library love

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.  -Dr. Seuss

Have you hugged your librarian lately?  Do you know their first name?  If not, you should!  Libraries and the magnificent people who work there, can open doors to the wonderful world of books (and all of the astonishing benefits of reading)!

Of all the stops that we make on a weekly basis, the library is definitely my son, Ike’s, favorite.  He loves picking out books, seeing the other kids and every part of the check-out process.  According to the Educational Testing Services, the more types of reading materials there are in the home, the higher students are in reading proficiency. 

Taking your child to the library helps them develop a love of books, reading and learning!  It gives them an opportunity to discover and explore, which in turn, sparks their imagination.  Check out your community libraries monthly schedules.  Most try to provide storytelling, children’s reading incentives, reading programs, computer labs with educational games, and homework help for children of all ages.

Some fun ways to encourage a love of the library with children is to:

• Get them a library card!  Kids love “pretend” cards.  Give them a real card that truly works and see the glee every time they check out a book (on the flip side, it can also teach them the responsibility of returning a book when it is due… and the repercussions if the book is overdue).
• Introduce your child to the librarians and volunteers.  Let them get comfortable with the staff and environment of the building.  Librarians are a wonderful resource; ask them questions, tell them about interests your child has.  They have great recommendations and really care about providing interesting books and programming for their little patrons.
• Let your child choose their own books, magazines, comics or movies!  Kids will love exploring their books long after leaving the library and will be more interested in a book they chose, rather than a parent.

A library card is the start of a lifelong adventure.  -Lilian Jackson Braun


share your library love!  any tips for making the library a special place for your little ones?