10 Ways Kids connect at the library

Answers... How fast can a dog run? What is the moon made of? What happened to the dinosaurs? No question need go without an answer. One mom reports keeping a list and taking it with her to the library to help her child find the answers.

Books... More books than any family can afford. Books to help stretch a child's mind and imagination. Old favorites like Amelia Bedelia and new favorites like the Goosebumps series tempt children of all ages to pick up a book and read. Ask your librarian for titles the whole family will enjoy.

Computers... Kids who aren't logged-on and literate will be lost in the 21st century. More and more libraries provide computers and classes to help kids (moms and dads, too) master computer skills.

Fun... Check out your library's free programs for children. Today's libraries offer a wide gamut of programming from movies and puppets to clowns and magicians to sleep-overs.

Homework help... A growing number of libraries across the country offer homework centers specially staffed and equipped with computers and other reference materials to assist children.

Librarians... Librarians are experts at answering questions and helping kids connect with books to appeal to their special interests. Be sure to introduce your children to the librarian and encourage them to ask for assistance.

Magazines... Most libraries offer a selection of popular children's magazines with stories, games and other fun activities.

Preschool learning... Getting kids ready to learn starts at birth. Almost every library offers preschool storyhours and other programs to introduce children to the fun of reading and stimulate mental development.

Tapes... Borrow books, stories and songs to play in the car, while brushing teeth, before nap or bedtime.

Videos... Check 'em out. Virtually every library offers videos on loan at no or nominal fees. Choose from Sesame Street, Shirley Temple, The Black Stallion and other classic children's films as well as current features.

How to Raise a Reader

Reading is a basic survival skill in today's information society.

But learning to read doesn't happen in the classroom alone. In fact, the best readers are introduced to books and reading long before they enter school. That's because parents are children's first and most important teachers. But you are not alone. Help is as close as your nearest public or school library. Whether it's surfing the Internet or finding just the right book for a reluctant reader, librarians are glad to help you and your family.

When something is fun, kids love to do it. Here are some tips to help make reading a valued and fun part of your life together.

From Birth

Half of your child's brain development happens before age four. Children who are read to before school age are better readers. These activities are designed to stimulate your baby's mind and prepare him or her to learn to read.

·       Talk to your baby. Tell what you're doing at bath time or when changing diapers. Point out birds and trees as you walk ("See the yellow bird!). Use your normal voice and words. Babies understand more than you think.

·       Sing. Try childhood favorites or make up your own. Baby doesn't care if you have a good voice!

·       Read to your baby each day. Mom, dad, grandparents, babysitters, older brothers and sisters can all enjoy this special activity. Make it a habit before naps, bedtime or any quiet time. Pick sturdy books with pages that won't tear and can be wiped clean. Also try fabric or musical push button books that use baby's sense of touch. Many libraries have a special selection of books for babies.

·       Sign up for special "lap sit" storyhours at the library. They help parents share books with their babies.

·       Make reading cuddle time. Hold your baby in your arms, on your lap or sitting next to you.

·       Don't forget to tell your own stories. It's never too early to share your experiences, family lore and values. Your history is as important as what's in the books.

Toddler - Preschool

As your child grows, he will be ready for new reading adventures. But remember that all children learn at a different pace. Some learn slowly, while others will begin reading in what seems like no time. Some will finish a book in ten minutes, others need more time. Never compare your child to others. Share your child's excitement over learning each new skill.

·       Take your child to the library and bookstores often. Introduce him to the children's librarian. Take him to storyhours, even if he won't sit through an entire program. Let him wander through the stacks and feel good about being there.

·       As soon as your child is old enough, have him register for his own library card. Make it a special event. Call grandma and grandpa to tell them the big news. Serve his favorite dinner. Let him check out what interests him, not what you think he should read. Remind him when it's time to return the books (a great way to teach responsibility early on).

·       Limit television or videos to no more than one or two hours of carefully selected programs each day. Watch together and talk about what you see.

·       Make a special place for your child's books and library books - a bottom bookshelf or basket on the floor where she can reach them when she wants. Display books and magazines prominently in your home so they become a part of everyday life.

·       Take your child to plays, puppet shows, musical performances and other live entertainment. Programs like these are offered by many libraries to stimulate the minds and imaginations of young children.

