I love reading and I always did. I grew up in a house full of books. I do not exaggerate when I say that every single room in my parent’s house had shelves filled with volumes and volumes of books.
After growing up in a house overflowing with books, it was only natural to me to read books with my children, practically from their day one. Story-time soon became part of our family daily routine, and today it is something kids look forward to as much as my husband I do before they go to bed.
Whilst to me it’s important to have books at home, I still believe that visiting a library with kids can be a rewarding family activity. “Easier said than done” some may say. As a mum of two kids aged four and nearly two, I know that the idea of entering a library with children can be daunting. They can be unpredictable, disruptive and loud, at least mine.
Libraries certainly provide some unique challenges for parents but a little bit of planning will make visits fascinating, successful and enjoyable, for your kids and for you, I promise.
If you are just starting out using the library with your children, here are my top 5 tips:
1. Talk about your next visit to the library with your kids.
2. Set expected behaviors once you get there, especially the keeping the voice down rule.
3. Get your children their own library card to give them a sense of responsibility and ownership.
4. When you borrow books, explain to your children what you're doing.
5. Teach them how to take care of library books once you are back home.
This sounds too obvious, I know, but sometimes it's easy to overlook the obvious.
And if you think that libraries are boring and old-fashioned, check out the fun-filled programs offered by these local libraries:
Bay Harbor Islands Branch Library
