What You Can Do at The Library Beyond Borrowing Books

Did you know, there are four municipal library branches in Beaumont? And while there are always plenty of books available, each one has unique services and programs they offer to the public. From learning a foreign language to making origami dinosaurs, there are tons of things to do at the library that won’t give you a paper cut. Whether you’re a bibliophile or not, we guarantee you’ll find some form of entertainment to enjoy beyond just reading, and we guarantee it will be educational, too!  

two pictures of clear backpacks with puzzles and books inside hung on display hooksGrab a Learning Backpack 

Quickly becoming one of the most popular library programs, each library branch is stocked with learning stations with dozens of clear backpacks that can be checked out for up to two weeks just like other materials. They are free to borrow and come complete with everything you will need for a lesson, family game night, or craft day! The literacy backpacks are built for different age groups from toddlers to elementary children, and cover everything from potty training tools to learning about native bug species to dinosaurs. 

If you are feeling nostalgic and want your children to experience those classic board games such as Battleship, Connect 4, and Checkers, there are gaming backpacks with board games you can borrow!  

For teens, be sure to check out the backpacks at the RC Miller Library! This pilot program includes backpacks for young adults, including specialty activities like calligraphy, origami making, anime drawing, doodle art, paracord friendship bracelets and more.


several brown paper pags with printed instructions for the kit stapled to each


Pick Up a Monthly Imagination Kit

The highly popular Imagination Kits are available at the front desk of every library branch starting on the first of each month and are loved by all ages! These hands-on crafts are lovingly assembled by library staff and include all the supplies you need to complete a STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activity.

These kits challenge kids with projects like growing a plant from a lima bean, making a harmonica out of rubber bands, building their very own sailboat, and so much more! These crafts are free to the public, and don’t require you to check anything out with a library card.

Start a Book Club 

Want to start your own book club? Grab a group of friends and head on over to one of the library branches to pick out a fun title! The Library has made it super easy with pre-made book discussion kits complete with thought-starters on dozens of popular reads you can rent, just like other materials!  

The Elmo Willard Library also hosts a Book Lovers’ Club, a free monthly service where you’ll receive 2-3 curated books just for you, a custom bookmark, and snacks to enjoy while you read! Just head on over to the branch to sign up in-person, or call (409) 892-4988 for more information.  

Listen or Read on the Go 

E-Books and audiobooks are a great alternative to traditional books! No more bulky, heavy bags weighing you down or forgetting to return last week’s haul. With your library card you have access to over 200,000 book titles with OverDrive, a digital content library, and the Libby app which provides access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks and magazines through a shared state-wide Cloud Library. Download both apps on your phone or tablet, so you can have a whole digital library in your pocket!

a shelf with books arranged by languageLearn a New Language  

Become a bilingual boss with FREE classes and online resources provided by Beaumont Public Library Systems. With Mango, you can learn a foreign language online. Just sign up using your library card, and you’ll be fluent in no time!  

Ready, Set, Volunteer! 

What better way to give back to the community than to volunteer at a public library? There are several opportunities to donate your time and talents, such as stocking shelves, reading aloud for story time, organizing learning materials, and making Imagination (STEAM) kits. Volunteer opportunities are available at each library branch, so make sure to ask about how your student, senior, or anyone can get involved. 

If you haven’t been to the library lately – we think it’s high time you give it another look because they’ve come up with some really innovative programs that just may surprise you. Show us how you use the library! Find us on Facebook and make sure to tag us with what you love.