Your child’s formative years are some of the most important of their life. During this stage, it’s essential to expose them to subjects and experiences that pique their curiosity and encourage them to think deeply and ask questions. Taking them to the library is an easy and enjoyable way to help them grow in so many ways. Here are three reasons why this activity is so beneficial for your preschool or pre-kindergarten child.
Why Take Your Little One to the Library?
Expose Them to New Topics
Library shelves and racks are filled with books spanning all subjects. Kids can explore fiction stories that are completely new to them, read true stories about important historical figures, and find out about everything they want to know about dinosaurs. This fosters their enthusiasm about different topics and encourages them to learn more by asking questions. As they grow, this will serve them well in the classroom when they’re exposed to new subjects.
Helps Them Become Responsible
For a child, getting a library card provides them with a deep sense of pride and excitement. Encourage them to make regular use of their card and explain to them that every time you visit the library, they will have a chance to check out the books they want. Remind them that having a card of their own is a big responsibility. Learning how to care for possessions is something that begins at a young age, and this is an easy way to encourage its importance.
Take Part in Fun Activities
Libraries truly engage preschool and pre-kindergarten students because they can sit in on weekly story hours. These enthusiastic “performers” often put on costumes or use puppets to tell stories in exciting and fresh ways that thrill your child. Many libraries also offer complimentary classes, during which they can learn everything from arts to crafts while spending quality time with other kids. That will build their communication skills while they learn something new at the same time.
Libraries Can Help with Education
Many libraries have connections for tutoring, early literacy programs, and summer reading programs. Googling a topic does not equate to learning about it. There is more than just one paragraph to know about a topic, and the library is where everything is written about extensively. So next time there’s a topic you’re interested in, try doing a deep dive by checking out a couple books. Take the time to teach your child how to search for information on any and all topics they may wish to explore.
Libraries are Shared Spaces
Our visits to the library always begin with negotiations about which child gets to push which buttons for the automatic doors and elevator. Then there’s a reminder about using our “library voices.” The children’s section is a great place to practice this voice because there are other kids practicing, too. And practice is good, because it turns out a library voice is similar to a “restaurant voice”, a “bank voice”, and a “post office voice.” Learning to take care of public property is a life lesson. It’s good for kids to know that another child probably wants to read “The Skeleton Pirate” just as much as they do, and the book just isn’t as good with the giant whale page ripped out. Let’s just say that the time one of my kids had to empty his piggy bank to pay for a library CD he broke in half made a lasting impression.
A Library Expands your Child’s Horizons
Libraries bring a world of books, movies, music, and more straight to your family. Kids with library cards can choose their own materials and explore their own interests, all while broadening their horizons beyond their home bookshelf.
Plus, a library offers something you can’t find anywhere else — a librarian! Librarians are tour guides of knowledge. Consider them search engines with heart. Forget Google, librarians are the ultimate resource.
Visiting the Library Encourages Community Building
In a world where we probably spend too much time at home and isolated on our screens, libraries are much-needed centers of the community. They offer a wide range of events and classes open to people of all ages and backgrounds. Your kids (and parents, too!) can meet new friends at Storytime’s or just hang out in the children’s area. Or learn a new hobby at one of the other many events your local library is likely hosting! Your library can open up a new world of interests and people for your crew.
A Library Card Teaches Responsibility
If their name is on the card, kids will likely take the rules of caring for and returning books a lot more seriously. You borrow it, you return it — or face the consequences. Learning lessons about responsibility at the library is a pretty great way for kids to start interacting with the big wide world. And hopefully, the lessons they learn will work at home, too!
Ready to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month? Get your family to the library. It’s guaranteed to be love at first chapter.