When many people think of libraries they remember the multiple times they were ‘hushed’ as a child. Years ago librarians were considered the ‘library police’ and often thought of as unfriendly old ladies out to prevent fun at all costs. Well luckily for today’s children those times are past and a whole new world of library fun exists for your toddler. Toddlers – in the library? Yes! Toddlers love the library and as a parent you have the perfect opportunity to introduce your young child to new adventures in learning and literature.
Studies have shown that young children who are read to are more successful at learning to read, and what better place to light the spark of learning in your toddler than at the library. By introducing reading to your child at an early age you’re setting the standard for making books a permanent part of their lives.
Children’s librarian Patty Collins of the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library in Junction City Kansas says about today’s libraries:
“The libraries of today aren’t like those we used as kids. Many libraries have children’s sections where noise, activity, and exploration are welcomed. Colored tubs on the floor or on low shelves contain board books and tray puzzles. Books filled with bold, colorful illustrations rest on low shelves to make them accessible at kid-height. Computers loaded with age appropriate games and child sized check-out desks make even the youngest users feel as though they have some ownership of their library”
For parents who are looking for fun ways to share books and reading with their toddler, story time is just the ticket. Children’s librarians, often known as ‘Story-Ladies’, become favorite people in little kid’s lives, leaving a warm memory of a fun library rather than a place where silence is the rule.
“Story times are like insurance for a library,” Collins says. “Kids are often so excited about the books that were shared or the subject that was explored during story time, that they will want to check out books to take home and share their new-found knowledge with their parents and siblings. That 30 minutes with the Story-Lady can potentially lead to an entire week’s worth of entertainment and learning for a two year old.”
What can you do to further enrich your child’s library experience? The American Library Association offers some tips:
o Ask about toddler story time at your local library.
o Check out books to read to your toddler at home.
o When you read to your toddler use an expressive voice.
o Make sure to hold the book so your toddler can easily see the pictures.
o Let your toddler handle the book and ask him to point out objects on the pages.
o When your toddler finds a favorite book, read it to him over and over again.
Take your toddler to the library and enroll him in story time so that he may experience a group reading program. Let your child help pick out his own books to take home. Snuggle up with your toddler and let him point out pictures and objects on the pages. Make time every day to read aloud to your child. Those special moments reading to your toddler are some of the most enjoyable times of the day, and by sharing books at an early age you set the stage for a lifetime of reading.
