How to Get the Most Out of Your Local Library!
February is the month for love and I was delighted to learn that it’s also National Library Lover's Month! Since I consider myself a library enthusiast, here are some tips for getting the most out of your local libraries when it comes to your kids.
Tip #1 is shopping for and ordering your books from the comfort of home ahead of time.
View of my library’s online ordering system. Filters will help you make sure you’re ordering the right version of a book.
It’s near impossible for me to actually browse titles or locate a list of books in person if I have my son with me. Keeping eyes on him and squatting down to sort through the stacks usually makes it a stressful outing. Instead, search and order your kids books ahead of time. I’ll save a @kidlitmama instragram list, open my library’s website and place holds on the books on the list, all while sitting on my couch watching reality TV. This is the best way to make the most out of interlibrary loans, since most libraries have other branches or locations you can also order from.
Tip #2 is checking out other libraries in surrounding areas.
The Boston Public Library system near me created a “library passport” a few years ago to encourage patrons to visit as many of the branches as they could, receiving a stamp for each one. My son loved checking out the children’s sections in the many new libraries we visited. While some were more exciting than others, the change of scenery can really make for a fun outing. Make sure to look up ahead of time if your card will work there– often one card can get you books across a whole system. If you’re in a city with public transit, libraries are often located on train and bus lines. If you’re carbound in the burbs, see what you can get to in a 20-minute radius. If the weather is good, pair it with a new playground and you have yourself a full day!
Map of the Cleveland, Ohio library system locations.
Tip #3 is to see if your local libraries have used book sales
Multiple libraries in my area sell used (donated) books in a small store of sorts. I’ve seen ones as small as a closet with honor-system payment to full-on bookstores. Some may not have a regular store, but periodic sales. See if you can find out which local libraries have this, especially if you are someone who prefers to buy books. Get on the mailing lists to find out when the sales are. The prices are always cheap and the money benefits the library. They can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but kids are thrilled by the idea that they can choose a book to own and aren’t too picky!
Tip #4 is don’t forget about non-fiction
When I think of children’s books, or picture books, my mind goes to fiction only. I only recently started to explore the non-fiction sections! Once my son turned three, I started thinking about things like how to teach him what to do in an emergency or how to stay safe in certain situations. As he got closer to four, his interests started to expand to things like the Statue of Liberty, US Presidents, and what exactly is a mummy? It’s so easy to pull out the smartphone to answer questions like this, but I’ve been trying to use the library to find books on the topics he’s interested in. Non-fiction can be just as exciting as fiction, see the hilarious Butt or Face? For proof!
Tip #5 is to let the librarians do the work for you.
Most any children’s section is going to have one or many displays of themed books. These will feature books related to a holiday, a theme, a season, anything that the librarians decide, and they are swapped out often. I’ve seen ones as serious as Holocaust Remembrance Day and as simple as “Cute Dogs!” Keep an eye on these shelves and help yourself to as many of the books as you want. You can more or less get a curated collection every time you visit the library.
Surprise Regional Library’s instagram
librarianincuteshoes.blogspot.com
Happy reading! If any of these tips worked for you, let me know at laurenreadsitall@gmail.com.
Lauren
