A military base library is often my first stop after a PCS move. We check into a hotel, wait for our household goods to arrive, and then I immediately head to the military base library to get a library card.

Why is a trip to the library so high on our post-PCS action list? Let me tell you.

The importance of books for military kids

There are four kids in my house under the age of eight. So when we are all cramped in a hotel room or staying in temporary housing, things can get pretty noisy. The best way to get them to quiet down? Books. (Yep, those are my kids in the photo, in a very rare quiet, still moment!)

All the kids love to read, even the toddler. She likes to sit up on the couch with the rest of them and page through a book like they do. The older two can read on their own, and the 4 year old loves to look at pictures and memorize books so that it sounds like he is reading them back to you. But most of the books we own are no longer very interesting to them. So the very best way to get their attention and keep them quiet? LIBRARY BOOKS.

I love getting new library books, because I know that for at least a day or so, they will all be excited to read something new, and they may actually entertain themselves quietly for a few minutes at a time! That means the world during a deployment, when I am barely holding onto my sanity! Books and reading are important anytime, but especially for kids during deployment, because story time is a familiar constant routine.

Read more ways to use books to keep military kids connected during deployment in this article.

Books are important after a PCS move, too. A move is a big change for military kids: new home, different bedroom, all their toys in boxes, and a whole new set of classmates or friends. It’s a lot for military kids to process after a move. The the more that we can do familiar routines and surround them with familiar items–even in a temporary hotel–the easier it is for them to adjust after the move. So we go straight to the library to look for their favorite books, characters, and the familiar sight of the children’s section.

The tricky part is getting the books from the library. If I take all 4, it is like going to a circus. Each of them has their books in a different section, and the youngest runs around all the shelves screaming as loud as she can in her worst possible “indoor voice.” So I try to go during Story Time, when at least there are other children there making noise, and maybe my kids will be distracted by the crayons and art projects long enough for me to find something for everyone and throw it into our bag. I may even have a moment to look at something for myself!

10 other things you can do at a military base library besides check out books:

After using the military base library at five different bases now, I’ve learned that there is so much more to find there than just books! Here are some reasons to stop by your military base library

1. Use a computer with free internet (especially helpful if you just moved and don’t have your internet set up!)
2. Send a fax. (The military base library is usually one of the few places on base that still has fax machines!)
3. Print something, or make a photocopy.
4. Get a test monitored, if you are taking classes online and need to have one witnessed.
5. Find several seasons of some of your favorite shows, so you can binge-watch fun shows without paying for a monthly subscription.
6. Take a class. (One military base library had 3-D printing classes for free, another offered Beginner Knitting).
7. Browse a selection of CD’s or DVD’s to check out new music and movies, for free.
8. Check out an audiobook player. (I use the Audiobooks to-go units when I go running.)
9. Acquire old books for free! Our library puts out dated or worn books to take for free. I love this, and often pick up paperbacks to send in care packages to the troops during deployment.
10. Attend Story Time activities, or other playtime activities for kids. Some libraries have Lego days, chess club, and other fun events.

How old should your child be to start going to the library? Well, that might depend on the child, but you do NOT have to wait until your child can read before using the library. There is an entire children’s section of books that are meant to be read aloud to babies and toddlers. And most library Story Time programs are designed for toddlers, too. There will be songs and little dances, and possibly craft activities, all designed for children who don’t even attend preschool yet.

I didn’t go to a library for the first few years I was a Mom, because the thought of taking my wild child to a place of public silence was too intimidating! But when I finally started going to our local public library, I was amazed by all their activities for different ages of children. Even babies who couldn’t walk or talk were welcome at Story Time.

If you live near (or on) a base, you can use the military base library by showing your dependent ID. Our current base has multiple libraries, so if the one closest to you doesn’t have something, they can order it from the main building. I like how they send me an email when books are due. But just a heads-up: if you have overdue books at a base library and don’t pay the fines, eventually the library has the right to contact your spouse’s chain of command! Don’t let it get to that point–return your things on time!

So if you are looking for a fresh, new way to entertain your kids this summer, try taking them to the library! If you go during Story Time, you may meet some other moms and friends. You could even run into me. I’ll be the one lugging a canvas bag filled with 30 books, chasing the world’s loudest toddler out of the Young Adult section, while simultaneously looking for The Secret Garden and ‘something about Egyptian mummies.’