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Reasons to Bring Your Children to the Library While They’re Young

Public libraries are a valuable resource for every community. They provide access to technology, a wealth of information stacked on shelves, and dozens of educational programs available to people of all ages.

They are also a great place to bring your children to while they are young. Read on to understand why your family should visit the library early and often!

Literacy is Important for Their Long-Term Success

Learning to read and write as a young child is one of the most impactful skills over the course of a lifetime. Studies show that early literacy helps brain development in ways that provides a strong foundation to learn and grow over time.

When you bring your children to the library as a baby or toddler, they are more likely to be far more proficient in understanding text and communicating clearly as they grow older. As they say, knowledge is power!

It Fosters A Love of Learning

By the time your children enter school, having previous experience with the learning process can be a huge help. If you bring the family to the library in their early years, they can begin to love learning — something that will benefit them for years to come.

Those who aren’t afraid to learn or who love to discover new facts are all better able to be more creative, insightful and wise as adults. Letting them see the library as an exciting place of information is essentially giving them the gift of wisdom.

The Library Offers a Variety of Activities for Kids

One of the top perks of local libraries is the wide range of educational, cultural, creative and fun activities that are great for families to do together. Whether you sign up for an arts and crafts workshop, visit during story time, or hear an expert speak about the local wildlife in Colorado, you’ll never run out of unique things to do at the library throughout the year!

Head on over to the Jefferson County Public Library website to get all the latest updates on future events, classes and programs!

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Colorado This Summer

School’s out for the summer, which means more time spent with the whole family together. And one of the best things about summertime in Colorado is that the warm and dry weather allows us to have pretty endless activity options!

Here are some fun family-friendly things to do in the Centennial State this summer to bring you closer together while making the most of the season!

The Summer Reading Program

Our local Jeffco Library system has a fantastic summer reading program that aims to help children read more books during the summer. You can track your minutes both individually and as a family, and can even earn prizes when you hit your goals!

It’s a great family activity to do together, and perfect for all ages. You might even want to have a family challenge to see who can read the most during the summer!

Library Events

The library isn’t just a place for reading or studying; on the JCPL calendar you can find a range of classes, programs and experiences that are family-friendly!

From story times and movies, to hands-on workshops and games, be sure to save the dates for your top choices. Some events do require registering in advance, so sign up while you can!

Museums

Do your kids love learning about science, nature, art, or history? Take the family to some of the best museums in the area to inspire them! Here are just a handful of the many museums in the Denver metro area:

Butterfly Pavilion

Denver Firefighters Museum

MCA Denver

Museum of Nature & Science

And if you sign up for the JCPL’s Culture Pass, you can get into several places free of charge!

Opt Outside

Colorado has an abundance of natural scenery and geological wonders to explore. Whether you take the family for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, camp outside near Lake Dillon, or stroll through one of the many state and county parks, you’re bound to create new memories the whole family will cherish for years to come. The best part? Library card holders can get into all 42 state parks for free when using the Culture Pass!

Friends of JCPL logo

At Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF), our goal is to support the Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) resources, programs and services to further benefit our local community.

And if you are interested in learning how to support our initiatives, consider becoming a Friend of Jefferson County Libraries!

Friends value our Library and lend their voices, time and resources to support our public library system through advocacy and fundraising. Individuals and families in the Friends membership program believe that the Library is the heart of our community, and that each Friend can help amplify that steady and resounding heartbeat.

Read about some great benefits to becoming a “Friend” listed below!

Have an Impact . . . While Having Fun!

When you become a Friend, you have the opportunity to volunteer your time and talent while helping us fundraise for a variety of great educational programs in your local community. In 2017, our Friends and volunteers helped JCLF raise over $200,000! These funds help support many Public Library programs, including: Summer Reading, Early Childhood Literacy and STEM/STEAM programs.

You might also be influential through lending us a hand at the Friends’ Gift and Book Shop in Lakewood, advocate on behalf of the library, promote the library among others in your community, provide leadership via the Friends’ Council, or assist with our book sales such as our Whale of a Used Book Sale!

Discounts!

As a Friend of JCPL, you not only can receive a 10% discount at the Friends’ Gift and Book Shop, but you’ll also receive 50% off on Saturdays at both Whale Sales!

To top it off, you’ll even have access to Friends’ Preview Night at our Whale of a Used Book Sale — only given to Friends of JCPL!

Other Benefits

Our Friends receive print and e-newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest information about JCPL and JCLF. Additionally, they receive invitations to Friends-only events!

Become a Friend Today!

Join over 900 other Friends of JCPL and have an impact on your community! Membership levels start at $15/year for an individual up to $500/year for a Conservator. Learn more about the membership or sign up online through our website today!