Beaumont Library

We are very lucky in Lexington to have a lot of very great libraries. They are all a bit different and offer different amenities. After hearing a ton about Beaumont Library, we finally checked it out. And, it is currently my sons favorite library to go and explore and play. The library is located at 3080 Fieldstone Way and opens everyday at 9:30 am, except Sunday where it opens at 1pm.

When you walk in, turn to the right and the children's area is right behind the audio books. I like that the kid's area is a bit back from the door so you have a minute to catch runners before they hit the parking lot. Not like I know the feeling or anything. Anyway, they have tons of great things at this library that I haven't seen at some of the other ones. For one, it is a large, open library area with lots of room to move around. The storytime area in this library is also one of the larger ones. And it is currently decorated with a Thomas the Train theme, which my son loves. He also loves the rug with letters, numbers and shapes on it. We haven't actually gone to a storytime there because we have had lots of storytime disasters in the past. But, I think he would do well at this particular location. It is not an enclosed storytime area, unlike Eastside or even Tates Creek, which would be good for your little ones that need to move around but may still be listening at the fringes. But, if you prefer for your kiddo to be able to roam around but still be inside the storytime area, this may not be the best one for you.

Beaumont Library also has lots of cool toys. They have magnatiles and many other smaller building toys. There are baskets of these toys on the tables around on the tables. They also have a pretty nice train table with lots of the newer Thomas trains. So, if you have a Thomas fan, they can check out Ashima or Diesel 10, or some of the other cool guys you may not have at home. My son also loves the bakery and kitchen area. They have a lot of different play food, like ice cream cones and cake, and a cash register, phone and keyboard.

Like all the libraries, they do have computers for the kids with ABC Mouse, PBS Kids games and some other fun programs that the kids seem to love.

Obviously, being a library, they also have a great selection of kids books, books on CDs, a large DVD selection, etc. I do wish they had more of the large plush chairs big enough for you and your little one to sit in together and read. They do have a cushion around the storytime area, but my son is convinced that these are for standing/running on, so we usually skip this area. They do have a single family bathroom conveniently in the children's area with a changing table.

Another thing I love about this library is the check out area. May sound silly, but I love that this check out area is lower and even smaller kids can stand on the ground and check out the books instead of having to stand on a stool. My son took a bad fall off one, so I am especially appreciative of this. They also have a small area with plastic bags to put your books in to carry out. I have totally been there carrying a screaming toddler and about 100 books stacked in my arms because I forgot a bag. Even though this is a small thing, I really appreciate it.

So, if you are looking for something (anything...) to do, give this library a try. We sure enjoy it!

Storytimes:

Movers and Shakers Toddler Time (ages 1-2 years): Tuesdays 11 am to 1130 am

Side by Side Storytime (ages 2-3 years): Wednesdays 11 am to 11:30 am

Baby Storytime (ages 0-18 months): Thursdays 11 am to 11:20 am

Preschool Play and Learn (ages 3-5 years): Fridays 11 am to 11:30 am