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Benefits Of Taking Your Kids To The Library

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11 Compelling Reasons to Bring Your Kids to the Library

A Library is a magical place filled with endless opportunities for exploration, learning, and imagination…filled with fascinating books on every topic under the sun. Let’s explore the many benefits of going to the library with your kids!

What’s Inside:

  • So many books to choose from!
  • Going to the library with your kids saves money
  • Access to resources and technology
  • Cultivates curiosity and imagination
  • Enhances language and literacy Skills
  • Promotes independent learning
  • Fosters a love of learning
  • Builds social skills and relationships
  • Encourages responsibility and respect
  • Supports academic achievement
  • Creates lifelong memories

There’s just something about being in a library that calms me. Perhaps it’s the hushed voices and the general quietness combined with the underlying scent of paper and books. Or maybe it’s because it brings me back to my youth.

You see, my first job was working in the local library in the sleepy little town where I grew up. I held the esteemed title of “assistant librarian” at the ripe old age of 13.

Being a little bookworm and having parents who encouraged us kids to read from a young age made the job the perfect fit for me.

It was a simpler time; life was slower, and I miss that. So these days, when I visit the library with my little guy, I am brought back to that grounded, calm feeling mixed with a bit of nostalgia.

Library Trips For Kids Have Many Benefits (Even in a Technological World!)

While the digital age has transformed the way we access information, the library still plays an important role in learning, especially for our children as we raise them in a world surrounded by technology and screen time.

Let’s delve into the many benefits of bringing your kids to the library and why it’s an invaluable experience for families.

so many books to choose from!

This one is pretty obvious. One of the main reasons to bring your kids to your local library is the vast collections of books for all ages and interests.

Whether your child is into fantasy adventures, science fiction, or non-fiction, the library has something for every kid’s taste.

Exposing children to a diverse range of literature broadens their horizons and expands their worldviews. Even if you have a particular book you want to check out, your branch can try to get it from another one if they don’t have it!

Going to the library with your kids saves money

Borrowing books from the library is a cost-effective way to encourage reading without breaking the bank.

Our library prints a receipt for you when you check out items showing you not only when your book is due to return but also how much money you saved by using the library that day; ie. the cost of each book if you were to purchase it for yourself. Believe me, it can add up to thousands of dollars a year in savings! Especially if you borrow videos and games.

access to resources and technology

There is more to the library than just books! Libraries also offer access to a wide range of resources and technology that can aid in your child’s learning journey.

From computers and internet access to educational databases and research materials, libraries provide so many valuable learning tools for kids.

Some even provide digital literacy and safety workshops to help navigate the online world safely.

Cultivates Curiosity and Imagination

Libraries are treasure troves of knowledge waiting to be discovered, igniting curiosity and sparking imagination in young minds.

Whether it’s exploring new worlds through fiction or delving into the mysteries of science and history, the library fosters a sense of wonder and exploration.

Trips to the library are a surefire way to spark curiosity and creativity, open young minds to ask questions about new topics, seek answers, and think critically.

Enhances Language and Literacy Skills

Want to raise a reader? One of the simplest ways to do this is by taking your kids to the library regularly. it only stands to reason right?

Exposing children to a wide variety of books, styles of writing, genres, and authors can boost early literacy skills.

Even at the toddler stage, reading picture books together and storytelling with your kids will strengthen their reading skills and comprehension. I am a firm believer in reading to and with your kids as much as possible from a young age!

The library always has fun, interactive programs for little ones like storytime or circle time. Preschoolers will get a taste of what it will be like when they start kindergarten and have a great time in the process!

You may also like: Reading With Preschoolers: 13 Tips For Parents!

Promotes Independent Learning

Visiting the library empowers older kids to take ownership of their learning and develop valuable skills for independent research.

By browsing the shelves on their own, children find their unique way to research topics and navigate information.

Libraries also provide a quiet, calm environment where kids can focus and read without distractions that might be present at home.

fosters a love of learning

Another one of the incredible benefits of taking your kids to the library is that it cultivates a love of learning.

Libraries provide endless opportunities for children to explore, discover and grow intellectually.

Kids love to have fun and you have the power to show them that learning CAN be fun! Visiting the library instills in children a sense of wonder and enthusiasm for the world around them.

Builds Social Skills and Relationships

And speaking of fun, the library can serve as a social hub and give kids a sense of community and social engagement.

When our little guy was younger, he loved going to story time at the library and now that he’s a bit older hitting the arts and crafts events are his jam!

Older kids may want to join book clubs, tween and teen group activities, or cultural programs at their local library.

All these types of social events bring people and families of diverse backgrounds together, help kids develop social skills with peers, and foster a sense of belonging to their community.

Encourages Responsibility and Respect

Borrowing books from the library teaches children valuable lessons in responsibility and respect.

Borrowing books, video games, and movies from the library is an excellent way to teach kids the importance of respecting shared materials.

In other words, you can help your kids learn that that library book is not “theirs”, it is only theirs to borrow. Remind them to keep it safe from harm…whether that harm is rips and tears, Cheeto-stained fingers, a spilled juice box, the family dog’s teeth, or getting lost.

Kids will earn a sense of pride by taking care of borrowed materials, returning them on time, and following library rules.

Supports Academic Achievement

The library is the perfect quiet place for kids to study for exams and work on school projects.

Endless resources are right at their fingertips and as a bonus, they can ask the librarian for help finding anything they need.

Also, participating in workshops and other library programs can help improve kids’ learning skills and overall success in school.

Our library has a wonderful program called “Book Buddies” where community members can volunteer to help children who need extra support with learning to read.

Reading programs like this can be an amazing confidence builder for kids who might feel a little nervous about reading aloud in class when called upon.

Creates Lifelong Memories

Last but not least, visiting the library with your kiddos creates cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether it’s cuddling up with a good book, attending library events together, or simply spending quality time as a family, these shared experiences are one of the best ways to foster family bonding.

Going to the library with your kids, when done regularly will become a core memory for them…and for you.

Whether it’s cuddling up with picture books in the children’s section, picking out their favourite graphic novels or comic books, having fun at the crafting table, or learning about new places, people, or things, there are endless memories to be made together.

There Are So Many Great Benefits Of A Trip To The Library!

From promoting literacy and fostering curiosity to building social skills and creating lifelong memories, the library benefits kids and grown-ups in so many ways!

By making library visits a regular part of your family routine, you’re not just enriching your children’s lives but opening the door to endless possibilities for growth, learning, and discovery.

I am a firm believer in the power of reading and that surrounding our kids with books galore can help them grow into well-rounded individuals.

My mom always told us that if we didn’t know something to go look it up in a book. If we couldn’t find the answer on her Encyclopedia bookshelf, then she’d bring us to the library. Yes, this was pre-Google. But you get the idea.

Books hold a wealth of knowledge and there’s something unique and special about getting lost in one that’s just a completely different experience than looking it up on your phone.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your library card and embark on a magical journey of exploration and adventure with your kids today!

kelly blakely

Kelly Blakely is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.

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