One of the things we’ve missed most during the COVID-19 pandemic is going to the library. So on a gray and rainy morning, we brought the library to us!

To set up, I first arranged some of the kids’ books along the couch like it was a display shelf.

We then printed out a template for Book Return and Book Check-Out signs. The Return sign went on a blue bin, and the Check-Out went on the table along with a remote to “beep” books out (of course!).

I had intended for the kids to make pretend library cards, but Veronika preferred scribbling all over the template instead of cutting out individual cards. Oh well!

Only a few final touches were needed now; we love the puzzle corner at the library, so recreated that with some favorite puzzles on the floor, and then set out a few chairs as reading nooks. Time to open the library doors!

The kids loved browsing.

Beeping out books was a big highlight! Veronika was still busy coloring but would pause now and then just to “beep!” a book.

Both kids soon had a cozy nook where they could read or take a book for a picture walk.

And then of course it was time to put books in the return bin and re-stock the shelves.

Don’t forget to set up dolls for a storytime! First I read to the dolls…

…and then Veronika took a turn.

I loved that this game even inspired Travis to pause and do puzzles, an activity he usually shies away from. For a moment there, I almost could believe we were back in the real library.