Visiting the Library

Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learningand discovery for everyone. Ask at the library aboutgetting a library card in your child's name and, if you don'talready 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 areboth fun and suitable for your child's age level. They canalso show you the other programs and services the libraryhas to offer.

Books . . . and More

In addition to a wealth of books, your library most likelywill 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 youwould like reading help for yourself or your family, checkwith the librarian about literacy programs in yourcommunity.

Supervised Story Times

Babies and toddlers.

Many libraries have group story hours that are short andgeared 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 aweek. 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 toldby the library storyteller.Some libraries also set up family activities around thereadings, including crafts and art projects and watchingmovies.

Summer Reading

After the school year is over, some children may forget whatthey have learned about reading. Libraries help keepchildren interested in reading by offering summer programs.

Children from early elementary school to high school readbooks on their own. A teacher or librarian may give a childa diary or log in which he writes what he read during thesummer. And, because reading aloud is so important topromoting a love of reading, many libraries offer "Read-to-Me" clubs for preschool and younger children.

Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox,which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter,healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com

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