We visited the 49th branch of LAPL! I have to say, Memorial Branch Library is more than a library because it’s part of a park! LA High Memorial Park. . . The branch looks like a large Hancock Park mansion with a giant yard with a playground open to the public. The best of outdoors and indoors in one place. It’s in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood, across the street from Los Angeles High School. Read about some of its history here.
We didn’t even get into the library for a good thirty minutes, because we were swinging and sliding outside.
When I did convince Riley to come inside to see the library and find some books, she reluctantly came with me, just because I promised we could go back to the park when we were done inside. “Ok, park after!” Being a parent to a two and a half year old can be trying.
We visited the fireplace. . . and picked out some books. A few books. Not many, since Riley was ready to go to the park again. I swear she does love libraries too. . . but when paired with an awesome park. . . well, you know what happened.
I changed her out of her rain boots into sneakers so that she could climb better on the playground. . . and she was only convinced to go home at the end with a promise of a real fire in our fireplace. Yes, I bribe my child sometimes.
We got:
Pine & Boof The Lucky Leaf by Ross Burach;
Sometimes You Fly by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt;
Feather by Cao Wenxuan, Roger Mello, Chloe Garcia Roberts;
A Stone For Sascha by Aaron Becker;
The Manic Panic by Richa Jha and Mithila Ananth;
Snow by Roy McKie and P.D. Eastman.
There were some cozy holiday moments by the fire while reading our books. . .
When you’re in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood you should definitely visit and check out the fun activities at Memorial Branch – including: All Ages Chess Club, Knitting Circle and Toddler Storytime on Wednesdays at 10:30am.
And don’t forget, there is the LAPL Winter Reading Challenge! From December 14, 2018 – January 14, 2019 log reading and activity minutes to win a prize. Riley won a great tote bag and some goodies last year from the Lincoln Heights Branch (and she still has a LAPL rubber ducky from her winnings in the bathtub)!
If you’re looking for gifts for the holidays (like the lovely LAPL library map tote). . . check out The Library Store online or in person at Central Library!
I wonder if anyone else is doing a library trek with their child. It would be interesting to get together with people who are doing the same thing you are and share experiences.