Topeka public library is more than just lending books. They are about developing communities. They have lots of programs that encourage kids and adults to visit the library, read books, learn a skill and even help them do a project.
If you don't have the time to read books in the library, you can borrow a generous number of books for a generous number of days and they do automatic renewals a number of times if you missed to return it or renew by yourself.
They even let you order the books online and you can just pick them up at the parking lot where they deliver your books at your car though I don't endorse that. The best you can do for yourself and your library is by visiting it and making use of the various resources they have for you and your kids.
Not interested in books, rather prefer watching a movie? no worries. The library has a section dedicated for movies. Not just a handful of movies for namesake. they have an huge collection of movies in various genres. If you aren't just keen on the the movie released last week, i don't know why anyone should buy or rent a movie outside. They have international movie section also and I have seen many Indian movies too including Tamil movies of Manirathnam, Dhanush, Rajnikanth and more.
You have a good collection of all famous TV series.
You still don't have the time to visit the library or drive to the library for a pickup? they can deliver it at your neighborhood. The mobile library of theirs have scheduled visits to all the neighborhoods in Topeka and people can order online and get it delivered closer to home.
they can return the books at multiple drop boxes near your neighborhood.
The library also has conference rooms equipped with TV screens and computers. If you want to meet as a team, these are best places to block some time and work on a project.
The digital collection of the libraries are enormous too. you can browse them online via Hoopla or OneDrive or use one of their many computers on the premises.
They also have a makerspace where you can do 3d printing or build your electronic project. Interested in arts, they have a section for various art forms not only equipped with books, but actual kits that you can take home and try out.
Interested in learning knitting? Borrow their knitting kit which comes with the needles, instructions and some consumables like the threads (which you don't have to return).
Interested in learning to bake? they have a kit for that too?
Want to 3D print your project? They got it. they have regular 2d printers as well if you want to take a print of your documents and don't have a printer at home.
Need a notary signature? Topeka library provides that for free whereas UPS or anywhere else the charge is 30 dollars +.
They have a complete wing dedicated for kids. The library staff are extremely friendly and make sure you and your kids have a great time in the library. My 3 year old Varnikaa enjoys the kids section. This section has lots of books for kids of various ages. Your kids have seen Sesame street or Peppa Pig on Tv?, they got books on all that. They have a school bus setting in one spot which has some more books. You can also get some play kits which you can borrow and those have lots of consumables that you don't have to return (like finger puppets).
There is an aquarium which Varnikaa loves very much. A huge dinosaur and some planets hanging from the roof. There is a small slide and some numbered mats to jump. She loves them all.
The library serves the community in a way I haven't see any other library does (at least in India). The least you could do to support their efforts is to make use of them. Read a book, bring your kid to play in the kids play area, rent a movie, do a project, learn a skill or teach something you know.
Last but not the least..were you paying to visit the zoo or the Children Discovery Center in Topeka. I recently learnt that you didn't have to if you were referred by the library. The library can give you a 'passport' which you can use at the zoo or the discovery center and get admitted free of charge.
Aren't libraries like a temple in a way? They are quiet places - you can cut off from all distractions around you and do some peaceful time for yourself!
Here is a video of the automated book return inside the library.
