Yes! You Should Take Your Kids To The Library. Here Are Six Reasons Why.
As someone who has worked in various libraries over the years, I can assure you that your loud, messy, awesome child is more than welcome at the library. So are the quiet ones, the shy ones, the big ones and the small ones. Modern, progressive libraries are about welcoming everyone – young and old, rich and poor, noisy and quiet – providing equal access to all of their astounding resources. They are no longer a place of silence and shushing (well, they shouldn't be!), in fact Storytime and other child-related library activities are often rather loud!
Even from a very young age, giving your child access to books will set them up for all sorts of learning in terms of language, literacy and communication. Reading children's books to your child (and bringing them regularly to baby programmes and Storytime) will stimulate their language and literacy skills – they will pick up so quickly on rhythm and rhyme (and they absolutely love it!). But it will also stimulate their own imagination, help to develop listening skills and even develop empathy. What's not to love?
Libraries house amazing magical beings – librarians! Befriend your local children's librarian and witness the magic that unfolds through their knowledge and passion. For the little ones, join in on their Storytime sessions (or find out what other programs and events they have for babies and children). Don't know what to read? Ask your librarian. They love nothing more than helping your child to discover the key to unlocking a world of books that they will get lost in.
Regular visits to the library, especially for weekly or monthly programs like Storytime, will likely mean friendships develop as you meet other parents there, as well as friendships between children. Libraries also tend to be warm and dry in winter – a perfect alternative to another morning stuck at home or heading to the local cafe – and a lot cheaper.