“Does it take a long time to get there?”  My son didn’t want to be in the car too long.

“No, Yawlin, it’s only about fifteen to twenty minutes away, depending on traffic.  Don’t you remember?”

We were on our way to visit the SLC Library.  I recently took a test at the library and mentioned to the kids how cool I think that particular library is.  Yawlin asked so many questions about it that it was clear he didn’t remember the library.  He’d been there when he was younger, but must have forgotten the visit.  Since Yawlin is off track, and I wanted one final outing with him before he goes back on track, I decided that a trip to the SLC Library was in order.  We live equidistant between two county libraries, and we usually split our time between those two libraries when we need books or other library materials, so we rarely visit the SLC Library.  After Yawlin and I visited there earlier this week, I’ve decided that we need to get there more often.

Yawlin was struck with the architecture of the building, especially the inside.  He enjoyed riding the glass elevator to the top floor, and then again when we visited the other floors.  We visited the children’s portion of the library and Yawlin explored the “attic room” and the “arctic room.”  He also used the computer to look up some of his favorite books.  On the fourth floor of the library Yawlin got to create a sticker craft and play with some “bendy” craft sticks.  We also visited a mini gallery on that floor and Yawlin chose his favorite piece of art.  On the main floor of the library we perused the used books and movies to see if there were any we wanted to buy, and then, because it was lunch time, we visited one of the eateries in the library and shared a panini and some banana crepes. 

We spent a total of two hours at the library.  Yawlin said that that amount of time was “Just right.”  As we were walking down the stairs to the underground parking to get our car Yawlin said, “That was fun.  Thank you, Mommy.”  He said it again in the car.  I thanked him for being willing to come with me to the library.

The most important thing about the outing was that we were spending some one-on-one time together.  Yawlin got to visit someplace “new” to him and I got to watch his reaction as he explored the library.  I think it is important for parents to seek one-on-one time with their kids.  This was a simple, inexpensive activity that my son considered fun.  If parents will look around, I’m sure they can find outings such as this that their kids will enjoy.  It only takes a little effort, and is worth the memories created.

The view when you look up from the children's library at SLC Library

The view when you look up from the children's library at SLC Library

 

One view from the 4th floor at SLC Library

One view from the 4th floor at SLC Library

 

Another view from the 4th floor of the SLC Library

Another view from the 4th floor of the SLC Library