Family Activities for Fire Season

• Stream free movies online using your library card. OPL offers feature films, animated read-alouds, documentaries, and tons of kid-friendly content on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Overdrive. Or put some DVDs on hold to check out from your local branch. Certain librarians may have been known to host a Harry Potter marathon over a long weekend. What's your favorite multi-film series?
• Since it's fire season: check your emergency kits and make sure you have everything you and your family might need if you have to leave home suddenly. You can find some good checklists here on the Alameda County emergency readiness page. Consider special dietary needs, batteries and device chargers, medications, footwear, and pet food/supplies. Make an evacuation plan. Talk with your kids about how everyone can get out of the house safely under different circumstances, and where you will meet each other. In general, wear a mask against the smoke and pay attention to air quality reports before you go out.
• Exercise indoors with a minimum of space and a maximum of fun! You could start small with stretches and yoga poses, or -- if you're brave! -- set up a mini obstacle course. Dance parties are always a hit with active young ones. Practice making shapes with your bodies -- can you do the whole alphabet?

You may be missing the free events and activities usually offered by Oakland Public Library. We miss you, too! All OPL locations are back to full open hours with inside services, but the usual programs are limited. Please know that we are keeping safety in mind as we gradually plan in-person events. You can check the events calendar here to see what's coming up online or face-to-face, or visit a library branch to find out more.