A Guide to Library Activities for Children: Why Libraries Are Great for Your Family

Libraries have long been essential resources for communities, providing access to books, knowledge, and learning opportunities for all. For parents, au pairs, and caretakers, libraries carry additional value as they offer a variety of different programs and activities tailored to children’s needs. This guide dives deeper into why libraries are valuable for families, the types of activities available for children, and how families and au pairs can make the most of what libraries offer.

What Is the Purpose of Libraries?

Libraries are designated public spaces created to provide community members with free access to knowledge, learning opportunities, and community resources. They are not just about books—they are places where people can explore new ideas, develop skills, and connect with others. For children, libraries open doors to discovery and growth by offering a wide range of child-friendly activities and resources.

Libraries are often considered as:

Centers for Literacy‍

Libraries provide books, digital media, and educational programs to help children develop strong reading and comprehension skills.

Hubs for Learning

‍Through activities like story time and workshops, libraries nurture curiosity and creativity in young minds.

Safe Spaces for Exploration

‍Libraries are welcoming environments where children can play, learn, and interact with peers.

Beyond their educational role, libraries are designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring every child and member of the community can benefit from the resources they offer. By visiting the library, families can find support for lifelong learning and create enriching early experiences for their children.

What Activities Do Libraries Offer for Children?

Many parents and au pair across the country have discovered the educational and developmental benefits that libraries can offer for their children. Check with your local branch to see when they offer the following activities:

Storytime

Storytime sessions are a staple of children’s programming at libraries. These events often feature animated readings, songs, and interactive elements to keep children engaged. Storytime introduces young children to the joy of books and helps build early literacy skills.

Reading Challenges

To help encourage older children to continue literacy, take advantage of seasonal reading programs, like summer reading challenges, which encourage children to read more. These programs often include fun themes, progress-tracking tools, and rewards to motivate young readers.

Arts and Crafts

A popular activity in the library for children is by attending creative workshops! These sessions give children the opportunity to explore art through hands-on projects. Activities like these promote self-expression, improve fine motor skills, and encourage creativity.

STEAM Activities

Many libraries host STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) workshops to spark curiosity and to help children develop problem-solving skills. Children can participate in coding classes, science experiments, or even robotics sessions. Engaging your children in these workshops can also help inspire a passion or interest in STEAM related topics.

Play Areas

Need something to do during a rainy afternoon? You can head to the library to engage your children in playtime sessions! Dedicated play areas in libraries often feature puzzles, games, and toys designed to support early learning and social development.

Special Events

Libraries frequently host events like puppet shows, author visits, or family movie nights. These activities are entertaining and educational, providing unique experiences for children.

Homework Help

During the school year, parents and au pairs can take advantage of their local library for children’s homework and study support. Check your local library to learn more about upcoming tutoring programs or homework help sessions. This is a great way to provide children with extra academic support and resources.

Why Should You Take Your Children to the Library?

Taking your children to the library provides several key benefits:

1. Encourages Early Reading Habits

Regular visits to the library expose children to a wide range of books, helping them discover topics and stories they find interesting. Continued introductions to books and stories can help develop a child love for reading and creates strong literacy skills for the future.

2. Social Development

Taking your children to the library helps boost their social development skills. Children's programs and workshops in the library are fantastic ways to familiarize children with reading, information literacy, and digital skills. Taking your children to the library and engaging in library programs helps introduce them to collaboration and social skills with adults and other children.

3. Screen-Free Entertainment

For parents who want to prevent their children from having too much screen time, a library is a great way to create this type of environment. Libraries provide a healthy alternative to the use of devices, offering hands-on activities and opportunities for creative play, learning, and discovery.

4. Access to Educational Resources

A beautiful aspect of the library is that you and your children get to access any educational materials for free! Exploring your library's catalogue of education resources is a great way to encourage exploration and new discoveries as there is no cost to access them. Examples of these resources are books, magazines, CD’s, online courses, and more!

5. Quality Family Time

Aside from the enriching educational benefits, going to the library is a great way for families to spend quality time together. Library visits give parents and au pairs the opportunity to be involved with their children’s literacy and development and create moments for making memories together. 

Tips for Making the Most of Library Visits

If you’re planning to take your children to the library, here are some tips to maximize the experience:

Check the Schedule:

Look up your library’s event calendar to find story time sessions, craft workshops, or special events.

Get a Library Card:

Ensure that you and your child have library cards so you can borrow books and participate in programs.

Explore Together:‍

Walk through the children’s section with your child to help them choose books or activities they’re interested in. This is a great way to actively participate in your children's learning.

Ask for Recommendations:

Librarians are great resources for book suggestions and activity information. Be sure to talk to the staff at your local library for more information on how their branch can support your child's learning!

Attend Regularly:

‍Frequent visits help children build a routine and familiarity with the library environment.

How Can Au Pairs Support Library Visits?

Au pairs can play a key role in developing literacy skills and a love of reading for their host children. Many au pairs incorporate library visits into their daily routines with their host children, where together they can:

Participate in story time or workshops.

1. Borrow books in multiple languages, fostering cultural exchange.
2. Explore interactive play areas and educational tools.

By having an au pair as a childcare solution, families can customize their care schedule by emphasizing literacy and lifelong learning every day.

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FAQs About Library Activities for Children

1. What age to take a kid to the library?

‍There is no age requirement! Libraries have activities for children of all ages, from infants, toddlers, and beyond. 

2. What are the features of a good library to look out for?

‍Attributes to look out for in libraries are lots of natural light, easy-to-reach shelves for children, accessible technology visible to librarians, seating for group or individual work and study, and distinct sections for different age groups.

3. What is library etiquette for children?‍

Libraries should be a calm and quiet place for everyone to focus.

- Utilize “inside voices” to avoid disrupting other library users.

- Help make sure children treat library materials with respect.

- Listen to the rules of the library and librarians.

- Leave items and materials where you initially found them on the shelf.

4. Should I have my au pair take my children to the library?

Yes, you should absolutely request your au pair to incorporate weekly library visits into your childcare plan. By doing so, your children will gain many enriching literary and learning experiences from a caregiver who they feel safe and comfortable with. 

Conclusion

Libraries are invaluable resources for families, offering activities, books, and programs that inspire children and support their growth. By incorporating library visits into your family’s routine, you can provide enriching experiences that foster literacy, curiosity, and creativity. Whether you’re a parent or an au pair, the library is a fantastic place to explore with your children.

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