Best Library Programs For Kids In Sacramento
Marian O. Lawrence Library
1000 Caroline Ave.
Galt, CA 95632
(916) 264-2700
www.saclibrary.org
Children across the country love "Read to a Dog" programs, and studies have shown remarkable improvements in reading skills and confidence in kids who participate. A volunteer brings a registered therapy dog to the library, and the child can read aloud to the dog from a library book or one of their favorite books from home. The dogs are sweet, quiet and gentle and provide unconditional love and acceptance to the kids. Appropriate for ages 6 – 12, the program is available at numerous libraries at various days and times, and some locations even offer extra incentives. Children who read to a dog at the Marian O. Lawrence Library in Galt can earn stickers and books.
Valley Hi - North Laguna Library
7400 Imagination Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 264-2700
www.saclibrary.org
www.saclibrary.org/Services/Homework-Coaches
Just about every kid needs a little help with their homework now and then, and a number of branches offer assistance. Helpful library volunteers act as homework coaches for students from kindergarten through grade 12, and no appointments are needed. Fourteen locations provide this service at different times and days of the week. The Valley Hi – North Laguna branch in South Sacramento has drop-in homework help on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., while the Rancho Cordova library homework program is open on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Click here for the most updated schedule of days, times and locations.
Related: Top Arts & Crafts Activities For Kids In Sacramento
Central Library
828 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 264-2700
www.saclibrary.org
There are many excellent programs for the youngest library patrons. Baby Lapsit Storytime is designed for newborns to 24 month-olds, but older children are also welcome to join in on the songs, movement, books and games. Similar programs are available for slightly older tots as well, all of which offer the opportunity to bond with your child, to make new friends and to boost brain development and language skills. One program, called Stay and Play, includes unstructured time before the reading period where the little ones can play with developmental toys, board books and one another.
Robbie Waters Pocket - Greenhaven Library
7335 Gloria Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95831
www.saclibrary.org
High school students who are planning to go on to college are normally required to take the SAT, the exam formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test. A student's SAT score can have a great impact on their collegiate options and other opportunities, so the pressure for a positive performance is strong. Several public library locations have offered free 3 hour and 15 minute practice tests, which are administered to teens in real test conditions by Kaplan Test Prep. There is no charge for the service, but students must register in order to participate. The program is available at different times and locations, including one session on Nov. 21, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Robbie Waters Pocket- Greenhaven branch.
Colonial Heights Library
4799 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95820
www.saclibrary.org
Teens and preteens will find plenty to keep them enthralled and involved at their local library. Gaming fans will love the Wii and Wii-U sessions, and Minecraft explorers with every level of experience can get their own computer to use while building new creations. Kids can get crafty making jewelry, accessories, décor, artwork and more at other library programs, and there are special times for anime and manga enthusiasts to get together. Other favorites include Lego-mania sessions and a competition to see who can build the best structure out of marshmallows and dried pasta.
