A Library Trip

We like books – these are the ones we got at the library today.  Well, technically, they are just the children’s books.  I also got 4 for me, but they didn’t make it in the picture.  Remember my post about the top 10 ways I use my library?  I thought today I would give you a rundown of what a real trip to the library with mom and 6 little ones entails, since we just went this morning. 

First we had to get everyone dressed, diapered, and the books we were returning gathered.  That took about half an hour, maybe 45 minutes.  Some of my little ones have learned how to take off their shoes, which is not always helpful.

Everyone loaded into the 12 passenger van and we turned on an audio book.  I warned them not to panic when I went to the library drive through first.  I wanted to drop off books and pick up the stacks waiting for us without wrangling the little ones.  We went through the drive through and then drove around the building and parked the big van, unloaded the double stroller, and fastened the baby and 2 year old into it.

We walked in the doors and headed straight for the elevator to go down to the children’s level.  Bliss!  Other than librarians there was only one other person with a child there, a toddler, and they left quickly.  We went to the book sale room first and found these five books for FREE:

Yay!

Next we headed to the play tent and aisles of books.  Oliver, the 2 year old, was set free of the stroller.  Baby Caleb was content in his seat.  Makayla headed to the nonfiction section, Emma was in the picture books, Joseph explored I don’t know what, Daniel and Oliver played, and Caleb fell asleep.  I parked the stroller with baby Caleb inside and sat down to watch the little ones. 

My children came to ask where to find various books.  Makayla wanted some on being a vet, Daniel needed help finding the Curious George section, Joseph looked at train books.

The librarian came over and offered to open up the children’s room so we could explore the Recycled Art exhibit that is being taken down tomorrow.  We were thrilled!  Remember our recent unit on Recycling?  And Makayla’s Recycling lapbook?  There were so many neat creations.  I wish I had brought my camera along. 

After about 20 minutes exploring this room Oliver discovered the mural wall with storybook characters.  He and Daniel spent time naming everything they saw.  Makayla offered to take the stroller with the baby while I followed the little ones around. 

Finally it was time to head home.  Oliver sat in the double stroller for the elevator ride upstairs to check out our books.  Makayla asked the librarian about the Civil War paper she had seen hanging up and was given five to take home, one for each sibling.  Have you heard of Flat Stanley?  This cute and colorful booklet is a spinoff all about Johnny Clem, a native of our town who was a drummer boy in the Civil War when he was only 9, and a sergeant by age 12.  The Flat Johnny Clem is to cut out and take on adventures during 2011 as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. 

On the drive home we had fun discussions of our Civil War unit study.  Everything was pulled out to look at again when we got in the house.  You can see our Civil War lapbook here.

Not too long after that my children began scattering to the four winds with books.  I got them to lay everything out on the table for the picture at the beginning of this post before they disappeared completely.  We took a break from reading to eat lunch and now everyone is either napping or looking through their library treasures for quiet time.  I’m going to read something just for me.  What are you doing right now?