Photo: Ron Ablang
Photo: Leila Winchell
Photo: Leila Winchell
Orangevale Library
★4.7(62 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 0-12. Babies and toddlers thrive during interactive story time sessions, preschoolers enjoy early literacy programs, while elementary-aged kids love the summer reading activities and special events. The extensive children's section appeals to all reading levels.🧡 Saved by 6 families
About
Orangevale Library is a welcoming community hub that goes beyond books, offering an impressive lineup of children's programs that keep families coming back year-round. With highly-rated story times, engaging summer reading challenges, and regularly scheduled family events, this library creates a warm, educational environment where kids can discover the joy of reading while parents connect with other local families.
Highlights
- ✓Weekly story time sessions with songs, movement, and age-appropriate books
- ✓Extensive children's book collection organized by age and reading level
- ✓Summer reading program with themes, activities, and rewards
- ✓Family-friendly special events including author visits and educational workshops
- ✓Comfortable children's area with seating for parents and kids
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead or check the library's calendar online to catch popular story time sessions, which often fill up quickly during the school year
- 2.Sign up for the summer reading program early,it's completely free and includes prizes and incentives that keep kids motivated
- 3.Arrive 10-15 minutes early for scheduled programs to get good seating and let kids browse the children's section beforehand
- 4.Bring your library card or apply for one on your first visit,it's free for Sacramento County residents and opens up access to digital resources too
- 5.The library has craft supplies and activity kits available for checkout, perfect for extending the learning fun at home
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings (10:00 AM - noon) are ideal for story times and children's programs with lighter crowds. Saturday mornings offer great family programming but tend to be busier. Avoid visiting right after school lets out (3:00-4:00 PM) when it's most crowded.
What to Know
The library is completely free to visit and use. Parking is available in the shopping center lot. While there are no food vendors inside, snacks aren't permitted in the library, so plan accordingly.
Seasonal Notes
The summer reading program (typically June-August) is the library's busiest and most exciting time with weekly activities and special events. Programming scales back slightly during holidays but regular story times run most of the year. Closed Sundays and Mondays year-round.
Nearby Eats
Strings Italian Café is just a few doors down in the same shopping center, offering kid-friendly pizzas and pasta. For quick bites, Mountain Mike's Pizza nearby is perfect for families looking for casual dining after library time.
More Activities Near Orangevale
Park
Shadow Glen Family Stables
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Shadow Glen Family Stables offers Orangevale families a unique opportunity to introduce children to the world of horses and equestrian activities. With highly-rated sports coaching and a welcoming stable environment, this family-friendly facility provides hands-on learning experiences that go beyond typical park visits, making it an ideal destination for animal-loving kids.
Adventure
American River Parkway
★4.7Free
The American River Parkway offers families miles of paved bike paths perfect for cycling together, plus easy access to nature trails where kids can spot deer, rabbits, and various bird species. With shaded picnic areas right along the scenic river and calm spots for wading, it's an ideal destination for active families who want to combine exercise with nature exploration.
Community Center
Orangevale Community Center
★4.6$❤️26
The Orangevale Community Center offers a fantastic public swimming pool that's perfect for beating the Sacramento Valley heat with your kids. With dedicated family swim times, exciting water slides, and professional swim lessons available, this local gem provides affordable aquatic fun in a welcoming community atmosphere that parents consistently rate highly.
Park
Orangevale Grange
★4.6Free❤️7
Orangevale Grange offers families a peaceful escape in a quiet neighborhood setting, perfect for letting little ones burn energy on the playground while parents relax on the open lawn. This hidden gem combines the charm of a community gathering space with a well-maintained park area that's ideal for casual playdates, picnics, or just an hour of outdoor fun without the crowds of larger parks.