MomsTribute
Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington Heights, Illinois, is a fantastic kid-friendly haven for kids of all ages. The Village of Arlington Heights, located about 25 minutes from the heart of Chicago, hosts a quaint downtown amongst a small town experience. A couple blocks north of downtown Arlington resides the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, boasting rich, thorough, vibrant and thoughtful programming for ages young to old. With this in mind, the calendar is peppered with a vast array of opportunities not bound by books, but by age for Kids, Tweens, and Teens.
Traveling Exhibits on display at AHML are often kid-friendly and kid-focused. Currently, the Arcade Age Exhibit is on loan from the New York City Public Library, and allows visitors to explore the history of video arcade games. The journey to modern-day arcade games is highlighted through a thoughtful kid-friendly environment with easy-to-read placards explaining the history of each arcade game, on site and ready to be enjoyed! Kids ages 6 and up are welcome to try out the “ancient” arcade games from the 70s and 80s!
Kids’ World is a clean, safe, sanitized and kid-friendly space ranging from babies to intermediate elementary littles. The kid-friendly staff does a remarkable job welcoming kids and tailoring their experiences to meet them at their cognitive levels. Not only does the atmosphere contain areas of vibrant color and and flexible seating, but it also boasts areas of calm and serene escape for kids to find their center. Within Kids World, programming such as Baby Time, Toddler Time, and Kids’ Time are available.
Baby Time is for babies ages 6-18 months and their accompanying grown up. Baby time includes open play, music, and kid-friendly, and age-appropriate developmental activities. Caregivers experience a wide variety of books to enjoy and take a moment to read quietly with their tot. This bonding storytime and interactive playgroup concludes with a ten minute baby and adult socialization structured activity. Be sure to check out this KFC kid-approved adventure. Older siblings are welcome to join in on the fun.
Toddler Time is offered weekly at the library for kids ages 19-36 months. Active play and movement are welcome during the engaging storytime where stories, songs, games and more are thoughtfully shared with your toddler. Toddlers have the freedom of some built-in unstructured play time with other kids from the community, while their adults help supervise the littles and enjoy some adult conversation themselves.
Kids’ Time for ages 3-6 includes creative ways for caregivers to support the early literacy skills needed to be successful in kindergarten. Counting, letter recognition, American Sign Language, and early phonics are introduced. Additionally, programming including Lego Builds, Kids Crafternoon, and I Can Read fluency support are scheduled monthly to provide additional early education occasions.
Always caught in the middle, Tweens have a hard time finding their place, but not at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library! Tweens have access to their own LitCrate, a book box designed specifically by kid-friendly library staffers and aligned with individual preferences. This library book box gives Tweens the attention they desire and contain reading opportunities that pique their interest. Tweens are also invited to special events such as the Tween Writing Workshop, or Chalk Print Art Classes, or Film Editing and Design Programs. Tweens are invited to many of these activities without the need for a caregiver present. Check the library calendar for information and requirements.
Teens enjoy time at their own section of the library called “The Hub.” Utilized by students in grades 7-12 the age-appropriate and well-staffed environment, The Hub offers resources and programming specifically for Teens. Fridays feature “Friday Flicks,” where teens can vote on a movie to watch followed by a topic discussion by youth leaders. Older students have opportunities for SAT and ACT practice exams, followed by a symposium featuring the library’s resources designed to help students improve their scores. School holidays, Martin Luther King Day, for example, offer unique opportunities for students to be of service to their community through outreach volunteering at local homeless shelters. The AHML does a wonderful job of providing training and transportation to these unique and fulfilling offerings.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is a wonderful place for kids of all ages - “Check it out” today!
Available Amenities at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library:
Dana H
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