Story time had ended. The excitement level was rising in the children’s area and washing in waves over other areas of the library. Our youngest library visitors proudly showed their toddler crafts projects to mothers and grandparents. Some belted out the chorus of the song they’d learned. ‘‘I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet places,’’ an older gentleman complained as he checked out his books and moved his way through the thigh-high bodies now crowding the circulation desk.
‘‘Not today’s libraries!’’ I responded.
Not Just for Reading Anymore
Today’s libraries are lively places with a variety of services we wouldn’t have dreamed of finding at our childhood libraries. Even story times are no longer quiet affairs. Children’s librarians are much like performers, encouraging children to repeat parts of the popular children's books they read. They coordinate crafts and activities around the story’s theme. Most story times also include movement, songs and rhymes.
There are often special events planned, too. Family nights may include guests such as magicians or visiting authors. After-school craft sessions may build on a seasonal theme. Look for flyers or newsletters on upcoming activities going on at your local library. Many libraries require you to register so they know how many to expect for crafts or treats.
‘‘We want kids to view reading as a fun alternative. We want them to know that libraries are places of learning, but also places to have fun,’’ said Patricia Slater, head of Children’s Services at Redford Township District Library.
Map Out the Treasures
Take time to explore your local library’s children’s department and you may be pleasantly surprised. Magazines, from "Highlights" and "Ranger Rick" to "Spider," "Ladybug," and "Your Big Back Yard" are staples in the children’s department. Back issues are often available to check out—an often overlooked source for family reading and activities.
Separate shelves are set apart for different kinds of books. For example, new books are often displayed together. This is a great first stop for every library visit. Some libraries use colorful stickers or write ‘‘new’’ in bold lettering. And, for our smallest patrons, shelves of board books—designed to be sturdy—and sized perfectly for tiny hands, encourage love of books at an early age.
Walk up and down every aisle of the children’s department. You’ll see picture books, early reader books like ‘‘Rookie-Read-About’’ or ‘‘I-Can-Read.’’ You’ll also find holiday books for Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, and more. Mother Goose, folk and fairy tales, and legends about Paul Bunyan or Johnny Appleseed may also be grouped together or shelved in the children’s nonfiction under J398.
More To Explore
Do you see clear plastic bags hanging on racks? Open them up and take a look. You’ll find puppet kits, flash cards, book and cassette kits, and other learning tools. Computers, music, and learning games are also common items in today’s children’s section of the library. Videos are also popular, whether they’re episodes of favorite children’s shows (Barney and Blues Clues) or intended to help parents with toilet training (‘‘I Can Go Potty,’’ or ‘‘Once Upon a Potty.’’) In addition to videos and CDs, you should see a variety of reference books like encyclopedias. You may also see picture books in foreign languages. Children are often delighted to see familiar stories, even if they can’t read the words.
Most importantly, do you see someone sitting at the desk in the children’s department? He or she is there to help you. If you’re looking for something special—a book a friend suggested, or picture books to prepare your son for the birth of his sister—ask the person sitting at that desk. Or, ask any staff member in the library.
‘‘Librarians are here to help,’’ said Slater. ‘‘I wish more people would ‘bother’ me. If kids just read a great book, I’d love it if they’d stop me and tell me about it. It lets me know they’re enjoying our library.’’