The Library - Why Taking Your Preschooler is Worth the Effort

I will admit it, I LOVE the library. I love strolling up and down the rows discovering new books. I love them all – Novels, non-fiction, and picture books that I check out just for me. Although I admit I don’t always read every book I check out, I have been blessed more times that I can count from the library books I have been exposed to.

Our preschoolers can benefit greatly from being exposed to the library and library books too. It sometimes may not feel like it is worth the effort to haul our little ones there, but here are some important reasons to consider making library visits a part of your routine. 

• Books are amazing teachers, provide opportunities for bonding and help with brain development. See this post for more information. 
• When you are making trips to the library and getting books, chances are you will read more. More reading equals more benefits.
• Picture books provide exposure to art. Who doesn’t love to look at the beautiful or creative art available in picture books? One of my daughters who is naturally art minded started out as a reluctant reader. The art pulled her in THEN she became interested in the story. Seeing the different styles of art has also positively impacted her creative drive.
• It is great for the budget and a minimalist lifestyle. Your child can experience more books and magazines than they would otherwise get to. Even if you could afford to buy a ton of books, who would want to store them all and clean them all up?
• Kids can try new things without the consequence of being stuck with something they don’t like. They learn it is ok to check out a book and find that they don’t like it at all. No problem, just take it back and try a new one.
• Your preschooler will learn about responsibility. They will learn things like: how do we treat things we borrow? Where do we keep the library books so we don’t lose them?  How do we remember to return them on time? Learning these skills when the stakes are low will keep them from having to learn them when they are older and the stakes are higher.
• The library is a social gathering place. One of our biggest responsibilities is to teach children how to be good humans. Most libraries have a puzzle and reading area. The socialization available in a spontaneous interaction helps them in their development to handle more complex social interactions later. The children can negotiate how to share the books and puzzles, for example. It can be a social gathering place for moms too. I have met a few people who have become good friends in the kids section of the library. Our kids started playing, so we started talking.
• Not sure what kind of books are appropriate for your child’s age, development or interests? The library just happens to have expert librarians who give great recommendations.  
• Libraries help teach the skill of being quiet. Don’t stress over this one or let it keep you away from the library though. If your child is a bit more rambunctious just remind yourself, that your child won’t be the first child to ever be a bit noisy in the library and they certainly will not be the last. Be patient with their learning process. This skill also helps them learn to be thoughtful of others. “We are quiet in the library so that people can read and study without being distracted with noise. Let’s try to be quiet.”
• Many libraries offer summer reading incentives and high-quality free programs year round. Free is one of my favorite words, especially when it makes me feel like I am being a great mom.

Going to the library helps your child explore different worlds and provides many opportunities for growth and and development. The benefits definitely outweigh the effort. 

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