Lake Oswego Public Library offers so many hands-on activities, programs, and even toy rentals. 

The kids' section is located in the basement, away from the rest of the library. This makes the environment great for younger kids who can't control their voices. The age range for the books in the basement is anywhere from age 0 to age 15. The sections are well labeled, and it is easy to find the books you need. An example is in the photos where they have a whole section for "feelings" and "new baby." This helps when you're chasing little ones around the library trying to grab the books you are looking for. 

Currently (March 2022), they have a fun activity where you look for Waldo in the kids' area. If you find Waldo, you are given a penny that goes into a gumball machine. Then, a wooden ball comes out, and you put that wooden ball into a jar that helps donate books to families in need. I love this because while the kids are doing it, the librarian explains how they are helping people who don't have access to books. These kinds of activities are monthly. 

My favorite thing about this library is the "Library of Things." Here you can rent a box of items that can be anywhere from baby sensory toys to a food dehydrator! The list of items is in the photos section of this post. 

Another activity they currently have (March 2022) is the Global Art Project for Peace. They have supplies for kids to make artwork representing their vision of global peace. Once they are done with their piece, they attach their name, and the artwork is on display at the library. After the project is over, they trade it with another organization worldwide. 

If you have younger kids who are not in kindergarten yet, they have a "1000 books before kindergarten challenge". For every 100 books, you take the login sheet in, and the library gives the kiddos something special. It's a great way to promote reading and literacy. You get a free tote bag and a folder with all the information when you sign up. 

Lastly, at the entrance to the library is a small area that has books for sale. We don't often see children's books here, but some have been here and there. 

If you are not located in Lake Oswego, you can still sign up for a card here for free. You are all set if you have a Clackamas County card already. The card also comes with a cultural pass that gives you free tickets to local favorites in Oregon. Link here.

If you visit this library before lunch, it is located close to downtown Lake Oswego, so many lunch options are nearby. If you go before dinner, you can also head out to dinner afterward. 

Side note for working adults: they have outdoor seating upstairs and Wi-Fi if you want to get away from the house and work outside for free Wi-Fi. 

We visit a lot of libraries around the Portland area, and this library, so far, has the most activities and programs we have encountered. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!