“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”
― Jorge Luis Borges

When my boys were younger, we visited the library weekly. We made it a priority. We planned for it and put it in the schedule. Today, they are avid readers. Their lives were enriched by the amazing benefits of going to the library. One of the benefits of going to the library regularly is that your children establish a love of literacy, and they’re exposed to cultural events.  All for free.

Going To The Library Improves Reading

Libraries give your children access to books. Research proves that regular access to books makes you a better reader. The library offers a wide range of books. Selecting books for you to read aloud and for your children to read on their own improves their reading. They get excited about reading when they select their own books. Libraries offer a wealth of opportunities that develop readers.

Research also proves that children that attend the library regularly read better than their peers. Children that attend preschool story hour at libraries enter school with greater pre-reading skills and emergent literacy skills needed to succeed in school than their peers that didn’t visit the library regularly. One of the many benefits of going to the library is an environment that instills the love of reading which leads to improved reading.

Visiting the Library Makes You Smarter

Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”
― Walter Cronkite

Librarians Are Trained To Help

You can reserve books, etc. from your laptop at home and just swing by the library to pick up the items.  The librarians will have your items ready.  Librarians love reading and help your children pick out the right reading level and genre for them.

Librarians are professionally trained to help you find what you’re looking for at the library. They point you in the right direction, answer questions, or help you find a book you’ll enjoy reading. They assist with anything in the library.

Libraries Offer More Than Books

Today, technology of every kind is found at the library as well as the following: e-books, audio books, DVDs, CDs, and reference materials such as atlases, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and almanacs. Libraries are a place of relaxation, learning, and discovery. There are cozy, quiet nooks and crannies to read.

Another one of the many benefits of going to the library is leaving less stressed-out. It is a relaxing, reading environment with much more to offer than books.

Free Books, Magazines, & Access To Computers

Participate In Free Activities And Programs

There are programs for all ages such as story hour for toddlers and preschoolers and writing resume seminars for adults. The library is a treasure trove of free programs that enhance learning and life. Of course, there are amazing summer reading programs for kids of all ages and book clubs for adults. These programs promote literacy, but also lend themselves to making a new friend.

When my children were younger, they participated in free programs at the library that were culturally enriching such as an African story teller, traveling fiddlers, puppet shows, and so much more. They even took an art class that was 100 times better than an art class they took somewhere else that I had to pay for. The other day, I saw Lego Robotics being offered at our library. Go check out the programs and your children will be enriched by participating.

“A library is the only single place you can go to learn something new, be comforted, terrified, thrilled, saddened, overjoyed, or excited all in one day. And for free.” Amy Neftzge

Go on a wild adventure each week to learn something new, be thrilled, or be comforted; visit your local library. Be sure to get your kids a library card. There are amazing benefits of going to the library that will change your life and your kids’ lives for better.

What did I leave out? What do enjoy doing at the library?

Let’s make a positive difference~ one word at a time.

♥Pamela

Please share this article with others that you think would benefit from these tips. Also, please ask any questions that you may have about teaching children reading or writing. Leave your questions in the comments. I’ll answer.

To learn more about Literate For Life, see the welcome post.

Also, if you’d like to get more helpful posts like this delivered to your e-mail, please be sure to subscribe to the list. See the blue box labeled “subscribe” on the top of the right side bar. This is free, and I promise not to send spam. I look forward to you becoming part of our community.