I'll admit: some days I'm the artsy-craftsy mom with straws and construction paper craft ideas galore, and others my kids are an hour into Clifford the Big Red Dog and I'm still not sure what we're doing for the rest of the day. Summer and quarantine has granted most of us plenty of free time, but how do we use this season well, keeping the kids both busy and engaged, entertained and enriched?

Enter our fantastic Rutherford County Library System. With in-house programs canceled during Covid, the staff has ramped up virtual and take-away offerings for all ages. Staying close to our local hubs for all things media and literacy this summer is a serious aid to parental creativity and any quarantine blues.

Check out my 8 reasons to book it to libraries this summer.

1. They Keep it Clean

Just to boost your confidence in picking up materials from the libraries, any check-out items spend time with ultra-violet light to zap any germs, and staff wear face masks and gloves when handling items, so you can feel good about what your family is getting (and what they're not). Also, if you prefer not to go inside, most library branches continue to offer curb-side pickup options for all materials. It's just one more errand you don't have to unbuckle the kids for.

2. Summer Reading Program

It's not just for kids; the whole family can get in on the reading challenges offered through the RCLS summer reading program. Log reading time from books at home, school lists, or the library, and be entered to win great prizes!

3. Imagine Your Story Quest Kits

Screen-free creativity comes home in these clever packages available for kids every week this summer. Each include complete materials for several themed crafts, ideas for STEAM applications, and other brain-boosters that match with "Novel Engineering" and virtual Story Time on the library system's Facebook page. Packets can be picked up inside or curb-side at most RCLS branches, with teen-themed packets also available (just ask). Several hours of free activities without us moms so much as swiping our Pinterest app?  This is priceless!

4. Quaranzine

Young artists can publish their original works in the RCLS Quaranzine online magazine. It's a great spot to see where library staff and other patrons are finding inspiration in the age of Covid. Submissions are currently open for July's edition.

5. Free Lunches

As one of the Rutherford County School System's summer feeding sites, children 18 and under can pick up a “Grab-and-Go” free lunch at Linebaugh Library Monday-Friday 10:30-11:45am, and at Smyrna Public Library 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Adults can also pick up a lunch for the exact change of $3.80, and parents may come in alone to take home meals for their children. Lunch at the library? Win-win.

6. Book Mobile

If time and distance is an issue getting to a library, then let the library come to you! This summer the Book Mobile (and its collection of more than 4,000 books) is scheduled to be at Barfield Crescent Park 10am-4pm on Mondays, Sports*Com from 10am-3pm Tuesdays, Lee Victory Park in Smyrna from 10am-4pm Wednesdays, and Hop Springs from 1-6pm Thursdays. It's book lending with a side of exploring!

7. TEC Patio Lab

If you or the kids have computer needs this summer but are hesitant to use indoor resources, then take advantage of the patio at the TEC. Patrons can check out sterilized hardware to use on site outside, as well as WiFi hotpots and Android Tablets.

8. Storybook Walks

If the family could use a fresh approach to the page (and an incentive to get some exercise) take a storybook walk at Smyrna Public Library, where a new fairy tale-themed picture book is posted outside weekly. Guests can walk the trail while taking in the written word. Consider bringing a few friends for sharing discussion and ideas along the way.

Need more reasons to book it? The Rutherford County Library Systems consists of five branches in Rutherford County with countless media resources available in house and online. For up-to-date info on Covid-era offerings, hours, and programs, visit the main website at rclstn.org, or visit their Facebook page.