Let’s Go to the Library

Your Child Will Learn

That they can find some favorite books at the library and take them home!

Go to your local library and find the infant and toddler part of the children’s section. Many libraries have child-size book shelves, carpeted areas, and soft furniture for small children.
Explain that this is a place where you can borrow books and take them home for a short while.
Browse the aisles and guide your child toward low shelves so they can select the books they want. Model gentleness with books and how to turn the pages without ripping them.
Have your child watch the check-out process. When the books are at home, emphasize that you’re reading special books your child picked out. Continue to model gentleness and care for books.

PAUSE

Take your time to put on your socks, shoes and jackets (if needed) together…now we’re ready to go to the library!

ENGAGE

Follow your child’s lead as you browse the book aisles and take notice of what books they are interested in.
When your child selects a book, talk about the title of the book and picture on the cover, and explain what you think the book is about.

ENCOURAGE

Your child may struggle with being gentle and turning the pages of books, so lift the corners of pages but allow them to make the turn.
Your child may want to “play” with the books by taking a bunch off the shelf and throwing them to the ground. Help them understand how to take books off the shelf carefully one-by-one.

REFLECT

Was your child comfortable at the library? Was it accessible for small children? What will you do differently on the next trip to the library?

If there is a play area in your library, balance your time with both reading and playing.

Introduce your child to a librarian and ask them to help your child find and select books.

They will understand what a library is, how to pick out and check out books, and how to care for the books they borrow.

20-30 minutes

Library card/membership