So, have you and your kids Caught the Reading Bug? I feel like this summer we have spent even more time at the local libraries than the usual. We’re starting to smell pretty dusty and alternate between calling the kids Max and Ruby or Jack and Annie.

Here’s the scoop on our fave local bookworm hideouts:

Silver Spring Library in downtown Silver Spring on Colesville Road has a good children’s section and a fantastic, packed schedule of events for kids of all ages. It is also located right next to Ellsworth Park, which even has its own space shuttle for toddlers.

Long Branch Library is right smack between Takoma Park, MD and downtown Silver Spring. It has an extensive children’s room and today, Tuesday at 1pm there’s an event with entomologist and real live insects!

Wheaton Library in the heart of Wheaton on Georgia Avenue has a great big children’s section with lots of little tables, a reading nook for kids, puzzles, games, dollhouse, felt board, magnetic letter board and a fish tank. Wheaton provides a great service for parents by bundling up sets of books by theme or reading level and placing these bundles at the front of the children’s section, making it easy to quickly grab some new reading materials for kids on the way out the door. Upcoming events for families at Wheaton Library include a program by the Maryland Science Center for kids of all ages on Thursday!

Aspen Hill Library, on the Silver Spring/Rockville border has a children’s room so beautiful and homey you’ll melt. This summer they are offering loads of educational films for all ages to help families beat the heat.

White Oak Library‘s location between New Hampshire and Colesville makes it a great stop when zooming off the Beltway and Marilyn J. Praisner (formerly Fairland) Library is not too far up the Pike from Target or the MLK, Jr. Pool. The children’s sections at these branches are cozy and my kids always find a new friend.

UPDATE: Local young adult genre writer Pam Bachorz reminded readers of a superb point: in the Montgomery County library system you can check out a book at one library location and return it to another. Convenience, thy name is MCPL! You can also renew your books online to avoid overdue fees. Thank you Pam and congrats on your upcoming book!

Next up I’ll give you the 411 on other nearby libraries in Takoma Park – DC, Takoma Park – MD, Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase and The District. In the meantime, happy reading!