedule for the branch nearest you.

Bastrop
Located on Church Street, the Bastrop Public Library is open Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-6pm, Tues, Thurs 1pm-9pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. Along with the summer reading program daily activities including movies, video games, story times for toddlers and older children and time for the reading club. Times and recommended ages vary daily but there is sure to be something great for everyone.

Buda
The Buda Public Library is open Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm and Fri-Sat 10am-5pm. Conveniently located on Main Street, the summer calendar includes activities for kids and teens on Tuesday through Thursday and a family story time on Thursday evening.

Georgetown
The Georgetown Public Library is located on 8^th street and is open Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun 12noon-5pm. Summer activities for children include puppet shows, story times, science, music and sports demonstrations and craft time for older kids. These great programs are on Tuesday through Thursday usually starting at 10:30am. Some days two programs for different aged children will run at the same time allowing both younger children and older kids to have a great time.

Pflugerville
Located on 10^th street, the Pflugerville Public Library hours are Mon-Thurs 10a-9p, Fri 10a-6p, Sat 10a-4p, and Sun 1p-6p. The library offers children's activities on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday including several bilingual workshops and lots of fun story time and demonstrations.

Round Rock
The Round Rock Public Library is located on Main Street and is open Mon-Thurs 9a-9p, Fri and Sat 9a-6p, and Sun 1p-6p. Through the summer, activities such as story time, computer classes and show are given on weekdays and include activities for babies to adults including bilingual story times.

Whichever library you live close to, there is sure to be something your kids will be interested in. It's a great way to set a routine for the summer, do something fun and save money all in one.

sources

Texas Summer Reading Program, Libraries Deep in the Heart of Texas

Austin Public Library

Bastrop Public Library

Buda Public Library

Georgetown Public Library

Pflugerville Public Library

Round Rock Public Library