When many people think of libraries, they remember the many times they were “silenced” as children. Years ago, librarians were considered the ‘librarian police’ and were often seen as unsympathetic old ladies who avoided fun at all costs. Fortunately for today’s children, those times are long gone and there is a whole new world of library fun for your young child. Young children – in the library? Yeah! Young children love the library, and as a parent, you have the perfect opportunity to introduce your young child to new adventures in learning and literature.
Studies have shown that young children who are read to are more successful in learning to read, and what better place to ignite the spark of learning in your young child than at the library. By introducing your child to reading at an early age, you are setting the standard for making books a permanent part of their lives.
Children’s librarian Patty Collins of the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library in Junction City Kansas says of today’s libraries:
“Today’s libraries are not like the ones we used when we were kids. Many libraries have children’s sections where noise, activity, and exploration are welcome. Colored bins on the floor or on low shelves hold books from cardboard and trays with puzzles.Books full of “bold” colorful illustrations rest on low shelves so they are accessible at child height. Computers loaded with age-appropriate games and kid-sized checkout counters make even the youngest patrons feel like they have some ownership of their library.”
For parents looking for fun ways to share books and read with their young children, story time is just the thing. Children’s librarians, often known as ‘Story-Ladies’, become favorite people in young children’s lives, leaving a warm memory of a fun library rather than a place where silence is the rule.
“Story time is like insurance for a library,” says Collins. “Children are often so excited about the books that were shared or the theme that was explored during story time, that they will want to check out books to take home and share their new knowledge with their parents and siblings. Those 30 minutes with Story -Lady can potentially lead to a full week of entertainment and learning for a two-year-old.”
What can you do to further enrich your child’s library experience? The American Library Association offers some advice:
o Ask about story time for toddlers at your local library.
o Check out books to read to your toddler at home.
o When reading to your toddler, use an expressive voice.
o Be sure to hold the book so your toddler can easily see the pictures.
o Let your child handle the book and ask him to point to objects on the pages.
o When your toddler finds a favorite book, read it over and over again.
Take your toddler to the library and sign him up for story time so he can experience a group reading program. Let your child help you choose his own books to take home. Snuggle up with your toddler and let him point to pictures and objects on the pages. Make time every day to read aloud to your child. Those special moments reading to your toddler are some of the most enjoyable times of the day, and by sharing books at an early age, you set the stage for a lifetime of reading.