·       Record your child's favorite stories on cassette tapes to play in the car or when you aren't around. Or borrow tapes of popular children's books, songs and nursery rhymes from the library.

·       Have your child make up stories and act them out using puppets or toys. Make up songs or poems together, then perform them for family and friends.

·       Take favorite books or magazines along wherever you go. Use waiting times at doctors' offices or in line at the grocery store to tell stories or read together.

·       Try educational computer games. Many libraries have computers and software designed for various ages.

·       Give your child books as gifts, and have your child give books as gifts. This reinforces the idea that books are fun and special and not just for school use.

School Days

It's important to keep reading together even after your child begins learning to read. The teacher will teach him how to read, but it's up to you to make reading fun and meaningful in everyday life so your child will want to be a good reader.

·       Use the library often. Encourage your child to ask the librarian for help finding stories she'll like. Make suggestions, but let her check out what she wants to read.

·       Let your child see both mom and dad reading and using the library. Encourage children to think of the library as a resource for fun and learning throughout life.

·       Enroll your child in a library summer reading club. It's free! Studies show that children who participate in summer reading programs are more likely to retain their reading skills over the summer.

·       As her reading skills improve, have her read to you, baby brother, even her favorite teddy bear. Some stories that interest her may still be too hard for her to read on her own. She'll let you know if she would rather read with you or by herself.

·       Look for ways your child can use his new reading skills. Ask him to read signs, menus, cereal boxes. Have him read to you while you do the dishes or fix the pipes. Ask relatives to write postcards to him. Put notes in his lunch box ("Thank you for helping me today! Love, Mom.")

·       Computer time can be reading time. There are many programs for children that build their reading skills. Let your child help you "surf the Internet." Have him point to colors, shapes and words on the screen. Send "letters" via e-mail.

·       Make holiday cards and party invitations. Have your child create her own special messages. She can write them or cut words or letters out of magazines and paste them on construction paper.

·       As your child gets older, have him write a daily journal. Suggest that he start by simply telling everything he does each day. He could write on any scraps of paper and put them together in a binder, or you might give him a notebook or blank page book to make it special.

·       Set aside a special read aloud time for the whole family. There are many books that everyone from toddlers to teens to moms and dads will enjoy. Ask your librarian for suggestions and remember that many classics like Charles Dickens "The Christmas Carol" were intended to be read aloud. Have family members read different parts. Make a bowl of popcorn. Turn off the TV. And enjoy!

Know What Your Child Is Reading

Not every book is right for every child. Children mature at different rates. They have different interests, reading abilities and life experiences. Librarians, while glad to share their expertise, believe that decisions about what materials are suitable for particular children should be made by the people who know them best — their parents or guardians. The American Library Association offers the following tips to help parents guide their children's reading and library use:

1. Allow your kids to explore the public library and remember that children and teens are naturally attracted to materials intended for them. They are generally not attracted to materials that are too advanced for their reading or maturity levels.
2. Provide clear guidelines for your children. Let them know there are subjects or areas that you prefer be off limits and explain why.
3. Get to know your public and school librarians. Librarians know best what is in their collections and are experts at selecting materials for children of varying ages, interests and abilities.
4. Introduce your children to the librarian and encourage them to seek his\her guidance. The American Library Association and many local libraries publish helpful lists of award-winning children's books and other guides to good reading for children from babies to teens.
5. Have a special shelf at home for library materials and take time to familiarize yourself with them. Review all reading lists sent home by classroom teachers. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to discuss them with the librarian or teacher. He or she may be able to provide an alternative for your child.
6. Talk with your children about what they are reading. This will give you insight into their special interests and concerns. If you feel a book or other item is inappropriate, take the opportunity to express your concerns in a nonjudgmental way.
7. Remember that reading is not the same thing as doing. Many young people seek information from libraries that they are embarrassed or are afraid to ask an adult. A factual book, unlike hearsay from friends, can ease their fears or may keep them safe from harm.
8. Learn more about how to evaluate children's books. Most libraries provide books and brochures with guidelines about what is appropriate and appealing to various ages. Read book reviews and review materials yourself to determine if they are appropriate for your child.

Good Books For Kids: A Good Place To Start

Every child's life should be filled with books—at home, at school, in the library—to share with a parent or caregiver, to read, to learn from, and to enjoy. 

From: 101 Books for Children: A Good Place to Start
Prepared by ALSC/ABC Joint Committee, Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. 

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