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10 Free Things to Do at Fairwood Library in Renton

Free activities at the library include art and crafts, tutoring, chess club and more

By Suzanne Lee, Macaroni KID Renton - Newcastle - Mercer Island December 30, 2023

Looking for free and fun things to do with kids in Renton? Renton’s Fairwood Library offers so many free activities and programs that it’s difficult to limit this list to just 10. 

The expanded Fairwood Library opened in 2014 and has been a hub of the community ever since. Try a new craft, connect with tutoring services, get inspired by a guest expert—and find a great book. You can do it all, and much more, at Fairwood Library in Renton.

Before we jump into our list of 10 free things to do at Fairwood Library in Renton, don’t forget that there are online events as well. You can access many of the same services and activities from home. Plus, it’s all free with your King County Library System card.

10 free things to do at Fairwood Library in Renton

1. Reading with Rover

Kids ages 6 to 12 can build reading skills by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. This is a wonderful Saturday-morning program for dog people!

2. Comics & Crafts

Talk about graphic novels and express your creativity! This monthly event is great for ages 9 to 17.

3. Family Story Times

Bring babies, toddlers and little ones for 30 minutes of stories, music and activities. Families are welcome to stay afterwards to read with their children and connect with other families. 

4. AlterKnits!

This is a great program for anyone who wants to learn about knitting. Join other creative fiber artists and work on current knitting, crochet and other yarn projects. Yarn and some supplies will be available. Best for ages 9 and up.

5. Chess Drop-In

Know how to play chess? Drop by for a game and meet other players. This monthly event is for ages 9 and up.

6. Tutors at Fairwood Library (Study Zone)

At this weekly event, volunteer tutors provide homework help for grades K-12. They can give language support for homework, or translation, in many languages. Study Zone is also available online.

7. Crafternoon

Get crafty at the library with a fun project each month! Supplies provided. This is a great activity for kids ages 6 to 12. (Ages 5 and 6 must have an adult present.) Check the schedule and register to guarantee your spot.

8. Big Play Date

Big Play Date is designed for ages newborn to 5. All little ones must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in for interactive activities and meet other families. This is a fun monthly event that’s a great introduction to the library.

9. Favorite Poems Read Aloud

Do you have the heart and soul of a poet? Celebrate poetry at Fairwood Library! Join other poets and poetry enthusiasts in this every other month event. Bring your favorite and/or original poetry to share. This event is for ages 18 and up.

10. Fairwood Lively Minds Evening Book Group

New members are always welcome at this book club! It’s a hybrid format. Join in-person at the library or register to get the Zoom Link and join remotely. Here’s the reading list: Fairwood Lively Minds Evening Book Group 2023-2024

Renton’s Fairwood Library is a great place to find activities for school age kids, as well as young adults. Plus, it’s all FREE. This list of 10 free things to do at Renton’s Fairwood Library is just a sampler of the programs available. But don’t stop at this list. Bring your library card an ask about special events too. 

Get to know King County Library System

Renton’s Fairwood Library is part of King County Library System—one of the biggest and best library systems in the country. Each branch offers different activities for all ages. Some branches have social services days (where you can get help from nonprofits) as well as groups for practicing English (for English language learners). You’ll also find insightful lectures and interactive presentations offered nearby at Newcastle Library, Newport Way Library, Renton Highlands Library, Skyway Library, Tukwila Library and Renton Library.

Get a library card for yourself and for every member of the family—and have fun exploring all the free things you can do!