Top reasons why you should take your child to the library

The benefits of taking children to the library simply cannot be overstated. If you haven’t gone to a library in a while, you might still think of them as boring places where you can borrow books and read the newspaper. However, libraries are so much more.

Here are 10 top reasons why you should take your child to your local library:

1. Libraries assist your children in becoming better readers. According to National Literacy Trust research, young people (aged 8 to 16) who visit the library are nearly twice as likely to be above-average readers as those who do not.
2. Weekly or biweekly trips to the library allow you and your children to have a regular “date” with books, allowing you all to develop the habit of reading – something your children will enjoy for the rest of their lives!
3. There is something for everyone. Libraries provide books for people of all ages and interests under one roof, from board books for babies to picture books for young children to novels and information books for older children and adults.
4. We all know that books are expensive, and libraries provide a greater range of reading material than we could ever own – for free!
5. Which one is your favourite? Libraries are fantastic venues to learn about your favourite writers – and to keep discovering new ones!
6. Reading other people’s stories can help inspire children to write their own.
7. Many libraries also include resources other than books to educate and entertain you and your children, such as CDs, DVDs, and magazines. Some libraries also contain newspapers for you to read while you’re there, as well as computers where you may connect to the Internet.
8. Some libraries feature programmes designed specifically for children (such as regular storytelling sessions) that allow kids to have fun with books.
9. Librarians are well-versed! Inquire about popular and good novels for children, teenagers, and yourself.
10. Older youngsters can do their homework in peace at the library. It’s quiet, and there are lots of books for them to use as they conduct research for school projects and assignments.