Visiting your local library opens up countless opportunities to build your child’s language and communication skills, and there are plenty of benefits for parents too.
“There are many transitions in a child's life. But your library is a constant space and has something magical to offer at every stage,” says Sarah Mears, Programme Manager at .
1. Enjoy a warm welcome
Storyteller and Literacy Consultant is a library enthusiast and says you’d be hard-pressed to find a community space that’s more welcoming than a library.
“I think the biggest myth about libraries is that there's some sort of code, some sort of way to behave, or that they’re a space that belongs to a certain type of person. They’re community spaces for everyone."
“No one's going to judge you or question why you're there or what you're doing.”
Forget the enduring library myth – you’re not going to be shushed. “No one's going to mind if your baby cries or your toddler runs around”, adds Sarah. “It’s worth remembering that many libraries are also fine-free now, particularly for children's books. Libraries are understanding about lost and late books borrowed by children.”
Libraries usually have baby-changing facilities, are breast-feeding friendly and, in cold weather, many are also part of a 'warm space network' – a scheme backed by many local councils to help their residents keep warm during the colder months.
2. Get involved with rhyme and story time sessions
They’re fun, free and happen in libraries all over the UK. Rhyme and storytelling events not only help build your child’s language and communication, they’re great for their social skills too, says Sarah.
“The whole experience of being around other children and adults, learning to interact is so valuable. And if they involve action rhymes or using musical instruments like shakers, your child’s motor skills will be supported too.”
3. Develop your storytelling skills
Want to feel more confident chatting and telling stories with your child? Interactive library events like rhyme and story time can have just as many benefits for you as your little one, says Liv.
“One big part of sessions is copying and giving parents the chance to repeat things to their child. Seeing others do it and being in a supportive environment will give you lots of confidence and ideas to take away. At the end of a session, don’t forget you can borrow the book so you recreate the magic at home.”
4. Experience live theatre
“Bigger libraries have spaces that are perfect for events and performances for children including live music, dance and theatre”, says Liv.
“And they’re usually quite intimate performances, so are really inspiring for little ones.”
5. Boost your little one’s confidence and independence
There are lots of simple ways you can support your child’s confidence in their early years – and the safe environment of a library offers plenty, says Liv.
“They get to roam and discover what interests them. I lived opposite a library when I was little. It was my first opportunity to be independent – picking my book, using my card, and walking out with it was a massive thing for me and it triggered a lifelong love of books.”
6. Pick up a free book pack
The BookTrust gives a and at other stages before they start school, including packs for children with additional needs. You can normally get a pack from your midwife or health visitor but you can also collect one from your local library.
There’s a similar scheme run by the .
7. Borrow more than books
As well as books, your library has a range of items you can borrow that might include CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines and board games.
“Plus they have lots of e-resources that are available 24/7, including e-audiobooks, e-magazines and comics, and online encyclopaedias,” says Sarah.
8. Support your child to speak other languages
Your library can support you if speak more than one language at home, says Sarah. “Reading books together is a fun way to build their vocab and you can find a range of multilingual or dual language books in your library.”
Also look out for library notices about meet-ups and societies for different communities in your local area. These can give you extra opportunities to explore language and culture with your child.
9. Try creative and high-tech activities
“You might be surprised to discover that your local library has a maker space and runs all sorts of creative activities,” says Sarah.
Find out whether your library runs crafty play sessions for parents and little ones, which are a fantastic way to fire their imagination.
You could also use your library’s maker space to explore your creative side and create games and activities to play with your child at home. “Libraries are also often great places to explore the latest technology and you might even be able to access some innovative resources such as 3D printers, digital cutters or VR headsets.”
10. Join a club or challenge
Find out what clubs your library runs, recommends Liv. “For example, I know many libraries that run Lego clubs.” This can be a really great way of letting your child play with toys and have experiences you can’t easily provide at home for free.
“Libraries have a year-round calendar of cultural and creative activities for children and families, and they're either free or very low-cost,” adds Sarah. “For example, your child could join a summer or winter reading challenge.”
11. Find friendship and parental support
“Becoming a parent can be lonely and isolating, so libraries can be a lifeline. They’re somewhere you talk and meet new people, or just somewhere you can take time out and be around other people,” says Liv.
Libraries can also help you access any services you may need. “You can find out what’s on offer locally and some libraries also have combined services – so there are opportunities to talk with professionals such as speech and language therapists or family support workers,” adds Sarah.
How to get the most from your library experience
Explore different libraries in your area
Check out what’s happening at all the libraries in your area, and what suits you and your child, says Sarah.
“You may like the buzz and excitement of your main library or prefer the quieter vibe of a smaller community library.”
“Remember that once you register for a library card, you can use it to take out books at any library in your local authority’s network.”
“Your area might even have a mobile library or story bus that you can access,” adds Liv.
Stay connected
Sign up your library’s e-newsletter, and use their social platforms to stay updated on events.
Chat with library staff and volunteers
“They can help with book recommendations for your little one, tell you more about early years’ activities and give you insider tips about what else is happening,” says Sarah.
Use your library's online catalogue
“If you are interested in finding more books for your child, library catalogues are a treasure trove,” says Sarah. “They give a lot more information than simply the book name and can give you more suggestions.”
Reserve and request books
“You can usually reserve items free of charge and pick them up at a library of your choice. You can also request your library gets a book it doesn’t have already,” recommends Sarah. You can usually do this online, over the phone or in person.
Look out for bargain book sales
Libraries often sell off their old stock at very low prices to make way for new books.
Check out your library’s noticeboard
Follow your library on social and use their online services – but don’t forget to check out physical noticeboards too! They are packed full of information about events at the library and in your local area.
