The library is probably one of the best cost free options you have to entertain your child. Anne Finnerty from the Sweeney Memorial Public Library, Kilkee in Co. Clare has given us her best advice on how to introduce your child to books and reading.
From what age is it appropriate to bring a child to the library?
Children from infancy upwards are welcome at all county libraries. There are a selection of books for small children; touch and feel books, board books and picture books of various sizes.
What types of books should I choose for my child?
The books should be age appropriate. Most books for younger children are chosen for the picture books section in the library. Picture books are suited for children of all ages and are enjoyed by toddlers to older primary school children. For toddlers, the popular books would be board books. There are so many titles to choose from and they are sturdy and hard wearing.
Most of these books have either picture only, i.e. animals, funny faces or pictures and one or two words per page.
Children of three to five like to choose from the picture book section too. Mr. Men, Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank Engine are some popular titles. There is a wide range of books at this level for you and your child to enjoy reading together.
For children who have started school, the picture books still entertain. Look for the ladybird series and other staged reading books, that the children would be familiar with from school. These books are staged reading and will help develop your child's reading skill as they grow and are able to read alone confidently.
The junior fiction section is for children aged between 6 to 9 years of age. There are books for the various reading levels in this section. For example, Irish publishers O'Brien Press, have staged readers - O'Brien Solo's, O'Brien Panda Cubs, O'Brien Panda's and O'Brien Flyers. This is a wide ranging section of books and there are books for every taste and reading ability.
Moving up then there is the Senior Fiction Section for 9 to 12 year old. It contains a wide range of books for children with varied interests to read and enjoy.
The non-fiction range of books are more suited to children who are going to school. Although some younger children love to look at pictures of animals or dinosaurs from this section.
How young can children get a library card?
There is no age restriction. Parents fill in the library card. Children can borrow up to four books for a period of 28 days. It is free for children to join until they finish secondary school. All that is required to join is proof of address from the parents, your child can then start borrowing books. Once you have a library card you can use it in all the libraries of the county, you can also borrow books from one library and return in another.
Apart from reading what can a child do in a library?
Each library has different activities for children. Ask your local library for information, many libraries will have a web page with the information. Some libraries have story telling and art and craft sessions on a weekly basis. Most full time branches have book clubs for children and teenagers.
What can I do to encourage my child to enjoy books?
Read to them. Ask your librarian for advice on reading material, if you find it hard to choose yourself. Make reading a relaxed and happy time. Don't force them to read and don't make a chore of it.
Reading should be fun for both child and parent, as it opens up new worlds and gives us insight into the lives of others. Visiting the library should be a pleasant time for both parents and children also, but it may be a good idea to discuss with your child before visiting on how to behave in a library. While it is great for children to explore and see the books that are available, the library is a relatively quiet place.
Things to think about:
1.Ask which are the most popular books
2.Ask a librarian to help you choose books
3.Don't leave your child alone or unsupervised
4.Talk to your child in advance about the type of behaviour that is expected in a library.
Do you have any great tips to share?