1. “That book is too high a level for you.”💡
It’s ok if it’s above their heads. The point is that for some reason, that book they’re holding in their hands called to them. They DECIDED to pull it off the shelf. The library, especially at a young age, is a place to develop a love of reading and a love of books themselves. This is just the start.
5 things you should never, ever, ever say to your kids at the library
2. “We have to go.”⏲️
When you go to the library, it’s good to make time to BE AT THE LIBRARY. Don’t rush them out. The goal is for them to be comfortable in the library and comfortable around books. Everything that’s associated with books should be no pressure and easy going.
3. “Can’t you just read at home?”🏡
It’s not the same. The library usually has a comfy chair, or a rug, or something for kids to relax on and read. Also, there are no distractions there - no screens. This was a place designed to foster a love of reading. Everyone who works there are readers. Let them be a reader there too.
4. “No graphic novels, let’s get chapter books.”🎨
If you make reading something your kids have to do, they will hate it. Telling them what they like is “not a real book” is destroying their fun in choosing a book. Graphic novels are amazing these days - it’s the golden age of graphic novels. They’re so fun to read. And that’s the goal. Let them have fun while reading. It will set them up for later because that have good core memories of loving books. Plus, graphic novels are usually reread many times, which develops a relationship with the book itself.
5. “You don’t need that many books.”📚
For the most part, there is no limit to the books they can check out. Let them take a big ‘ol stack of books home and go through them to see which ones they like. It’s good for you too, because you’ll start to notice the kinds of books they’re into and what they aren’t, so you can search for books on your own time that might appeal to them.
Bonus. “You already read that book.”🔁
Kids keep coming back to books again and again because it’s fun for them. They look forward to the good parts and experience them with great joy over and over again. Nothing wrong with 25 rereads. At that point, it’s probably a good idea to buy it. The library is the ultimate testing environment for what forever books you will bring home.
🔥Up-level your library experience🔥
🥞 Stacks around the house
Don’t keep them in their room. Let books be all over the house so they can read at any time and they are within arms reach.
📖 Read what they read
Independently from them, read the books they are reading and let them see you reading them. Then, talk with them about the books after. Make a book date!
👩🏽⚖️ Don’t judge
Just because their books have crude humor, don’t discount it. You have guilty pleasures you watch or take part in. Let them and their inner-Captain Underpants shine.
📆 Once a week
Make the library a spot to be on the regular. Don’t ask. Say, “Let’s go” and get on in there. Once there, they will always find something.
📵 No phones
The library should be a phone free zone for you as well, so even while you’re waiting for them, you should be reading or doing anything but being on your phone. The library is sacred. And, your kids are always watching.
