Why Libraries Are Every Stay-at-Home Mum’s Secret Weapon
When I first became a stay-at-home mum, I quickly realised that getting through the day wasn’t just about nap schedules and snack supplies—it was about finding those little daily lifelines.
Practical tools that didn’t just help me survive the day, but actually helped me enjoy it—with my little ones in tow.
I needed places where my kids could be engaged and entertained—without me having to carry the mental load of organising every minute.
I needed somewhere low-cost, easy to get to, and perfect for any weather.
And honestly? I needed a space where the chaos of my small children was welcomed—and where I might even stumble across another mum in the trenches, and sneak in a moment of (regularly interrupted, of course) adult conversation.
Hannah settling into an afternoon reading sesh with her pile of books ready to go
For me, that place became the local library.
And let me tell you—if there’s a library near you (and I promise you, there is), it’s probably more amazing than you realise.
From Sanity Saver to Travel Staple
Before we hit the road full-time, the library honestly felt like a breath of fresh air in the thick of it.
Back when my older two were little and I was deep in that all-consuming season of nappies, nap schedules, snack refills, and nonstop noise—I just needed somewhere to go. Somewhere that didn’t cost a thing, didn’t demand a heap of effort from me, and where the kids could be engaged without me needing to be “on” every second.
The library ticked every single box.
It was calm. Safe. Welcoming. Full of books, puzzles, toys, and storytimes. And best of all? I could sometimes have an actual adult conversation with another mum. A full, unhurried sentence. That felt like a win.
But more than that—it became a special little outing for just me and my child. A gentle rhythm in our week that we both looked forward to. No pressure, no performance… just stories, cuddles, and time together.
Now that we’re travelling and homeschooling on the road, libraries are still one of our biggest go-to’s. We seek them out in nearly every town and city we visit—and we go multiple times a week.
We visit for:
Books and learning inspiration
Toys and games
Art, craft, and sensory activities
Toddler time and baby bounce
Local community events and holiday fun
Every Library Is Different and amazing in their own right
Here’s the thing:
Its not unusual for there to be a dress up box and a craft activity set up, waiting for your kids to enjoy at the library. Ari enjoyed doing just this, while we were visiting the Atherton Tablelands, in North Queensland.
We’ve visited libraries all over Australia. From tiny country towns to big urban centres—and they’ve all been wonderful in their own way.
Some are quirky and colourful.
Some are high-tech and modern.
Some have slides, building blocks, and dress-ups.
Others offer gorgeous reading nooks, puzzles, and calming corners.
What they all offer, though, is connection.
Connection to the local community.
Connection to other families in the same season.
And a connection back to yourself—the part of you that might be craving a bit of mental space and inspiration.
You’re Not “Too Much” for the Library
Worried your child might be too loud, too active, or just a bit unpredictable for the library?
I get it. I used to worry about that too.
There were plenty of times I hovered by the door thinking, “What if they make a scene?” or “What if people stare?”
But here’s what I’ve learned: library staff are some of the most patient, understanding people you’ll come across. Many of them are parents themselves—and even if they’re not, they’re used to the noise, the questions, the chaos. Honestly, nothing seems to faze them.
One of our favourite libraries is our local—Hamra Library in West Torrens. It has an amazing kids’ area, teen space, toy library, art gallery, and loads of weekly activities for all ages. Right across the road you’ve got Woolies, a super affordable op shop (especially for baby clothes), and best of all—an epic playground with water play, a fairy garden, and outdoor games. Such a brilliant community space. Huge thanks to West Torrens Council for getting it so right!
I have such special memories of taking all four of my kids to babytime and toddler time at the library.
It wasn’t just great for their development—with music, stories, and play—but for me too.
Those slow, simple moments of connection were such a gift in that precious stage of life.
And on the odd occasion when someone did glare in disapproval, I reminded myself: I’m not here for them.
I’m here for me and my child.
We have just as much right to be in that space as anyone else.
Our kids are still learning what it means to be out in public. How to take turns. Use quieter voices. Respect shared spaces. But they’ll only learn those things by being in those spaces—and by having the chance to practice. As parents, it’s our job to give them those opportunities. And as a community, it’s our job to meet that with patience and understanding.
And anyway, these days, libraries are built with families in mind.
They’re not the silent, intimidating places we might remember from our own childhoods. They’re warm, welcoming, and relaxed. Often filled with play corners, storytime singalongs, and other parents just doing their best—just like you.
So please don’t let the fear of being “too much” keep you away.
You and your little ones belong there, exactly as you are
but wait theres more…
One of the things I’ve loved most about visiting libraries with my kids? They’re often tucked right next to the places we already go—playgrounds, swimming centres, community hubs, even the local shops.
Which means I can:
Pop in for story time or craft
Grab a few groceries
Let the kids run wild at the park
—all without hopping in and out of the car ten times or battling those car seat buckles more than I have to 🙌
Sometimes I pack lunch or morning tea and we make a little outing of it.
It’s the kind of day that ticks off the errands and fills our cups—with memories, connection, and a bit of fresh air. We get home in time for naps, usually they fall asleep in the car on the way home, so I just need to transfer them into the house and then put the kettle on and have a few monents to myself.
of course this doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does it turns out to be a good day, and we all need them, especially when we are parenting young children. , happy kids and a mum who didn’t have to spend a cent. and has aoment to herself, a good day indeed.
Our Favourite Kind of “Office” as a Nomad Family
One of our absolute favourites was the Port Douglas library—it’s small, but the deck outside had tables where we could set up our laptops while the kids played, read, or had their lunch right beside us. The breeze, the quiet, the atmosphere… honestly, it beat any café.If You Haven’t Been in a While, Consider This Your Invitation
Now, even though we’re travelling full time, we both still need to work—and carving out time for that can be tricky. Finding places where we can get a bit of work done while the kids are happily engaged is gold.
A lot of travelling families turn to play cafés (and we’ve done that too), but with four kids, the cost adds up quickly. That’s why libraries have become one of our go-to work spots. They’re usually free, filled with activities or quiet play corners, and offer just the right mix of calm and stimulation.
So What Are You Waiting For?
Whether you’re deep in the toddler trenches, homeschooling on the road, or just craving a bit of connection and a change of scenery—your local library is there, waiting for you.
And chances are… we’ve probably been there too. Across Australia, we’ve visited dozens—and I have shared about loads of them on my Not So Stay At Home Mum facebook page, definitely check it out!
They’re free.
They’re fun.
They’re family-friendly.
their convenient and community orientated
And honestly? I think they’re one of the best-kept secrets in a stay-at-home mum’s toolbox.
What about you?
Do you have a favourite library your family loves? Or maybe one you’ve stumbled across while travelling? I’d love to hear about it—pop a comment below or come say hi in our How To Stay At Home Mum community facebook group
