Lower Merion Library System: Kids’ Grab’N’Go Bags

Press release from the Lower Merion Library System:

8 February 2021

February 8, 2021 – Have you run out of options to entertain your children during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Are you searching for a catch-all activity to entertain the whole family? Then you should check out Grab and Go Bags at Lower Merion Libraries.

Grab and Go Bags are activity bags for your children. Here’s how it works: your local librarians decide on a theme, put together all the necessary materials for your child to create a fun craft or activity, assemble the materials within a bag, and then offer them alongside curbside pick-up. These bags aim to help children learn to follow directions, focus and concentrate on the task at hand, and learn patience and problem solving.

All of our libraries have customized how they hand out their Grab and Go Bags. Check out each library’s Facebook page (see links below) and/or the Lower Merion Library System’s Eventkeeper page for more information about each library’s bags. The libraries are currently closed for in-person browsing. Please call or register beforehand for curbside pickup after reading details below:

Ardmore has weekly Grab and Go Bags that Miss Dawnita coordinates with a story time. These are weekly bags offered on Mondays and they usually provide twenty bags a week depending on the amount of material available. Click here to visit an upcoming Ardmore event such as ARDMORE ZOOM EVENT – Preschool Program on Friday Feb. 12 at 11.

Bala Cywnyd has been providing weekly Grab and Go Bags that are paired with a selected title from Tumblebooks, Bookflix or Trueflix resources found on the Lower Merion Library website. These bags are available for ages five and up and while supplies last. Click here to visit an upcoming Bala Cynwyd library kids’ calendar event or on their Facebook page such as First Friday STEM. The next one is Friday, March 5, 2021 at 1 PM EST – 2 PM EST

Belmont Hills provides take-home bags for scheduled in-house story time/craft programs, which are promoted for all ages. Miss. Gwen makes twenty bags per program and makes sure the craft involves materials that most families will already have at home. She often combines two crafts to inspire unique creations. Each bag includes a coloring page, word search, and sometimes fun fact sheets, as well as a sticker, the craft materials, and an intro/info sheet. For example, click here to register for BELMONT HILLS LIBRARY: Valentine’s Day Story Time and Take-Home Craft

Gladwyne has weekly Grab and Go Bags. Currently, they prepare fifteen bags a week, but as more bags are requested, they will gradually add more while supplies last. Visit the Gladwyne calendar or the Gladwyne Facebook page. Please call the library with any questions. (610) 642-3957

Penn Wynne has age-specific bags. Each one includes a craft project, an educational sheet, and sometimes even some extras goodies. They create fifty (while supplies last) on a bi-weekly schedule for patrons to pick up. They are available during normal operational hours. Visit the Penn Wynne event calendar or the Penn Wynne Facebook page.

Since Ludington has begun their Grab and Go bags, they’ve chosen seasonal themes. Inside each bag, you’ll find a calendar of future library events, instructions on how to create your craft, and materials for the craft. Sometimes you’ll also find surprises like a second, smaller craft or bookmarks, and other library swag. Ludington asks that patrons register in advance by calling the library to reserve a bag. They update their Facebook page with the status of the Grab and Go bags, so be sure to check whether they’re available or all registered for so you don’t miss out on all the fun! If you’d like to snag a Grab and Go back from Ludington, call the Junior Room today at 610-525-1776 extension 5 to register! The next one is LUDINGTON: Valentine’s Love Bug Craft Giveaway

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for your children or trying to keep busy, we’ve got your solution! If you’d like to participate in our Grab and Go Bag program from any Lower Merion Library location, check on their Facebook page or the Lower Merion Library System Eventkeeper page to see how you can get one! All six Lower Merion Libraries are currently participating in this program while supplies last.

This press release was produced by the Lower Merion Library System. The views expressed are the author's own.