Best Library Programs For Kids In Sacramento

Residents of California's capital region have a wealth of resources, information and activities available to them through the Sacramento Public Libraries. Serving more than 1.3 million people, the Sacramento system is the fourth largest in the state and offers a lot more than just books to check out. There are over 800 computers and laptops available for public use across 28 branch locations, providing 600,000 hours of free Internet access to users. The Sacramento Library also has more than 5,000 free programs that bring everything from music, art, history and dance to anime, Minecraft and superheroes to lucky members of the community. For information and program dates, click here.

Read To A Dog
Marian O. Lawrence Library
1000 Caroline Ave.
Galt, CA 95632
(916) 264-2700
www.saclibrary.org

Children across the country love "Read to a Dog" programs, and studies have shown remarkable improvements in reading skills and confidence in kids who participate. A volunteer brings a registered therapy dog to the library, and the child can read aloud to the dog from a library book or one of their favorite books from home. The dogs are sweet, quiet and gentle and provide unconditional love and acceptance to the kids. Appropriate for ages 6 – 12, the program is available at numerous libraries at various days and times, and some locations even offer extra incentives. Children who read to a dog at the Marian O. Lawrence Library in Galt can earn stickers and books.

Homework Zone
Valley Hi - North Laguna Library
7400 Imagination Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 264-2700
www.saclibrary.org
www.saclibrary.org/Services/Homework-Coaches

Just about every kid needs a little help with their homework now and then, and a number of branches offer assistance. Helpful library volunteers act as homework coaches for students from kindergarten through grade 12, and no appointments are needed. Fourteen locations provide this service at different times and days of the week. The Valley Hi – North Laguna branch in South Sacramento has drop-in homework help on Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., while the Rancho Cordova library homework program is open on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Click here for the most updated schedule of days, times and locations.

Related: Top Arts & Crafts Activities For Kids In Sacramento

Storytime For Babies & Toddlers
Central Library
828 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 264-2700
www.saclibrary.org

There are many excellent programs for the youngest library patrons. Baby Lapsit Storytime is designed for newborns to 24 month-olds, but older children are also welcome to join in on the songs, movement, books and games. Similar programs are available for slightly older tots as well, all of which offer the opportunity to bond with your child, to make new friends and to boost brain development and language skills. One program, called Stay and Play, includes unstructured time before the reading period where the little ones can play with developmental toys, board books and one another.

Practice SAT For Teens
Robbie Waters Pocket - Greenhaven Library 
7335 Gloria Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95831
www.saclibrary.org

High school students who are planning to go on to college are normally required to take the SAT, the exam formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test. A student's SAT score can have a great impact on their collegiate options and other opportunities, so the pressure for a positive performance is strong. Several public library locations have offered free 3 hour and 15 minute practice tests, which are administered to teens in real test conditions by Kaplan Test Prep. There is no charge for the service, but students must register in order to participate. The program is available at different times and locations, including one session on Nov. 21, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Robbie Waters Pocket- Greenhaven branch.

Games, Arts & Crafts
Colonial Heights Library
4799 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95820
www.saclibrary.org

Teens and preteens will find plenty to keep them enthralled and involved at their local library. Gaming fans will love the Wii and Wii-U sessions, and Minecraft explorers with every level of experience can get their own computer to use while building new creations. Kids can get crafty making jewelry, accessories, décor, artwork and more at other library programs, and there are special times for anime and manga enthusiasts to get together. Other favorites include Lego-mania sessions and a competition to see who can build the best structure out of marshmallows and dried pasta.

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Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers business, employment, animal rescue, volunteerism and nonprofits. Her work can also be found at Examiner.com.