Things You'll Need:
- a public library
- proof of address
- parent's signature (usually)
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Step 1
Call the local library nearest your home. Ask how old a child needs to be to get their first library card. Find out what identification the parent needs to bring with them. Ask what hours and days the library is open. Ask if you can take books home the first day or have to wait for the card to be issued.
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Step 2
Start talking to your child about the upcoming visit to get the library card. Sound excited about going to the library. Explain that there are lots of books in the library and talk about how much fun it's going to be to bring the books home to read.
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Step 3
On the way to the library, tell the child about using their special library voice when they are at the library. Demonstrate it by talking in a hushed manner.
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Step 4
Inside the library, go to the desk closest to the entrance. This is probably the Circulation Desk. There might be a sign that says LIBRARY CARDS ISSUED HERE. Fill out the form with the necessary information (name, address, etc.). Sometimes the child has to be able to sign their name on the form or the card. The parent usually has to sign that they will be responsible for what the child borrows. The library card should be free.
To make the occasion seem extra special, bring the camera and take a photo of the child receiving the library card. Tell the child that a good place to keep the library card is in Mommy's (or Daddy's) wallet next to Mommy's library card. Put it there. -
Step 5
Find the children's area of the library and start browsing through the books that fit your child's age range and interests. Many libraries have a Children's Specialist who will gladly show you to the right area and can also find age-approriate books on topics that interest the child.
If the child gets over-excited, remind him using your hushed voice that "we have to be quiet in the library." Children's areas are usually pretty relaxed, but may be adjacent to study areas for adults and students. -
Step 6
Don't leave the child alone in the children's area of the library. The librarian is not a baby sitter and a library is a public place that anyone can enter. Stay with your child and help them find books. Sit in a comfy chair or bench or even on the floor and read a book together.
Once the child has a good selection of books, go together to the area for selecting the parent's books. The child can sit nearby and look at their books while you choose your own. Again, do not let the child wander off or lose track of where he is. -
Step 7
When you get home, have a special spot designated for keeping the library books. This can be a shelf, a basket under the coffee table or another spot. Show the child that this is where the library books have to stay when they are not being read. Make sure they understand that in two weeks you will go to the library again to take back the books and get new ones.
Comments
anthonya said
on 11/5/2009 Great advice! Young children take pride in having their own library card, and can inspire a life-long love for reading.
beautyqueen26 said
on 9/11/2009 Fantastic ideas! Especially appreciated the part of the article where you mentioned about not leaving the child alone. I've been into libraries before and seen kids running all over the place. As you say it's a public place, so easy for someone to walk out with a child. A very scary situation.
Five stars for your article. *****
And, a recommendation.
AnneZ said
on 8/26/2009 My son got his card at age 6, almost 7. He's done 2 summer reading programs. Great way to supplement the books at home, especially the early readers which he is finishing one a day. Thanks for the tips! 5*s
karileighk said
on 8/22/2009 Wonderful idea. I should remind my mom that she needs to do this for my baby brother.
godfather25 said
on 8/21/2009 Outstanding article on getting a library card for a child.