Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.
I’m usually a somewhat organized person. I put together a schedule for our family early in the month and make sure that I include an outing each week that is new and, hopefully, something I can post about.
Sometimes, though, the best laid plans just don’t work out. A kid gets sick, an activity gets cancelled, or I just straight out mess up.
So, last week was one of those straight out mess ups.
I wanted to check out a drop-in toddler program at the Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby. Given that Granby was a 20 – 30 minute drive from our house and the program started early, it was going to be a bit of a challenge to get there on time. Not only did I not get there on time, but I had the wrong start time for the program, so we were really, really late. Ooops.
But my “oops” turned into an outing when I realized that the Simsbury Library was fairly close to the YMCA. We stayed for the end of the gym’s Drop-in Playtime and then headed over to Simsbury to check out the library there.
Like most Connecticut Libraries I have seen, the Simsbury Public Library has a wonderful children’s section they call the Children’s Room. A few of the highlights include:
- A children’s play area with a fish tank, play kitchen, train table, puzzles, seating for parents, etc.
- A room (with a closable door) dedicated for children 2 and under
- Children’s classes (including drop-in)
- Lots and lots of great books
- Cute reading nooks
- Museum pass program
- Theme packs
- and more!
Now, I had never been to this library before and had no idea where the best place was to park or where to go. It ended up that I parked in the completely wrong area. Let’s not rehash that mistake, and let me give you the details on where to go.
The children’s section is located in the lower level of the Simsbury Library, so you will want to park in the lot with direct access to this entrance. Then head through the archway and into the building.
The entrance to the Children’s section will be on your left.
If you, like me, find yourself entering on the second floor of the building, you can take the elevator or stairs to the lower level.
Right outside the Children’s Room is a place to hang coats, a water fountain and restrooms. Both the men’s and women’s restrooms have a baby changing station. Further down the hall there is also a family restroom, but it does not have a baby changing station.
When you enter the Children’s area, immediately on the right you will see the Discovery room where they hold all sorts of fun classes for the little ones.
The morning we were there they were having a music class, Music with Marie. It was a program you needed to register for, so we couldn’t sneak in, but it certainly looked fun.
The library offers a variety of classes including those you must register for and one’s where you can just drop-in (even Saturday classes which would be great for moms and dads that work outside the home).
To the left of the entry way is the play area for kids along with, of course, lots and lots of books.
Let’s start with the play area, though.
It is a relatively small area, but it certainly has plenty of things to keep the munchkins entertained. There is a play kitchen, baby dolls that need loving, a puppet theatre, puzzles and, most importantly for some, a train table. There is also plenty of spots for parents to take a seat while they monitor the little ones.
The play area was fun and my kids were definitely entertained, but they were also very interested in checking out all of the books right nearby.
Of course, my kids looking at picture books mostly means that I am on “keep the picture books from getting ripped” duty. I have already spent way too much money in our library system for ruined books!
One thing I really like about their children’s book section, is that most of the book displays in the area are very low. This made it easy to keep an eye on my kids while they explored.
I guess it also makes for a great piece of gym equipment . . . “Stop Sparkles! Don’t climb that!”
Once books were selected from the bookshelves, there were plenty of places in the library where I could cuddle up with the kiddos and read a few of them.
We even found a spot to have some sister storytime.
One of the highlights of this library, though, was that they had a separate room for the two and under crowd (yes, I am a mommy nerd for thinking this is a “highlight”!)
The room wasn’t huge, but it had some seating for the adults, loads of age appropriate toys, and, best of all, a door that can close! What a great place to meet up with a few friends and let the kids play while you catch up. This would be especially good for those who have young ones that like to run (like mine!)
While I was checking out the baby area, I had an opportunity to chat with the Head of Children’s Services at the library. She gave me the lay of the land, told me all about their wonderful programs and classes, and mentioned a section of the floor she wanted me to check out, the Theme Pack section.
What is a “Theme Pack”? You may be wondering. Well, it seems they are these handy-dandy little packages on a variety of subjects. You just find a topic, grab an associated theme pack, check out and go.
Working on potty training? Here is a theme pack for you.
Taking a plane trip? This one might be helpful. . . 
Have a little one heading to Kindergarten next year? Here is a pack for you . . . 
There were lots and lots of theme packs to choose from.
This library also has a museum pass program.
They have over 24 museums to choose from. You can reserve the pass online, pick up the pass the day before your reservation date, and book up to 2 months in advance.
You don’t even have to be a Simsbury resident to use the program!
Definitely a great way to check out many CT (and MA) destinations for free.
Another thing I learned while at the Simsbury library is that as a West Hartford library card holder, I can check out material at the Simsbury library and return them to the West Hartford library. Apparently this is a common courtesy throughout the state. The only things that do have to be directly returned are the museum passes. I’m sure this is common knowledge. I just had no idea how it worked.
Have you been to the Simsbury library? What do you think?
Address: 725 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut
Website: http://www.simsburylibrary.info/
Phone: (860) 658-7663
You can also check out their Blog, Facebook Page, Children’s Room Information, Museum Pass Information, and Class Calendar.
Get directions here:
Children’s Room Features:
- Children’s play area with a fish tank, play kitchen, train table, puzzles, seating for parents, etc.
- A separate room (with a closable door) dedicated for children 2 and under
- Children’s classes (including drop-in)
- Lots and lots of great books
- Cute reading nooks
- Museum pass program
- Theme packs
Tips & Things to Bring:
- The Children’s Room is located on the lower level of the library. You can park on the lower level and head straight in without having to deal with the elevator or stairs.
- Strollers are allowed in the library area.
- There are coat racks right outside the entrance to the Children’s room.
- Baby changing tables are available in both the men’s and women’s restrooms. There is a family restroom, but there is not a baby changing table there.
- Drop-in classes are available. Class details are below. Specific schedules can be found here. Saturday classes are also available (a big plus for parents that work outside the home during the week)!
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Bouncing Babies – children aged birth to 23 months and their caregivers share songs, stories and movement.
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2 Year-olds Storytime Small groups of 2’s and their caregivers share stories, fingerplays, songs and movement.
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Drop-In Storytime Ages 3 – Kindergarten. Includes stories, music and movement, and fingerplays.
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Looking for more fun in the area? Check out the Rotary Park Boundless Playground right around the corner.
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