I moved from Los Angeles to a remote island in Alaska with my kids. I never realized what I was missing.

• My family and I moved from Los Angeles to a remote island in Alaska.

• There's no children's museum or zoo to take my kids to. Instead we spend hours at the library.

• Being able to slow down and be more present was exactly what I needed in my life.

We step out of the bracing cold and into the warmth of the library. Before my children have even finished returning their books, my 2-year-old has spotted the children's librarians down at the other end of the building.

"Ms. Amie!" he shouts. "Ms. Ann Marie!" He skip-hops the length of the library, past the cozy fireplace and a handful of people in armchairs. My 8-year-old daughter smiles up at me: We're both tickled by his love for the library.

When we arrive in the children's room, with its enormous stuffed tree decorated with beloved children's-book characters, the two librarians bend down to greet the kids, directing them to old favorites and brand-new books."I ordered this one just for you!" Ms. Amie tells my son, proffering a book about tow trucks.

The children settle in; this is their happy place, and mine too.

We left the city chaos and noise of Los Angeles for a quiet, nature-connected life on a remote island in Alaska. While we sometimes miss what big cities have to offer, I've been able to slow down and enjoy life with my family here.

We moved because we wanted more nature

In a small town on a remote island in southeast Alaska, the library is very important.

We don't have children's museums or a zoo. We don't have fancy ice-cream shops or trampoline gyms or elaborate indoor play spaces that can be rented out for very expensive birthday parties.