How to Help Children Enjoy Visiting the Library

There are so many benefits to helping your children enjoy visiting the library. The library offers more than just books; there are many services, programs and resources available to help instill a love for learning and reading in children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Find a library that is easily accessible from your home. Take your children to that library and plan to spend at least an hour there.
2. Introduce yourself and your children to the librarian. The librarian can recommend age- and level-appropriate books and materials for your child.
3. Obtain library cards for all your children. That way they will feel important and have a sense of ownership during the library visit.
4. Have the librarian give you and your children a tour of the facilities and explain the various services and programs available.
5. Visit the library at least once a week. This will help your children develop a habit of visiting the library.
6. Spend a good amount of time at the library. Don't rush the children. Let them look around and get comfortable, and they will soon learn to enjoy visiting the library.
7. Help your children to find and select interesting books.
8. Take your children to story time. They often include puppet shows, crafts, songs and special guest appearance by authors or book illustrators.
9. Sign your children up for the library's summer reading program. This is a great way to encourage your children to read over the summer break. Most programs also give rewards for reading so the children will be motivated.
10. Take them to special events held at the library over the summer. These are usually fun, exciting and educational.
11. Have fun with your children visiting the library!

Tips & Warnings

• Provide your children a good dictionary. It encourages them to look up words that they do not understand and increases their vocabulary power.
• Create a well-lit, comfortable spot for reading in the home.
• Give each child an inexpensive library bag for them to use when visiting the library.
• Take younger children to the library when they are not tired or hungry. They will be able to concentrate better.

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