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10 Free Things to Do at Renton Library

King County Libraries offer free activities for kids and families in Renton and beyond

By Suzanne Lee, Macaroni KID Renton - Newcastle - Mercer Island December 26, 2023

Looking for something free to do in Renton? Head to your local Renton Library

Whether you’re looking for free things to do in Renton with kids or want to explore a new hobby, the Renton Library is the perfect starting point. They have dozens of free programs ranging from story time to gardening. Plus, the Renton Library is a great place to connect with community services and learn how to get help for your family. 

Here are our top 10 free things to do at Renton Library. But don’t stop at this library only. Renton Library is part of the King County Library System—with even more programs offered nearby at Newcastle Library, Newport Way Library, Renton Highlands Library and Fairwood Library. Your free library card works at all these locations and many more.

10 Free Things to Do at Renton Library

1. Family Story Time

This is the place to be for stories, music, movement and rhymes that help to develop a child’s early literacy skills. It’s ideal for ages newborn to 5-years-old. You can also check out the books you read during story time each week – for free with your library card.

2. Hora de cuentos en español / Spanish Story Time

Disfruten de historias, música, movimiento y rimas que desarrollan las habilidades de alfabetización temprana de sus niños. Posteriormente se ofrecerá una sesión de juego.

3. Reading Buddies Online (Study Zone)

Practice reading with a buddy from home! This free, weekly online program connects volunteers with kids ages 6 to 17. Volunteers help students practice reading out loud. Two students are paired by reading level with each volunteer. The book selection focuses on readers in grades K-8 and English language learners in grades K-12. Click here to register for Reading Buddies online.

4. Math Club: Core Math Grades K-1 (Study Zone Online)

This is another free, weekly online program. Math Club volunteers provide games and activities to help students exercise their math skills. Classes are by suggested grade level, but students may attend lessons on any class they choose. Click here to register for Math Club online.

5. Beavers All Around!

This one-time-only event on Wednesday, March 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. is a must for kids and families who love nature. Meet the beavers with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Biologist Shawn Behling. Learn about beaver behaviors and biology to understand the signs beavers are active nearby, and steps we can take to avoid conflicts or damage from beaver activity. Recommended for ages 9 and older. Click here to register for Beavers All Around!

6. A River Runs Under It Book Group

This monthly book club is for ages 18 and over. Each month, the group meets to discuss a new book. It’s also a great way to learn about new authors. Pre-registration is suggested, but not required. The Renton Library lists each month’s book well in advance, so you have plenty of time to read the month’s selection. Tip: Take the book out for free with your library card (you can also reserve a copy if none are available).

7. Garden Hotline Presents

This monthly class is perfect for anyone who likes to garden and would love some pro tips. Each month, Garden Hotline focuses on a common concern with gardening in the Pacific Northwest. They offer solutions to garden problems that are practical, safe, effective, and natural. They can help you reduce waste, conserve water and resources, and minimize chemical use.

8. Llene su formulario de FAFSA / Fill Out Your FAFSA Form

This one-time-only event on Tuesday, January 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. is essential for anyone who is applying to college (or who has a child/dependent applying). In this workshop, Liliana Medina from Sistema Escolar USA and her staff will help you get started and/or complete the new FAFSA form.

En este taller, Liliana Medina de Sistema Escolar USA y su personal les ayudarán a comenzar y/o completar el nuevo formulario FAFSA. Se recomienda traer su laptop, pero no es requerido. (Hay ayuda disponible para todos los estudiantes sin importar su estatus migratorio o el de sus padres.) Se puede asistir a este programa en persona o en línea.


Connect with free community resources at Renton Library

If you or a family member need support from the community, the Renton Library is one of the best places to learn more about what help is available. Here are two great resources:

9. Renton Library Resource Days

This is a monthly event is for learning about social support services like healthcare, free job training, access to ORCA cards, gently used clothes, hygiene kits and free lunches (while supplies last) – and more. Drop by if you want information about resources available in Renton. Kids and teens are also welcome.

10. Washington Health Outreach (Veterinary Care)

Renton Library is partnering with Washington Health Outreach to offer free and low-cost veterinary care for community members in need. They will set up in the parking lot once a month. First come, first served. Visit the website for the schedule and list of available services.

Renton Library is open 7 days a week and is located at 100 Mill Avenue S, Renton, WA 98057.

The Renton Library is one of several fantastic libraries in our area. Each library within the King County Library System offers something different, so be sure to check out free things to do at other libraries around town.