With school out for a few more weeks and temperatures outside soaring, you might be searching for ways to get your child excited about learning and ready to start the school year. If you live in Sierra Vista, you have a wealth of great resources available for free at the Sierra Vista Public Library.
Sierra Vista Public Library is located off AZ-90 at 2600 E. Tacoma Street, just north of Veterans Memorial Park. It’s open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During those hours, kids and teens can browse rows of great literature, movies, and even video games. Plus, there are several storytimes and events scheduled throughout the summer, so it’s easy to get your kids involved in activities that will keep their minds working and continue to spark their interest in learning. Continue reading for a closer look at what Sierra Vista Public Library has to offer.
Storytimes and Events at the Library
The library offers programming for residents of all ages, from infants to teens to adults. Below is just a small sampling of the events you’ll find at the library this summer. These events are free to attend, and most require no prior registration, so your child can begin any time.
- Baby Storytime – It’s never too early to spark your child’s love of reading, and you can do just that at Baby Time at Sierra Vista Public Library. Along with stories, Baby Time features rhyme, song, finger plays, and bonding games. It takes place weekly on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and is open to babies from birth to 18 months and their parents.
- Toddler Storytime – Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years of age are welcome to Toddler Storytime, which features dancing, reading, and playtime. Parental participation is encouraged, as this is a great time for bonding as your child builds social, reading, and motor skills. It takes place every Friday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
- Preschool Storytime – Preschool Storytime is for kids ages 3-5 and includes arts and crafts, reading, and dancing. This storytime is held every Wednesday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
- Teen Tabletop – Teens from 12 and up can discover their sense of adventure and put their imaginations to work playing Dungeons & Dragons and other cooperative roleplaying and tabletop games. This program is held on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Basic Spanish – Participants of all ages are welcome to join Basic Spanish classes at the library, which are starting in mid-July. However, participants can jump in at any time and learn basic vocabulary and phrases to develop or reinforce their Spanish speaking skills. Classes are held on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
- T(w)een Paint Hour – Arts and crafts can be a great way to keep students engaged in learning during summer break while still having fun. T(w)een Paint Hour is a special event for young art lovers open to tweens and teens 10 years of age and older. Check the library calendar for upcoming Paint Hour dates.
- Art for Little Hands – Art for Little Hands is an art class held once per month for artists from ages 2-5. Registration is required for these events, so visit the library’s website for upcoming dates and registration info.
Beyond Books: Discovery Packs and Pretend and Play Kits
If you can’t make it to one of the library’s storytimes or special events, you can set your child up for an educational journey at home with Discovery Packs and Pretend and Play Kits. Discovery Packs are great for young scientists and can be checked out for up to two weeks. These packs include the Star and Moon Telescope Pack for aspiring astronomers and the Birding/Butterfly Pack for young biologists. These kits can be enjoyed by the whole family for an unforgettable learning experience. Pretend and Play Kits are geared for toddlers through pre-K and explore a variety of professions and activities, including breakfast, camping, fishing, doctor, scientist, baker, builder, cleaner, gardener, and park ranger.
Borrow a Bike
Staying physically active during summer vacation can be just as important as staying engaged in academic activities. Physical activity helps children grow and learn, and Sierra Vista Public Library’s Borrow-a-Bike program can encourage more activity with bikes available to loan at no charge. Helmets, bike locks, and maps are included, and adult bikes are available, too, so you can make your next bike ride a family adventure.
Sierra Vista is a great place to raise kids, offering a variety of fun activities and resources to young families. If you are considering moving to Sierra Vista, check out the move-in ready properties available from Castle & Cooke. With spacious floorplans, large backyards, tons of storage space, and a wealth of community amenities, these homes are the perfect place for your family to grow and make memories.