We had a rainy few weeks and I had the flu, so we have been inside. But, my boys are always on a lookout to leave our apartment. What better place then to head to the local library!? (when nobody is sick, of course) Zero cost and priceless fun and adventure. 

Growing up I loved going to this old, beautiful library in our neighborhood. You walk in and it just had that "book" smell.  I went there just to sit and do my homework and flip through art books and just day dream. And yes, I smell books, who's with me? 

I love libraries and I love books. I don't understand Kindle and reading on a device. There's just something about feeling the cover, flipping pages, and that printed ink and paper smell.  It draws me in and keeps me hooked on a book. So good. Better then a movie.  And I have never met anyone smarter then a librarian. Honestly, they are like walking encyclopedias and Google search buttons.  I love them and applaud them, and will always ask them for help and their opinion about anything relating to a book or libraries. 

Any how, this month is National Library Lovers Month! So I'm heading to all the local libraries. The boys are loving this venture because we are finding that each library has their own fun days, craft days, lego building days, homeschool science days, reading days... list goes on. So, on a rainy day, we venture to a library, borrow movies and books, play in play areas, craft, build Legos, create paintings, and make scientific discoveries.

Here are our favorite books: 

• Simon, my 8 year old, is really into series books right now. The ones he's currently reading are the "I survived" books. I linked the collectors addition.

And the Daily Devotional that he's been reading is pretty awesome. Simon LOVES these. Really well written, and focused on the boy world. Just a cool devotional for boys. 

• Jasper, my 3 year old, loves any books with reptiles, dinosaurs, and bugs. We have borrowed the entire section in the library already. His most favorite is the reptile encyclopedia, I linked it bellow. Since he was a tiny baby he loved "Make Way for Ducklings", he still loves when I read it to him, almost daily.

• Oren (the baby, 19 months), he's into everything. Mostly taking the books off the shelves, so that's super fun. BUT, his favorite book is:

And for me... well, I'm a collector. I highlight, draw and write in my books, so I can't borrow any from the library. When The kids are playing on the computers, or building something, I pick up some cook books and scan through those, taking pictures of recipes I will be trying out or incorporating into my life. I also love books on Artists, I get inspired. 

Our Favorite Libraries: 

Vancouver Library Click here , they have the best kids area! 

Happy Valley Library click here , it's our local library, they don't have much of a play area for kids, but they are good to us. AND, they have a fun outdoor area to climb.  In the summer there is a fountain that the kids go nuts in. 

Milwaukie Library, Click Here , I love this library! They have a lot of fun craft/science activities throughout the months. The entire first floor is the children's area. So many books and tools. 

Oregon City Library is now my favorite! Click Here . They have an awesome play area for the kids, a little play ground outside. Really good Café across the street for a play date with another mom after. Singer Hill Café. 

There are so many libraries in Portland! So much is waiting for us. I even found a class in Russian on making soap and such. I encourage you to find your local library, look up their activity calendar on their website, and go hang out with the kids- for free, then grab a donut or hot chocolate. Its such a fun mommy/son or daughter date.