Hudson Library and Historical Society050

We love the Hudson Library and Historical Society for a lot of reasons - to start with, the Children's Room is nice and roomy with big comfy chairs parents can fit in with their kids; plus lots of floor room lets little rovers roam (the furniture arrangement allows kids to roam quite a bit within sight of parents). Twelve computers for children to use, big (fiberglass) trees, and a separate story room for programs complete the children's room, practically a full-fledged library in its own right.

A separate room used for programs is also open many weekday mornings; when the librarians bring in the cool (skill-building) toys, it's transformed into the Born to Play Activity Center. (Check with the library for the current open play schedule.)

Children's Programs serve kids from infants through tweens who are not quite ready for the teen room. Typical programs include popular movies and lessons, from cooking to languages, for first through fifth graders. Storytimes are held four days a week for infants through preschoolers. The Children's Library can be reached at 330.653.6658, ext 1020.

Next door, but like, a world away, is the Teen Room. Lined up against the wall are eight flat-panel computers (armed with the latest games), bar stools to sit on; and, like, come on, who can get into a good book without something to sip? That's right, this teen room allows beverages(!) - although with one rule: a sign tells teens to "Put a Lid on It."

At well-equipped booths, teens can sit, study, or listen to music. And, since it's a cool but not especially quiet room, there's also a glass-enclosed quiet study room inside the teen room. For teens who need an excuse to go to the library, a number of different programs are offered each month.