My family loves the library! We go every week for story times and events that our local library hosts. We also love visiting new libraries across Collin County. Here are just a few that the whole family will enjoy.
Allen Public Library
Need something to do with the kids? Head to Allen Public Library (APL) for its extensive list of children’s programming. Kids of all ages will find something they enjoy. From basket weaving to minute-to-win-it games and pajama story times, families have lots to do together here.
APL also invites families to get outside and read at its Storybook Trail, an interactive, outdoor book experience at Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center. Families begin the self-led walk at the first kiosk showcasing the pages of a children’s book. Follow the trail to the next kiosk until you have finished the story!
The city of Allen library is currently working on an expansion of its library that is expected to be completed this year. But in the meantime, the library still offers a large section of physical books and magazines as well as e-books, audiobooks, and online magazines in its digital library.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Story Times for Kids in Collin County <<
Frisco Library
Frisco library is the sixth largest library in the state of Texas at more than 158,000 square feet, and has some awesome spaces for all book lovers. The new kid’s area is a must-see spot for any child in Collin County. It features Tot’s Town — an awesome little town area for small kids, and Kid’s Club, which is a robotics and STEM area for kids ages five and older.
Need less stimulation, or simply to work for a few hours? There are tons of quiet areas with charging stations, and you can even book a private study room for meetings.
See the library’s calendar of free events such as story times, author meetups, and adult educational classes.
McKinney Libraries
McKinney has two library locations, each with a calendar of events for all of its children’s programs. Each also has an array of different activities from lap-sit classes to mother-daughter book club gatherings. Storytime Kits available here.
>> RELATED READ :: Live Your Best Book Life in Collin County <<
Plano Public Library System
The city of Plano has five libraries spread throughout the city that offer a variety of services such as English as a second language classes, story times, and a genealogy center. Haggard library even has parent-child workstations for those days you not only need to work, but also take care of the kids.
Click the links below for more information on each location:
Princeton :: Lois Nelson Public Library
The toddler phonics program at Lois Nelson Public Library in Princeton sets this library apart. It serves Princeton families in many more ways, too: family story times, financial literacy classes, ESL classes, movies at the library, and reading programs.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Build a Bucket List :: Your Summertime Guide to Family Fun in Collin County <<
Prosper Library
Located on First Street in the heart of Prosper, Prosper Library has a wide selection of children’s and adult books. It offers digital books through Libby and cloudLibrary, LinkedIn courses, and seasonal programming with many activities and experiences for all kids.
Wylie :: Smith Public Library
For our Collin County friends in the east, the Smith Public Library in Wylie is a great place for kids and adults to explore and immerse themselves in books . . . and bugs. That’s right, bugs. The calendar of children’s programs includes animal encounters, magic shows, bubbles, and more.
This library also has a great story time selection, including a sensory story time in the library’s pollinator garden.
Moms and dads, feel free to book a study room, join the book club, use the 3-D printer, or do some genealogy research.
More Collin County Libraries to Explore
While the libraries listed above have larger children’s programs, there are a few others around Collin County worth exploring.
Which one is your favorite, and what are your favorite things to do there?
