1) The library is a great place to
“shop” for books before you make a permanent investment. Of the
five or ten books you take home, you child will have a few favorites.
These would be great ones to own! Buy them or put them on your wish
list for birthdays and other gifting occasions.
2) Most libraries schedule story
times, even for infants and toddlers. These are great opportunities
to practice “school skills” like sitting in a circle and sharing
an adult (whoever is reading to the kids) with a number of other
children.
3) You can often find music
experiences at the library, either as part of story time or as a
separate offering. Singing music in a group is a unique interactive
experience, very different from listening to music on a device.
Singing, in addition to being pleasurable for kids, introduces them
to rhyme and rhythm, both of which help them learn to read later.
4) You will get to know the children's
librarian, who is a great ally. He or she will help you satisfy your
child's curiosity while expanding interests.
5) Some libraries have volunteer
“grandparents” on hand during scheduled times. This provides
cross-generational contact, especially valuable for kids whose own
grandparents aren't nearby.
6) The library is a great place to
donate books your child has outgrown. Libraries hold book sales
where you can get great deals on used books. Proceeds from the sale
augment the library's budget for acquiring wonderful new
books.
7) Kids meet other kids in their age
group at the library.
8) Parents meet other like-minded
parents at the library.
9) Library visits often get extended
to park visits or a stop for lunch. These impromptu playdates enrich
kids' social life and strengthen ties with other families.
10) Libraries are open even when the
weather is bad and you can't go to the beach, enjoy the park or take
a walk.
My daughter Sarah Walsh, who is a
children's librarian, helped me with this list. Thank you Sarah! As
a veteran of many storytimes (both as a provider and as the parent
of a toddler) she asked me to add one final note: If you are
participating in a structured library program with your child, be
sure to give the librarian your full attention. Sure, you already
know that Max gets back from where the wild things are and ends up in
his very own room, but that's not the point. The point is that you
model curious, attentive, engaged behavior. Your child's future
teachers will thank you!
