| As the economy slumps, more and more people are | | | | and other unique programs that local libraries have to |
| discovering their local library and all it has to offer. | | | | offer. Not only will you be able to find a free, enjoyable |
| Whether you want to learn new job skills, need a | | | | activity to do with your kids, but you can get them |
| place to entertain your kids, or are searching to lose | | | | excited about books and literature, and start them on |
| yourself in the latest hot book or video, your local | | | | the road to reading. Most libraries also offer playgroups |
| library branch likely has something for you. | | | | where you can meet other parents with kids your |
| Library Systems throughout the country are getting | | | | children's ages. It's a great way for your kids to make |
| creative to entice visitors. In Voorhees, NJ, the library | | | | friends, and enjoy new experiences. |
| offers a Superhero Smackdown to delight the little | | | | Riletta L. Cream, Camden County NJ Freeholder, has |
| ones. Kids can come dressed as their favorite | | | | always been a champion of libraries. "Now, libraries |
| superhero and can make a cape and a mask. Talk to | | | | have changed a great deal," she explains. "They are |
| your local branch to find out if they have a similar | | | | great places for people to meet and engage in |
| program. This particular library has also opened a | | | | conversation. It's not the very quiet place that it used to |
| center aimed solely at teens with state of the art | | | | be one hundred years ago when you couldn't even |
| electronic equipment, graffiti walls, and diner style | | | | whisper. It's a vital part of a community." |
| seating. Other libraries are wooing teens with lock-in | | | | Libraries offer programs for all ages, from advice on |
| nights in which they spend the night in the library | | | | finding a new job to help filling out a college financial aid |
| listening to music, playing video games, munching on | | | | form. So be sure to check out your local library with |
| snacks, and enjoying their friends. | | | | the entire family. You are sure to find something for |
| Of course, there are always reading hours for kids, | | | | everyone. |