If
you are a child care provider and can SAFELY take your group of children
to the library, then all these tips are for you, too. If safety
is an issue, then carefully pick and choose which tips you can do and encourage
the parents of children in your care to
do all they can, too.
.
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If you don't already have a library card,
apply for one so that you can check out books and magazines. Some
libraries will even let you check out toys, videos, and tapes.
Visit
the local public library with your children. Be a good role model
by checking out books you would enjoy reading. When you get home,
set aside a special time to read with your children.
Let
your children pick out books to take home, read, and return during the
next visit. Start when they're young! Take toddlers and preschoolers
to the library so that they can choose books to read and borrow. Keep this
up when they're school-aged.
Help
your children get their own library cards. Young children can learn
to write their names and feel proud that they have their own cards to borrow
books from the library.
Find
out the days and times of special activities or story hours for children.
Mark the dates on your calendar so you will remember to attend.
Look
for books that are age-appropriate. Even babies and toddlers enjoy
picture books, especially sturdy board books or books made out of cloth.
If you need help choosing age-appropriate books, ask a librarian to help
you find just the right books!
Find
a book on tape and a tape player that can be checked out. Plan a
special time to enjoy listening to the tape together. If you have
your own tape recorder, you can record yourself reading the library books
so your children can enjoy them later.
Try
to find books about a variety of holidays and traditions that are written
for children. Find out if there are any special displays or activities
planned for children each month that you could attend with your children.
Find
a quiet corner where you and your children can look at books your children
choose.
Stories
about your children's own history or culture are worth seeking out.
You can ask your local librarian to help you pick out books that have pictures
and stories about people with the same ethnic background as your children.
You can also share books about different ethnic backgrounds.
Find out about your library's special books
and services.
