Appreciating Caregivers, This Season and Always

Doting mother and loved young child smiling. A school-aged child playing at the park with her two fathers Multigenerational family squishing in with their toddler for a photo.

Showing Love to Caregivers This Mother’s and Father’s Day

Between Mother's Day and Father's Day, we're taking a moment to honor the many adults who help raise, guide, and support young people.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, foster caregiver, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), mentor, chosen family, or someone showing up in ways that matter—your care shapes futures. Your support helps kids feel safe, seen, and loved.

Families are formed in many ways. Caregiving happens across all kinds of lives and roles—sometimes as a parent or guardian, sometimes as a family, friend, or neighbor (FFN). Some provide daily care. Others offer guidance, stability, or support during big transitions. Every way care is given makes a difference, and every caregiver deserves to be recognized.

Library Support for Caregivers

Caregiving takes time, energy, and heart. Alameda County Library is here to help—whether you're looking for a place to read, play, take a breath, or find something new to bring home.

We offer:

Welcoming Spaces: Family restrooms, cozy seating, and calm corners. We hope you'll feel like you belong when you visit us at any AC Library location.
Friendly Staff: We're here to help—whether you need your next great read or just someone to ask when you're not sure what's next.
Helpful Resources: Tools for early learning, homework help, volunteering, and summer.
- Early Learning:
  - Playgarden Prep: Online preschool that's free with your library card.
  - ABCmouse: Fun, educational games for preschoolers and up.
  - Lote4Kids: Read-along eBooks in 65+ languages, including ASL.
- Student Success:
  - Brainfuse: Live tutoring and skill-building for students.
  - Prep for Tests and College: Your student can access free, self-paced study guides and practice tests for the SAT, ACT, AP exams, GED, career exams, and the DMV written test.
  - Debate and Public Speaking: Teens can improve their speaking and debate skills at the library this summer.
- Summer Support: Summer can be joyful—but for many families, it also means a shift in routines, added responsibilities, and the challenge of keeping kids engaged. We're here to help with free programs and creative activities for you and the kids in your life.
  - Summer Adventure: Activities, reading, and more! Build your own summer adventure at AC Library and receive a book gift and prize drawing entries.
  - LEGO® Fun: Imagine and build with LEGO® bricks at the library.
  - Movies, Music, and Performances: Celebrate the summer with song, cinema, and stage.
  - Discover & Go: Free passes to museums, parks, and cultural sites. You'll need a physical library card.
- Teen Volunteering: Give back and grow. Teens 13+ can volunteer with the library to support programs, share ideas, or help with creative projects. It’s a great way to build skills, earn service hours, and make a difference.
In-Person Programs and Events: Storytimes, kids' activities, teen workshops, and something to do just for you.

Making the Library Part of the Routine

For many kids, having their own library card is a small thing that feels big. It's a chance to choose their own books, check them out, and feel a sense of belonging every time they walk through the doors.

For caregivers, it can help with school projects, make library visits smoother, and support the rhythms that hold the day together.

Library Cards for Kids

Library cards are free for everyone, including kids and teens. If your child is under 13, they’ll need help from a parent or guardian to sign up. Teens 13 and up can get a card on their own or with support.

Get Cards for Kids/Teens

Classroom Cards

Teachers, educators, school staff, childcare providers, and after-school program staff can apply for a Classroom Card to borrow materials for group learning and use. Please share this opportunity with the educators in your community.

Get a Classroom Card

Recognizing All Caregivers

Care happens in many forms: across generations, households, and communities. Some care for children. Some support elders or loved ones with disabilities. Some are navigating both at once.

However you give care, you deserve to feel supported, connected, and seen. We’ll keep finding ways to make space for that here.

Thank You

For the stories, the routines, the reassurances, and the quiet strength. For all the ways you show up. Thank you.

We're glad you're here.