The West End Branch Library boasts an expansive children's section with books, toys, games, and outdoor seating.

One of our favorite activities in the summer is discovering new libraries!  I usually try to start our morning at a playground, getting out of the house as early as possible to avoid the heat. Then, when the kids are tired or it's too hot, we head to a nearby library to cool off, participate in summer reading and relax.

We love starting our playground/library days at the popular Mary Munford Elementary Playground, and then heading to the West End Branch Library, which is only a five minute drive away.  This quiet, peaceful library offers many children's programs, including story walks and storytimes. If your kids participate in the Richmond Summer Reading Program, they can redeem their prizes here!

Not only is the children's section massive, there are also LEGO duplos, coloring pages, and wooden, chunky puzzles for little ones.  I love the system this library uses for organizing kids' books.  They are all categorized by theme, making it easy for my kids to select their favorites. For example, some themes are animals, things that go, Christmas, and more!

We love to read a few books inside, and then go to the patio and enjoy snacks, and color in coloring books.  The patio has tables with umbrellas so you can catch some shade out here. The parking lot is directly in front of the patio.  There is a bathroom right at the entrance of the library.

You do not have to reside in Richmond to enter or use the library, but in order to check out books, you must be a Richmond resident, or live in one of the counties with which Richmond has reciprocity.  If you do not live in Richmond, but in a city/county with reciprocity, and wish to check out books, you will need your driver's license and you will have to complete paperwork before you can check out any items.