Try these tips and book suggestions to start building an appreciation for books while your kids are young. Storytimes: Many libraries offer storytimes for children starting with lapsit programs for babies to afterschool programs for kindergarteners and first graders. Storytimes aren't just about books. They include songs, crafts, and other activities to get the kids involved and teach them that books connect to other aspects of life. Parents who work during the day, but still want to attend library storytimes with their children, can often attend "bedtime storytimes" in the evening, where kids are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a stuffed animal.
Librarians: Don't forget that your library is full of experts. The children's librarian knows children's books, and he or she knows the library collection. Use that knowledge! Ask for recommendations for books. Ask about the new books in the collection. Ask for advice on reading with your children. He or she will be happy to share this information with you.
Summer Reading Programs: Most libraries offer some kind of incentive program for summer reading. Even kids who can't read yet are able to participate in the "read to me" reading program, where they turn in a reading log every week with the books that they have read (or been read to) for prizes, which can be anything from a bookmark or a pencil in the first few weeks of the summer to books or toys toward the end of the summer. Many libraries are able to get local sponsors to donate prizes, so sometimes kids can earn a free ice cream cone from the local ice cream shop as a prize for reading books. This program is especially geared toward school age kids to keep them reading during their summer vacation, but all ages are invited to participate.
All these things require one thing: regular visits to the library. Make sure to set aside library time each week. Have the librarian show you around the children's area, and let your child explore and choose their own books. Ask them questions about the books they've chosen, and point out what you like about it. And don't forget about yourself. Choose a book for yourself while you're there, and let your child see you reading during the week. To save time, you can call ahead to have a particular book held for you or ask the librarian to make some recommendations.
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