Visiting the Library
Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning
and discovery for everyone. Ask at the library about getting a
library card in your child's name and, if you don't already have
one, get a card for yourself.
The Librarian
Introduce yourself and your child to your librarian. Librarians
can help you to select the best books that are both fun and
suitable for your child's age level. They can also show you the
other programs and services the library has to offer.
Books . . . and More
In addition to a wealth of books, your library most likely will
have tapes and CDs of books, musical CDs and tapes,movies,
computers that you can use, and many more resources.
You also might find books in languages other than English,or
programs to help adults improve their reading. If you would like
reading help for yourself or your family, check with the
librarian about literacy programs in your community.
Supervised Story Times
Babies and toddlers.
Many libraries have group story hours that are short and geared
to the attention spans of the children. During story hour, child
sits in your lap, and both of you can join in the story. The
storyteller also may show you fingerplays and rhythm activities.
The storyteller also may give you tips and handouts that you can
use for your own home story hours.
Preschoolers.
The library may offer these story hours more than once a week.
For these story hours, you and your child usually read several
books on the same topic. You might play games, sing songs, use
puppets, or do other activities that are connected to that
topic. You also may get ideas for books to read and other things
to do with your child at home.
Families.
Families can read together, or they may join in a story told by
the library storyteller. Some libraries also set up family
activities around the readings, including crafts and art
projects and watching movies.
Summer Reading
After the school year is over, some children may forget what
they have learned about reading. Libraries help keep children
interested in reading by offering summer programs.
Children from early elementary school to high school read books
on their own. A teacher or librarian may give a child a diary or
log in which he writes what he read during the summer. And,
because reading aloud is so important to promoting a love of
reading, many libraries offer "Read-to-Me" clubs for preschool
and younger children.