Grab a book, sit in a ship, and take a wild reading ride

Bay Area libraries have a new look. Out with those musty-old, dusty-old, dank-and-stale library spaces and in with revamped airy, cheery community book centers with high ceilings, wide windows, and modern outlooks. While most Bay Area libraries offer story hours, special family events, and a wide range of books, CDs and DVDs for children, several libraries on the Bay display their sincere commitment to small folks from the moment you cross the threshhold. Colorful, warm, and reluctant to shhh! the enthusiasm of budding readers, these libraries (and their librarians) transmit the beauty of the printed word to a generation of tiny Iphone-using, Youtube-watching, Internet intellectuals.

Below find my picks for the most little-people-loving libraries in the Bay Area. Want to make a case for your favorite library? Send in your child-friendly library of choice and I will add it to the list: frugalparentingsf@gmail.com

1. Palo Alto Children's Library

As the name implies, everything about this library is geared toward young readers. An incredible collection of books, music, and films appropriate for ages baby through high school, the beautifully designed building itself is an invitation for burgeoning readers to sit down and read awhile. Armchairs are suited for young people, the computer consoles are ergonomically correct for children, and the bright red step-stools at the express check-out stations are an impressive touch. Story hours for a range of ages feature songs, musical instruments, puppets, dancing, and, of course, stories. Yoga classes for kids, magic shows, and theater performances are also regular calendar events.The librarians are lively yet composed, and the entire facility is a inner-child inspiring sight to behold.

Added bonus: Your children will enjoy the hop-skip-and-a-jump walk to the nearby Rinconada Park (two playgrounds for toddlers and older children) and the donation-suggested Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

2. Redwood Shores Library

Recently built, Redwood Shores Library closely rivals the Palo Alto Children's Library for top-notch child-appeal. Walk halfway through the door and you'll find yourself in the midst of a hands-on, interactive exhibit about wetlands. The library features decals of local shorebirds (rub them to hear their calls), a long, bright aquarium of local species, and countless other shore-centered activities. Continue to the back of the library for a brightly colored children's section (complete with sailing motif). Redwood Shores Library amenities include toddler-friendly computers, a handsome collection of books and media, a wooden ship for climbing, an atrium-like film and story room with a puppet theater and a gaggle of dramatic puppets for improv, should impromptu inspiration strike. 

Added bonus: When the library loses its initial impact, head out to the back deck for a picnic lunch, bird watching, and nature walks. The library also features photography exhibits and a small cafe.

3. San Francisco Public Library, Fisher Children's Center (Main Branch) 

Though not necessarily located in child-friendly surroundings, the San Francisco Public Library's Main Branch has not forgotten about its citizens-with-stepstools. As one might expect, the resources of the Fisher Children's Center are unbeatable. With text and media from around the globe (55 languages, to be exact), the center maintains both an international and local perspective on children's literacy. Add to the mix a host of parenting resources, child development research, a Play-to-Learn interactive space, and a healthy calendar of stories, music, rhymes, magic, and juggling. In other words, it is a worthy play-date pit-stop.

4. San Francisco Public Library, Marina Branch

This is an itsy-bitsy library with large family appeal. Bright, modern, and accessible, the Marina Branch was recently remodeled to the tune of many millions. The collection is smaller than other SF libraries and story hours are less compelling than some of the aforementioned facilities, but there is a hip, happening, and free-to-be-me feeling to the place that puts this library on my list.

Added bonus: A nice, friendly playground (sandpits, slides, swings, and plenty of climbing) is right next to the Marina Branch library, and the Moscone Recreation Center is one door down. And if that still doesn't do the trick, you can walk a couple of blocks down Fillmore to check out the boats and birds docked at the Marina near Crissy Field.

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