There are lots of great reasons to go the library this summer. Sure it is a nice place to cool off when its hot outside, but it offers so much more. First of all the library is a great resource. Although we can get lots of information from the internet there is still value in going to the library. One of the greatest resources there are the librarians. If your child doesn't like to read or you don't know what books they would like then the librarian is a great person to talk to. Have your child talk to the librarian and tell them about their interests and any books that they have read that they have enjoyed. The librarian will help you pick out other books that will interest you.
The read alouds and story times are also great at the library. Librarians are passionate about literature and can pass that on to your children when they read them great books. Take advantage of the story time and read alouds this summer.
There are also lots of programs to help encourage reading over the summer. Many libraries have some kind of book club or summer reading program with incentives. You can also add your own incentive to the program if the incentive is not appealing. A summer reading program can help you to make the most of your trips to the library as well as make some good reading habits.
Other institutions also have summer reading programs. TD Bank has a summer reading program and will give your child $10 for their TD Bank account if they read 10 books. Other banks and institutions may have similar programs.
The library can also be a great resource for you (and don't forget our children learn by example). At my library you can go online or call ahead and request the books you want to check out. If my library doesn't have it then they can get it from another local library through interlibrary loan. When you get to the library they will have the books ready for you at the front desk. This is so great when you have multiple kids and don't have the time to go looking around the stack for a specific book. Your kids will also learn a lot from seeing you reading books and enjoying them. Check your library to see if they have a similar option.
Make a library bag. You can get a canvas tote bag or design one at cafepress.com. Take it with you to the library to pick out your books. Keep the books in the bag and put them back in the bag after you read them. Every week or two (or when the books are due) they will be all together and you can take them back and get some more. If you keep them in the bag it will make it easier to locate them and be sure they get back to the library. You can even put a tag on the bag or get one with a pocket where you keep the return date written down so you won't return them late.
Happy Reading!!
