How to Plan a Trip to the Library with Children

The next time your children plop down in front of the television set, take them to the local library instead. From a thrilling work of fiction to informational DVDs, library collections are vast and ever-expanding. Plan a trip to the local library with children by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Library card

1. Inspire your child to read. Before heading to the library, motivate your child to learn more about a certain subject. Recommend they read the book version of a movie they just watched or urge them to read more on some topic of interest. Look for opportunities to foster an interest in reading and learning.
2. Instruct your children on proper library conduct. Explain that libraries are places of learning and that loud behavior isn't appropriate. Advise them to behave like adults while conducting research and locating materials. Children will view their use of the library as more of a privilege if the experience is described as a grown-up activity.
3. Provide children with their own bag to hold library books. This gives them a sense of ownership and comes in handy when transporting materials. A large bag will also encourage children to check out more books.
4. Ask your child to write down titles, subject matter and other information they want to research while at the library.
5. Take advantage of the audio visual collection. Many library collections include DVDs and other multimedia materials. Classic children and young adult movies and books on tape appeal to young people.
6. Use library policies and borrowing privileges as opportunities to teach children about responsibility. Require them to keep up with checked out materials and their respective due dates.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid dropping children off at the library unattended. As public facilities, libraries are no place for unchaperoned children. Parents are responsible for their child's conduct and safety while they are in the library.