Although some children will visit a library for the first time beginning with kindergarten, the earlier children visit the library, the more natural it will be for them. Most public libraries have special programs and rooms that are keyed to a small child's interests and have a variety of activities to encourage return visits.
The Library Story Hour for Children
The story hour at libraries is usually divided by age range. For example, babies under two years old and their parents or caregivers meet for twenty minutes of rhymes, songs, and books. For the two to three year old, the time may be extended to about thirty minutes for stories, songs, finger play and perhaps a craft. By the time the child is four years old, forty-five minutes are used for the same type of program. This is a good time to teach the youngster about proper behavior in a library such as no running or shouting.
The story hour may be presented in any number of ways, including audio and video programs. Some libraries put on puppet shows or bring in other types of entertainment appropriate for specific age groups.
Learning to Use the Library
Children are welcome to browse the library displays and shelves in the children’s section, even if they are not yet old enough to read. The pictures on the front of books are interesting to them, even is they are toddlers. They may recognize animals on the covers and want to hold the books or look at the inside pages.
A part of the library is usually set aside for children and books can be read to the child in this special section or children can take the books home with them. This area may have toys to play with, pictures or other objects that are interesting to children, which can also be checked out. Some libraries even have live animals for the children to watch such as birds or fish.
Children are usually allowed to have a library card and take out books during the very first visit. Because of past experience with a parent at a video store, older children may not understand that the books are not “rented” and are sometimes surprised that no payment has to be made to take a book out of the library. If children are old enough, the library card can be held under a “scanner” and they can check out the book by themselves.
Introducing children to the library environment early in life can nurture a love of books and help them relate their visits as not only interesting but a happy experience. The end result of these first visits will insure future adventures into the world of books that will last a lifetime.
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