Visiting the Public Library

Many of us forget how easy it is to get FREE books to read to our children...

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All it takes is a visit to your local library.  Many libraries even hold literacy events or story hours for families.  Taking a trip to the local library can be an enjoyable time for children of all ages.  Not only do libraries have a large selection of books, but also DVDs and CDs as well.  They also have computers for you and your family to use to seach information and play educational games too.

Make it a habit.  Each week or every two weeks, pencil a visit to the library in on your calendar.  Doing this will make it a priority and you will try to schedule around it once you see how much your children enjoy the visit.

How to make it a successful trip...Here are a few tips:

1.  Bring a bag to take home your books.  Choose a bag your child will recognize as the library book bag.  It will help you to stay organized as well.  I usually keep the the list of books I checked out of the library in this bag to help me know which books we need to return or you may want to post the book list on the refrigerator to remind you to return the books.

2.  At the library, be open to all kinds of books.  Let your children lead this journey.

3.  Read a few books at the library!  Still take them home if they are ones your child enjoys.

4.  Return your books on time to avoid fines.  That is why I like to schedule it on my calendar...then we get new books as well.

5.  Watch for interesting events at your library.  Sometimes there will be storytellers or authors.  These are usually free events for the public to enjoy.

Most of all...Read to your children of all ages, even when they can read themselves!