Read more on the project - here
And see more on the Dartmouth North makeover - here (the before photos are amazing to see once you've enjoyed the new space, what a difference!)
I was thrilled when we were invited to tour the new outdoor library, located at 105 Highfield Drive, its close to home and feels central to most any part of HRM.
My first thought was "how does an outdoor library work??"
A single rack of books in a field sounded like a great idea to me... but boy, was I shocked when we arrived and I realized this was a complete library: from books, blocks and computer screens.
But the big (beautiful) surprise is that one wall in the building completely opens up to reveal a gorgeous patio, complete with table/chairs and power sources. (phone charger anyone??)
The makeover then continues outside to unveil a massive play structure made of climbing ropes, rubber slides and beautiful wooden seats, seesaw and crawl through.
The kids were in love, they're little social butterflies and so enjoy this style of mingling but most kid-friendly days like this come with a price tag.
But not the outdoor library, it is completely FREE.
F-R-E-E!
They also have free scheduled programming that changes week to week -yoga, puppet theatre, cooking, book club, arts and crafts. I will link these below and I've posted a photo for you, if you hover over the photo you can pin it to Pinterest so you'll be reminded - what, where, when!
Beyond that, its a space for both parent and child.
I love a good playground adventure but that usually leaves me sitting on the sidelines, on a tiny wooden plank (you know the ones that enclose a playground structure but only wide enough for half your bum lol).
The outdoor library patio is close enough to the play structure that I can comfortably sit in a chair on the shaded deck, watching Elliott run and play.
Sometimes having a 3 year age gap between the kids means Elliott has to miss out, he will have to 'age down' so Noelle can have a chance to play but at the library Noelle can be right beside me reading books, playing blocks while Elliott plays with the 'big' kids, his "friends".
("That's my friends, they're my friend's mom! - I hear this about every kid Elliott meets, ever.)
I can take my laptop, maybe get some blogging done. Sometimes I just need a quiet space to write down notes, calendar dates, diary entries but its impossible to do at home, with the kids begging me for "whats next???"
So I love the ease of the patio, not to mention nearby bathrooms and activities galore.
I met with two of the most lovely librarians: Carla and Kim.
They're so sweet and willing to help you with anything/challenge you to a game of oversized connect four.
This is a personal preference but I LOVE the wood chip base, you have no idea how much work it is to keep tiny rocks out of Noelle's mouth at most other playgrounds. It is a full-time job!
The wood chips are squishy and safe for all the climbers plus Noelle didn't think to put a single one near her mouth. That alone is enough to keep me coming back!
Click here to see the list of upcoming events at Dartmouth North Outdoor Library
Click here to learn how to get a library card - FREE
(I spoke to the ladies about signing up the kids and they said both Elliott and Noelle could get their own card. Any age, any time!)
Click here to learn about TD Summer Reading Club and find a club near you
I want to know what you think!
Have you been to the outdoor library yet??
I feel like it would be a great spot to have a date with my girlfriends.
We are always making excuses that there is not enough time to get together, with kids/schedules/budgets, we're always on different pages.
Since this is an all-ages club, with flexible hours and (say it again for the people in the back!) FREE!
It's the best of all worlds.
Don't forget to pin these if you want to save the dates/times and share this blog post so word gets around!
