With summer coming and days at the beach and lounging around, abound, trips to the library are a must for the 4+ crowd. While the ones under 4 are probably still a little too rough on books and using the library mostly for storytime, the older ones are starting to enjoy the wide variety of children’s books a library has to offer. Reading can be a source of lifelong enjoyment and bringing your children to the library helps to foster their enthusiasm and interest in reading.
While babies and toddlers enjoy repetitious reading, the 4 and 5 year olds start to appreciate new and different stories read to them as well as some that are beginning to read. Going to the library to pick out new books to read not only saves money, keeps boredom at bay, fuels the imagination, but gives your child a better understanding what borrowing is. Borrowing books from the library teaches simple responsibility, they need to make sure it stays in good condition and doesn’t get lost. They not only learn new things and enjoy the books but the actual process has small lessons to be learned. Most libraries let children of any age sign up with a parent or guardian to co-sign the membership. Now many states are linking all their libraries through the internet, and allow check out at any in the consortium as well as copies to be exchanged throughout the system and some even do books by mail. Make sure your little one goes with a backpack or tote to lug home their new selection of books (lest your into carrying the pile for them!)
Need to get started?
Library Finder
Some book suggestions from the Boston Public Library (by subject)
Best Stories list from Chicago Public Library
Check out these sweet library totes for kids and adults at Abba Dabba Bags
Hitting the road? Download some FREE podcasts at Storynory’s children’s books audio library
