As a child I LOVED going to the library. The library opened my eyes to new ideas and faraway places. And I’m certain that my love of writing is rooted in my early connection to books through the library. Now, as a parent, I want to pass that love on to my children so they too will appreciate what a public treasure libraries are. They are free, open to the all, and anyone can check out the materials. With that in mind, here are ten ways we can encourage our kids to be library lovers for life!
- Have a designated “Library Day”. When my kids were preschoolers, Tuesday was our library day and my children looked forward to it all week. They’d enthusiastically help me pile all our materials to return into a designated canvas tote. Then, off we’d go!
- Explore every nook and cranny. We expanded our horizons by making browsing the stacks a game. Each week, we would explore a different section, selecting at least three new items to bring home. And guess what my son discovered? He loved NON-FICTION best! Trucks, dinosaurs, civil war submarines… you name it, he and I read books about it. And my daughter? She loved how-to books, books about ballet and anything funny!
- Allow on-site time for cozy reading. We don’t rush home after selecting our books. Part of the magic of the library is getting to sit in a cozy corner surrounded by books, books, and more books! These slanted reading tables were a favorite reading spot when my kids were little. They also loved the bean bags.
- Take advantage of scheduled children’s programs. Story time, book club, Lego building club, and therapy dog reading night! These are just a few of the many wonderful programs our library offers to get kids hooked on reading and LOVING the library! See what your library has to offer -I’m sure you will be amazed and delighted.
- Hug your librarian. The library just wouldn’t be the same without the knowledgeable staff. I introduced my kids to our librarians early on. To this day we love and rely on their advice. Very often, when we stop in, they have set aside a book that they think one of my kids will enjoy. And we are always sure to say thank you. A handmade card, book mark, or note is another kid-friendly way to show appreciation.
- Invite a friend to join you at the library. Did you know that standing in line to check out books is extra fun with a friend? At least that’s what my kids tell me. And reading cozily in the library is extra fun with a friend too! So the next time you and your kiddos feel cooped up on a rainy day, invite a friend to join you at the library for some extra special book time.
- Celebrate the reading of newly borrowed books and old favorites by talking about what you are reading at dinner, on walks etc. We love talking about what we are reading at dinner. These chats occasionally evolve into something more – an impromptu skit of a favorite scene, a quick sketch on the chalkboard to demonstrate something newly discovered, or a race to ask “Siri” a question to confirm or shed new light on something we have read.
- Support the library kid-style. Our Friends of the Library runs a book sale several times a year which helps support special programs. One way my kids support this is by sorting through their own book and dvd collections a couple of times a year and then donating selected items to the book sale. They also like to bring change from their piggy banks and shop!
- Participate in special reading programs that link the library to home. Library-sponsored home reading programs like the summer reading program keep kids coming to the library every week, even in the summer. Many libraries also offer special reading programs that run all year long. Our library, for example, has just inaugurated the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program which encourages parents to read 1,000 books with their children by the time they enter kindergarten. The program includes charts and cute incentives. For more information, check out the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” website.
- Your turn! Okay, I cheated with only nine, but that’s because I want to hear from you! How are you passing your love for the library on to your children? I look forward to your thoughts.
Laura Sassi Tales 
Here’s an idea – have your kids check out book presents for other family members in the house. It’s always fun to get a receive gifts and this will also help kids understand that reading can be a social act. The gift books can be either a child’s favorite that he/she wants to share or it can be about something he/she knows the other family member likes.
Great idea, Rosanne! Thanks!
Great ideas, L. But – Aaarrgh! I was going to say be sure to go to Read to a Pet Night, but you already said it! I do therapy work at Read to a Pet Night with my TheraPet friends twice a month! It’s SO much fun! Kids read stories to me, play with me, pet me, and give me treats.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
That’s WONDERFUL! I love that Cupcake reads with kids at the library! We extend that idea at home by letting our little cockapoo, Sophie, join us during reading time.
Laura, These are wonderful ideas!
Oh, you make me miss my local CA library! I took my son to story time every Tuesday morning and also to the summer programs and activities.