Forget theme parks and petting zoos.
I’ve discovered a hidden gem that’ll make your kids beg for more… books?
Yes, you read that right.
Welcome to Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury, Vermont!
Nestled in the heart of Middlebury, Ilsley Public Library stands as a beacon of knowledge, adventure, and, surprisingly, fun.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“A library? For a family outing? Have you lost your marbles?”
But hear me out, folks.
This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill, shushing librarian kind of place.
As you approach the library, you’re greeted by a sight that wouldn’t look out of place in Washington D.C.
The building, with its grand white columns and imposing steps, screams “important stuff happens here.”
And you know what?
It does.
But not in the way you might expect.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a world that’s part Hogwarts, part Willy Wonka’s factory, and all awesome.
The children’s section is where the magic really happens.
It’s like someone took all the imagination in Vermont, distilled it, and poured it into this room.
Hanging from the ceiling is a giant, colorful… well, I’m not entirely sure what it is.
A bird?
A dragon?
A flying spaghetti monster?
Whatever it is, it’s fantastic.
Made from what looks like hundreds of colorful paper plates, it’s the kind of thing that makes you stop and stare, mouth agape, wondering, “How did they even get that up there?”
But that’s just the beginning of the whimsy.
The bookshelves themselves are a adventure waiting to happen.
They’re not just shelves; they’re gateways to other worlds.
Fantasy, science fiction, mystery – each section is a portal to a new universe.
And let’s talk about the reading nooks.
These aren’t your standard bean bags in a corner.
Oh no.
These are cozy little hideaways that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret clubhouse.
I half expected to find a sign saying “No grown-ups allowed” (thankfully, there wasn’t one).
But Ilsley Public Library isn’t just about the books.
It’s a community hub, a place where learning and fun collide in the best possible way.
They host regular events that’ll make your kids forget all about their iPads and video games.
Story time here isn’t just someone reading from a book.
It’s a full-on performance.
Puppets, costumes, sound effects – the works.
It’s like a Broadway show, but with more Dr. Seuss and less ticket price shock.
And for the older kids?
They’ve got coding classes.
Yes, you read that right.
Your teenager can learn to code at the library.
Who knows?
The next Mark Zuckerberg might be born right here in Middlebury.
But wait, there’s more!
They have a 3D printer.
A 3D printer!
In a library!
Your kids can design something on the computer and then watch it come to life.
It’s like magic, but with more plastic and less wand-waving.
Now, I know what some of you parents are thinking.
“This all sounds great for the kids, but what about me? I can only read ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ so many times before I start to lose it.”
Fear not, my fellow adults.
Ilsley Public Library has got you covered too.
First off, they have an impressive collection of adult books.
And I’m not just talking about the latest John Grisham thriller (although they have those too).
They’ve got everything from classic literature to cutting-edge non-fiction.
Want to learn about the history of cheese?
They’ve got a book for that.
Interested in the mating habits of Peruvian tree frogs?
Yep, they’ve probably got that too.
But it’s not just about the books.
The library hosts book clubs for adults too.
And let me tell you, these aren’t your grandmother’s book clubs.
They’ve got clubs for mystery lovers, science fiction enthusiasts, and even one for cookbooks.
Yes, a cookbook book club.
It’s like a potluck, but with more literary discussion and less risk of food poisoning.
And for those of you who prefer your books in audio form (because let’s face it, sometimes you just want to be read to), they’ve got an extensive collection of audiobooks.
It’s perfect for those long Vermont drives when the radio starts to feel like it’s playing the same five songs on repeat.
But perhaps the most unexpected feature of Ilsley Public Library is its art gallery.
Yes, you read that right.
A library with an art gallery.
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It’s like they couldn’t decide whether to be a library or a museum, so they said, “Why not both?”
The gallery features rotating exhibits from local artists.
It’s a great way to expose your kids to art without the stuffy atmosphere of a traditional gallery.
Plus, if your toddler decides to give their opinion on abstract expressionism by throwing a tantrum, you’re already in a place where noise is frowned upon.
Win-win!
Now, I know some of you are thinking, “This all sounds great, but my kids have the attention span of a goldfish on espresso. How am I supposed to keep them entertained in a library?”
Well, first of all, maybe cut back on the fish coffee.
But more importantly, Ilsley Public Library has thought of that too.
They have a collection of board games and puzzles that families can use right there in the library.
It’s like a game night, but with better lighting and less chance of someone flipping the Monopoly board in frustration.
And for the really little ones, they have a play area with toys and games designed to promote early literacy.
It’s never too early to start raising a bookworm, right?
However, perhaps the most ingenious feature of Ilsley Public Library is its “Library of Things.”
This is exactly what it sounds like – a collection of things you can borrow, just like books.
Need a cake pan for a birthday party but don’t want to buy one you’ll use once a year?
They’ve got you covered.
Want to try your hand at bird watching but don’t want to invest in expensive binoculars?
Check them out from the library.
It’s like they’ve taken the concept of a library and applied it to… well, everything.
They even have musical instruments you can borrow.
Have you ever wanted to learn the ukulele but worried about annoying your neighbors?
Now you can practice to your heart’s content and return it before anyone files a noise complaint.
And for those of you with a green thumb (or aspirations of one), they even have gardening tools you can borrow.
It’s perfect for those of us who want to try growing our own vegetables but aren’t quite ready to commit to buying a rototiller.
But perhaps my favorite part of the “Library of Things” is the collection of outdoor games.
You can borrow lawn games like croquet and bocce ball.
It’s perfect for those summer days when you want to feel fancy and British but don’t want to commit to buying a croquet set that’ll gather dust in your garage.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?”
Well, I hate to break it to you, but there is one small catch.
You might have to interact with other humans.
I know, I know, in this age of online everything, actual face-to-face interaction can seem daunting.
But here’s the thing – the staff at Ilsley Public Library are some of the friendliest, most helpful people you’ll ever meet.
They’re like human search engines, but with better social skills and less creepy targeted advertising.
Need help finding a book?
They’re on it.
Want recommendations for your picky reader?
They’ve got suggestions.
Accidentally wandered into the True Crime section and now you’re too scared to sleep?
They’ll guide you back to the safety of the Children’s Literature area.
And let’s not forget about the other patrons.
Libraries have this magical ability to bring people together.
You might start chatting with someone in the cookbook section and end up swapping recipes.
Or you could find yourself in an impromptu book club meeting in the fiction aisle.
It’s like social media, but with actual socializing and less risk of encountering trolls.
But perhaps the best part of Ilsley Public Library is the sense of community it fosters.
In a world where we’re increasingly isolated, staring at our screens, this library provides a space for people to come together, learn, and grow.
It’s a place where a love of reading is celebrated, where curiosity is encouraged, and where imagination runs wild.
It’s a reminder that in the age of Google and Amazon, there’s still something magical about wandering through stacks of books, never knowing what treasure you might discover.
So, the next time you’re planning a family outing in Vermont, consider skipping the usual tourist traps and head to Ilsley Public Library instead.
It’s an adventure that won’t break the bank, will exercise your mind, and might just spark a lifelong love of learning in your kids.
And who knows?
You might even find yourself checking out a book or two.
Just don’t blame me if you end up with a new hobby, a sudden interest in Peruvian tree frogs, or an inexplicable desire to learn the ukulele.
For more information about events, programs, and the “Library of Things,” visit Ilsley Public Library’s website or Facebook page.
And use this map to find your way to this hidden gem in the heart of Middlebury.
Where: 75 Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753
Remember, adventure is out there – sometimes it’s just shelved in the non-fiction section.