A favorite library is more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a community hub, a quiet workspace, a place to learn, and for parents, it’s a safe and welcoming place to bring your family.

Sometimes, the hardest part of your day is figuring out what to do with your kids. On those days, the local library comes to the rescue and provides a much-needed escape from the doldrums of home.

This article includes a list of local family-friendly libraries, plus a calendar of library events happening around the Main Line.

What Are the Main Line Community’s Favorite Libraries?

We asked the the Main Line Parent Community about their favorite libraries for families and which ones have unique services, like a cake pan lending library. The libraries that got the most shout-outs have a regular schedule of story times and other children’s programming, from book clubs to teen code clubs.

Another big plus is a cheerful, children’s section full of books for kids of all ages, comfy spaces, and kid-sized tables and chairs. Libraries that are stocked with engaging and educational toys score extra points.

Luckily, the Main Line area has plenty of libraries that check those boxes. So next time you’re looking for a free and fun family outing, make a day trip to one of these outstanding local libraries.

Easttown Library

720 First Avenue, Berwyn

Easttown Library is well-loved by Main Line parents for its expansive Hartstrings Children’s Library, story times and children’s activities. Crista M. says it’s one of her favorite libraries because it has “an amazing children’s section and programs.” Plus, they offer an Open Block (LEGO) Party, Yoga and STEAM events, meeting room space and museum passes.

Ludington Library

5 S Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr

Ludington Library is the largest library in the Lower Merion Library System (LMLS). Inside the bright, spacious library is quiet spaces to read and study and a vast collection of books and materials. They have a “huge children’s department” says Dave B. What’s more, the library offers educational toys in the Ludington Junior Room and Children’s Department and regular story times.

Some unique offerings at Ludington are its collection of TV shows and movies and its cake pan lending library. If you want to show your family who’s cake boss, go browse the Library’s pan selection filled with family favorites.

Marple Library

2599 Sproul Road, Broomall

Marple Library homes a variety of community programs and services for children, teens, and adults. Library perks include museum passes, meeting room rentals, and quiet areas and more. The beautifully painted children’s section is open and bright and shelves a wide array of books. Visitors will also find toy tables, activity cubes, and other engaging playthings.

Parents rave about the children’s librarian who hosts weekly story times and crafts for little ones. Rachael M. says, “I love the Marple library. They have a huge, easy-to-navigate children’s selection, no limit on borrows, and Miss Mel is the best librarian!” For older children, there’s a dedicated teen area, with booths for hanging out and a curated selection of teen materials.

Middletown Free Library

464 S Old Middletown Road, Suite 3, Media

The Middletown Free Library is a pillar in the community providing a hub with books, technology, activities, and connection. “It has so much natural night, a wonderful book and game selection, and a monthly schedule full of so many fun activities!” says Tiffany D.

Mr. Jason’s story times are a family favorite. Cat A. K. says he “is the superstar in this county” for the multiple story times he hosts each week. Library programming also includes Dance Me a Story and Makerspace, where kids 8+ explore Edison Robots and other tech. Their dedicated teen space features lounge seating, a collaboration space, Roku Smart TV, and a Playstation 3.

Newtown Public Library

201 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square

The Newtown Public Library’s bright, welcoming environment offers a book club, music classes, story time and more for children. Lee G. appreciates its “great kids area and friendly staff.” Kate T. really appreciates the children’s librarian at Newtown. “Miss Angela is so sweet!” she says. “She is kind and passionate about reading, and provides fun and interactive lessons for the kids.”

Situated in the children’s area are two Early Literacy Station computers for young readers to enjoy. The Public Library website offers access to Tumble Books, a free collection of online, interactive picture books, provided by DCLS.

Penn Wynne Library

130 Overbrook Parkway, Wynnewood

This favorite, neighborhood library offers a pleasant space to spend a few hours reading and exploring. Renovated in 2016, adult and children’s areas offer more light, seating and work spaces. The children’s area houses a sizable collection of books, plus a story room.

Teen programs include Middle School Meetup, a club-like activity, where kids in grades 5–8 can come to play games, make crafts, and hang out with friends. Laurie B. S. says, “Penn Wynne Library has friendly staff, creative children’s librarians, and is an integral part of the community.”

Radnor Memorial Library

114 W Wayne Avenue, Wayne

Formerly Wayne Library, Radnor Memorial Library was established in memory of the community members who died in World War II. This wheelchair accessible building provides many resources to the community including meeting rooms, computers, museum passes and programming for all ages. As part of the DCLS, Radnor Memorial Library also provides free access to Tumble Books.

“Their children’s section is awesome. They have a giant board book selection and the Peter Rabbit room is a great spot for my 4-year-old to sit and read books, while I scan the shelves. Their picture book selection is also great. The children’s librarians are also very kind and engaging — I’m pretty sure it’s still the same two [librarians] for the last ten years.” says Danielle G. S.

The Tredyffrin Township Libraries

Tredyffrin Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford (adjacent to Devon)
Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road, Paoli

The Tredyffrin Township Libraries comprise two branches: Tredyffrin Library in Strafford Park and Paoli Library, near the train station.

A Community Hub: Tredyffrin Library

Tredyffrin Library describes itself as a “bustling community center where people of all ages come to learn, share and grow in a beautiful, spacious building overlooking Strafford Park.” Find a huge collection of books and materials, a community jigsaw puzzle, children’s toys, free wi-fi, and quiet spaces.

They also offer community Makerspace classes, crafts, musical performances, local history talks, yoga, and meditation.

The Biggest Little Library: Paoli Library

Paoli Library is affectionately known as “the biggest little library around” with excellent children’s programming. “Paoli Library is very small, but Miss Stephanie, the librarian, is SO fun,” says Katrina P. “She has great activities and story times.”

When the weather is nice, Miss Sarah, Paoli’s youth librarian, hosts story time in nearby Greentree Park. In addition, adults can enjoy programs on table games, art, cooking, and wellness.

Check Out A Library of Things at Tredyffrin and Paoli

Tredyffrin Libraries offer a Library of Things to borrow across both locations. You can check out video games, board games, robots, craft kits, yard games, sports equipment, cake pans, and yard tools. With museum passes, community resources and stellar staff, it’s easy to see why they’re a Main Line Library favorite.

Upper Merion Library

175 W Valley Forge Rd, King of Prussia

The Upper Merion Library is a Main Line Parent Community favorite because it has so much to offer kids and families. Medha P. says, “Upper Merion Library has easy parking, great programs, lots of books, and very friendly and knowledgeable staff.” They offer computer access and an open, bright play area for kids, furnished with kid-sized wooden furniture and toys.

“Upper Merion is excellent,” says Ashley K. “Their kids section is HUGE and they do an awesome job with a wide variety of diverse books.” There’s also a walking path to a playground behind the library, making it a great play date stop. It’s both a place to foster a love of reading and a place to play!

Make Your Next Family Outing a Trip to the Library

The Main Line is home to incredible libraries that go far beyond books. From cake pan lending to makerspaces, these community hubs offer something for everyone. Grab your library card and start exploring all these wonderful local resources with your family.

Library Events on the Main Line Parent Calendar

Lead photo courtesy of Radnor Memorial Library.