By Lee Bowden

Libraries are the lifeblood of a community, and they have been for over 5,000 years! Libraries provide people with a “third space” to operate in that isn’t school or work or home, giving them access to technology, literature, films and other media that might otherwise come at a cost. This summer, we are all about the savings, and what better place to save money than a place that is entirely free to the public!

The Gwinnett County Public Library system has a lot planned for you this summer. I’m talking about loads of fun activities to keep the kiddos entertained, workshops of all shapes and sizes, homeschool hangouts, murder mystery book clubs, culture courses, tabletop games, hands-on arts and crafts, language classes, DIY days – I could go on and on. How much time do you have? 

I decree that it is time to get this generation out of their dopamine depriving holes (many call them phones) and get them back into libraries, STAT! Which means: Parents! Don’t fall for the ease of iPad living and 24-hour Bluey marathons! Instead, swing on over to your local branch and treat those two-year-olds to an interactive playdate that includes storytime, music, reading, rhymes and dancing with the GCPL’s Early Learning series! There are plenty of activities dedicated to shaping our precious youths into well-rounded individuals at all of the libraries in Gwinnett, so make sure to check out their calendar so that your sweet little bean can become the great beanstalk they were destined to be! 

Libraries aren’t just for the kiddos; they’re for all age groups! From teenagers looking to build the best Dungeons & Dragons group (visit the Hamilton Mill branch to play in a campaign designed by experienced Dungeon Masters!), to Book worms looking to talk amongst literary equals (check out the Five Forks branch’s Book Club), curious linguaphiles who take great joy in learning new languages (now’s your chance to learn Korean at the Norcross branch), there are library events happening year-round! You could even attend different Learning Labs dedicated to introducing library goers to anything from 3D printing to LEGO building workshops, so stop by your local branch today!