Learning Partners
Let's Use the Library!
Most public libraries offer a wide variety of children's books and magazines, with
many in Spanish and other languages. In addition to printed materials, libraries often
lend audiotapes and videocassettes of childrens' books and movies, and more libraries are
making computers available to the public. Many libraries also sponsor special programs,
including children's story hours, summer reading programs, and homework help. If your
child has special needs, be sure to ask about services the library offers for the blind,
the deaf, and those who are gifted or need remedial help. Many libraries have specially
trained librarians for children. Feel free to ask them for help.
Here are some things you can do to introduce your child to the library:
- Include children--even toddlers--in trips to the library, and go often.
- As soon as you can, help your child get a library card.
- Borrow recordings of children's stories and songs, cassette tapes, compact discs,
videotapes, even puppets and educational toys.
- Find out if your library has computers and how your children can use them to learn
or upgrade skills.
- Encourage your children to use the library to find information for their homework.
- Encourage your children to ask for help from you and the librarian in finding books
and materials.
- Work with the librarian to teach older children how to find things in the library
on their own.
- Teach your children how to take care of themselves in public places, especially if
they use the library alone. Stress common sense guidelines for behavior in the library.
Library Activities
Become a Member for
young children
1. Sign up for a library card yourself, and check out books to learn stories,
songs, rhymes, and fingerplays to use at home to stimulate and encourage your child's
development.
2. Get a library card for your child as soon as possible. (Some libraries will
issue a card as soon as a child can write his or her name.)
3. Encourage your child to check out books. This can encourage responsibility,
too.
4. Take your child to the library for special programs.
Get Into the Act for
elementary school children
1. Get your child into reading programs at the library. Many children earn
certificates or other awards for reading books through special library programs.
2. Visit your children's school library, meet the librarian, and see what it has
to offer. Help out with any book fairs the school sponsors. You'll learn a lot about
children's literature that way.
3. Enroll your child in computer courses the library may offer.
Reference Desk for
more advanced students
1. Encourage your children to use the library for schoolwork. Help them determine
if the library has the resources they need or if they need to check other information
sources.
2. Give your children encouragement, advice, and a ride if they need it, but
resist the temptation to take over an assignment. Let your children be responsible for
researching and writing reports.
3. Check out the special services your library offers for helping students with
school assignments, such as homework hotlines and term paper clinics.
4. Build up your personal library by getting books for 50 cents or $1.00 at yard
sales.