Vancouver, WA

Going to the library is an excellent way to spend time for our family, especially with a second grader who has become a voracious little reader. One of the first things we did when we moved to Vancouver, WA was make a trip to the library to get new library cards and check out the materials. Before we went, I checked out the library online http://www.fvrl.org/aboutus/vancouver_main.htm. I was impressed! Lots of programs and events offered at the library for all ages.

The library is pretty much within walking distance for all, not far from the downtown, right next to historic Fort Vancouver, and just kitty corner from the library is a lovely park with large playground for kids, and a Community recreation center with workout room and lap pool.

We made sure to take our book bags, and we walked along the wide tree-lined Mill Plain Boulevard to the library, arriving just before opening. Wow, what a popular library! Adults, teens and kids were all waiting by the main doors. Obviously, this library is very actively used by the community.

For folks who have to drive or take the bus, it’s really convenient as well, with lots of parking spaces on all sides of the library. It is at the southeast corner of the intersection of E. Mill Plain Blvd. and Ft. Vancouver Way, just one block east of the Mill Plain exit (#1C) from I-5 northbound or southbound. It is easy to spot with its large library sign and banners.

To go by bus take C-TRAN bus routes #25, #32, #37, #39. Of course the library is handicapped accessible, with ramps and an elevator.

New cards in hand, we decided to check out the kids’ section first. My daughter made a beeline to the non-fiction children’s books to check out something about dogs. Then we explored the rest of the library in order to know just where things were and what else there might be to do. There are books available in about twenty or more foreign languages, including Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and even Thai. Near the foreign language section was a long wall of biographies, both for children and adults. My daughter found a story on Abraham Lincoln that she wanted to check out, since they were studying him at school.

We explored the rest of library and found restrooms with changing tables both on the upper and lower floors. Downstairs was a meeting room where monthly poetry open mics are held, as well as a wide variety other community activities. Of course, like most libraries there were fourteen Internet stations, first come first served, with just your library card needed to log in. Kids stations were available as well in the children’s book area. There also is a computer station set up for visually impaired users.

After we got done poking around the various sections of the library, my daughter declared that she liked this place and she wanted to come back soon. Satisfied with a successful library visit, I slung our book bag over my shoulder, and holding hands with my daughter, strolled outside and enjoyed the lovely spring day as we walked home.