We live in a city with (supposedly) the first free public library in the nation.
Isn't that kind of cool?

So I brought the kids to check it out one day. And it is a pretty nice one with friendly staff.

It is not new like the library we had in Colorado, and it isn't open on Sundays, but it is stocked with books, DVDs, music CDs and even toys/puzzles to be checked-out. And the library system allows me to see its catalog online and put holds on any material! I've put on hold a whole list of recent movies. Got to save some money some where :)

The kids like all the toys that are free to play with. They have a doll house, a train table, stuffed animals, puzzles, etc. They can spend a long time there.

K playing with the dollhouse in the library

While the 2 little ones enjoy the train table.
You can see the stuffed animals, puppets, and puzzles for kids to play with (and even for checking out of the library!)