Whether you are young or seasoned in life 😉, hanging out at the public library can be a magical experience. I have always been a lover of bookstores and libraries. I could get lost in a place filled with books so whenever I take my kids to the library, it is a fun treat for me, too! 


JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY

Yesterday, turned out to be another manic Monday for us and I really needed to get some writing done. Travis suggested we take the kids to the public library and he’d play with them while I worked on writing in a study room. 

It was a perfect idea until I got to the study room in the library.

I found a very quiet space where I could sit and work without any interruptions. I sat down at a study desk and pulled out all of my gear. I set up my writing space and opened my laptop. 

As soon as my screen lit up, I noticed that the laptop battery was low. So I looked in my backpack for the charger and it was then the perfect idea turned into a tragedy. 

Biggby Coffee Michigan
A quick stop at Biggby Coffee!
Biggby Coffee
I ordered the Teddy Bear Latte with Almond Milk and it was DELICIOUS!

I HAD FORGOTTEN THE LAPTOP CHARGER AT HOME. 

Feeling defeated and like I wanted to hit my head against the wall, I packed up all of my things and slowly walked back to the children’s library. Ohhh, I was SO mad at myself! 

Leaving the library to go back home and get the charger was not an option for us. For one, I didn’t want to make the trip back home to get the charger because it would have taken close to 40 minutes to drive home, get the charger, and drive back to the public library.

And second, rush hour traffic was at its peak and I would have to travel on a one-lane street because of construction. 

Vintage windbreaker thrifted from The Salvation Army

When I found Travis in the children’s library, he was watching Zephaniah play with the trains. Our oldest daughter Michala had taken Zhen and Zechariah on a scavenger hunt in the children’s library.

“We’re looking for a dinosaur!” Zhen exclaimed as she quickly walked past me. 

After venting my frustration to Travis, I sat down to take a few deep breaths. My thoughts just seemed to be rushing through my mind. I was trying to figure out how I could still get some work done without having my laptop. 

The kids LOVE this train set!
Clinton Township Public Library
Excellent question!

Zephaniah moved on from the trains to look at books with Travis. They found a spot on the rug and sat down to read books together. Zephaniah had picked out a Baby Shark bedtime story so of course, Travis had to sing the song for him.

“Baby Shark do do, do do do.” 

Zephaniah giggled and started dancing in Travis’ lap. It made me smile and soon I wasn’t so mad about forgetting the laptop charger. I just turned my focus on enjoying the moment with my family and watching the kids explore the children’s library. 

A Public Library is a Magical Place
Clinton Township Public Library
This month is “Dinovember” at the Clinton Township Public Library. Zhen and Zechariah loved playing a dinosaur scavenger hunt.

Before we left, I picked up a few books for myself. I’m trying to read a book daily, at least 30 minutes per day. I used to read books so much that I’d finish one novel in 2 – 3 days.

It seems I let busy family life and work schedules interrupt my regular reading schedule. I miss reading books. I don’t really like to read ebooks. Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer to hold a book in my hands and actually feel the pages as I turn them.

Sometimes I’ll find in the back of a library book the old library card with the dates stamped on it. That was before everything became computerized. I am thankful for the advanced technology, but I can’t help but miss the old days of using the library card catalog!


Clinton Township Public Library
Zechariah and Zhen playing educational games on new tablets featured at the library.
Giving Tree
I read this while the kids played. So simple yet very deep.
Zechariah playing with the big, yellow airplane.
children's library
Zhen colored a dinosaur craft and was happy to see it up on the bulletin board.
My library book haul. I have an alarm set on my phone to remind me to read at least 30 minutes a day. I hope to bump up my time to an hour a day. Baby steps.

Do you love visiting the library?

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All photos are courtesy of Jennifer Hamra for Good Life Detroit.

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].