How to Help Children Enjoy Visiting the Library

Public libraries offer children and parents an amazing array of resources, which include movies, video games, audio books and events. Children can enjoy puzzles, games and toys, as well as books, in the children's department. The children's librarian can help you and your child find the perfect book and provide information about story hours, after-school programs and even teen events.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read aloud to your child, and keep a few age-appropriate books at home. Chubby Board books are perfect for toddlers; picture books with a few words per page are great for preschool children. Longer picture books, such as the Caldecott Award winners, are a good choice for kids ages 5 through 7. Children ages 8 through 11 will enjoy longer works of fiction. Reading at home will help get your child excited about books and stories.

    • 2

      Make getting a personal library card a big event. You can check out books for your child on your library card, of course, but having her own library card is one way to make trips to the library special. Each library system will have its own rules for when and how a child can get a library card. You might be able to apply in advance and present the library card to your child before the visit. However, some libraries require that the child be able to recite her home address and telephone number and sign her name before she can get her very own library card. All libraries require parents to sign the paperwork for a minor child's library card.

    • 3

      Plan your trip to the library on a day that both you and your child are relaxed and have plenty of time. Greet the librarian on duty at the circulation desk first, especially if your trip will include getting a library card for your child. She can direct you to the children's department, where your child will be able to find age-appropriate materials.

    • 4

      Enjoy any murals or special displays available on your way to the children's department. Once there, give your child some time to explore the books, magazines and toys in the department. While your child is exploring, ask the children's librarian about the materials that are available for checkout. Many children's departments maintain a section with books about parenting. Some even have computer programs, videos and audiobooks for check out. Many libraries now even have ebooks and audiobooks that you can check out online and download to your computer or electronic device.

    • 5

      Sign up for age-appropriate library programs. Preschool story hours are usually held at regular intervals throughout the year. Programs for school-age children occur after school, on weekends or during summer vacation. Summer reading programs coincide with summer vacation and sometimes coordinate with local school reading programs. Children can read books and win prizes through the summer reading program. If your child belongs to a youth organization, such as Girl Scouts, suggest a using a trip to the library as one of the group's events.

    • 6

      Designate a special place at home to keep library books when your child is not reading them. This will help you and your child find all of the library books when it is time to take them back to your library. Returning your library books on time helps teach your child to be responsible, prevents library fines, and allows both of you to get the most out of your library experience. While you are at the library, check out a few books for yourself.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Get Kids Interested in Science
      As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher, so it’s your responsibility to provide opportunities for learning experiences. Learning about science -- or any subject for that matter -- does not have to involve putting a textbook in you
    • Kid-Friendly Cooking Games
      Giving the gift of cooking to a child provides math and organizational skills as well as providing self-sufficiency in the kitchen. Present the idea of cooking as a way to help out the family and learn lifelong skills and cooking will seem as appetiz
    • What Are the Best Games for a 3 Year Old?
      Playing games is an important part of the development of 3-year-old children because it teaches them basic fundamentals such as problem solving. Games are a fun way for children to exercise their bodies, their minds and their social skills. When sele