When one thinks of the word “library,” the image that comes to mind may be of a silent, dusty place with rows of aging books. Walk into any local library and you will see a space that defies that stereotype; modern libraries are a vibrant pillar of the community that offer opportunities for connection and learning (and yes, books, too!). No matter how old your child is, you can foster a love of libraries by engaging with all that your local library has to offer. There is no shortage of ways that your student can make use of the library.
Programming
Your library offers year-round programming that is carefully researched and designed by librarians to serve the needs of the community. For students in middle school and high school, libraries often offer events that are hands-on, such as arts and crafts. These programs also teach useful skills such as sewing and horticulture. A major boon of libraries is that they offer resources that are not available elsewhere; for example, check to see if your local library has a 3D printer.
Reading Programs
“Learning loss” is when students lose key skills due to being out of school for a prolonged period of time. You can help combat this by enrolling your student in a summer or winter break reading program. Students from pre-elementary all the way to high school track their reading progress and show their reading logs to librarians in exchange for prizes. These prizes range from small gadgets to raffle tickets for larger rewards. But reading programs aren’t just for those under eighteen—adult reading programs are an excellent way to engage with the library (and earn your own prizes, too!). Libraries will also often host author events, including book signings and Q&A sessions, which can be a great way to encourage your student’s writing.
Volunteering Opportunities
In high school, many organizations (such as the National Honor Society) require community service hours. Whether a student aims to accumulate these hours or just volunteer on their own volition, volunteering at a library is a fantastic way for a student to participate in community events. While volunteering may include more traditional library tasks such as shelving books and helping to catalog materials, many times a student volunteering at a library will be helping kids and families during events designed for young children. Older students also may act as a “reading buddy” for kids who are beginning their literacy journey. These opportunities are a great way for students to build leadership skills while interacting with their community.
Study Spaces
The library at-large is a wonderful (and free!) “third space” that students can turn to when not at school or at home. When students specifically need a place to concentrate, libraries offer a variety of spaces that suit your child’s needs. If your child requires absolute silence to focus, study rooms can often be reserved on an hourly basis either in-person or online. As an alternative, quiet rooms are designated communal areas that usually do not require reservations. If your student needs to work on a group project, common areas at the library are usually less distracting than a coffee shop or a friend’s house.
Digital Resources
With a library card, patrons can access a wealth of digital platforms they otherwise would have to pay for. As an added bonus, many of these resources can be accessed from anywhere. Check to see if your library offers a personal login to Hoopla, a platform for eBooks. Also speak to a librarian to see if your library offers digital subscriptions to national newspapers. For those interested in genealogy, many libraries offer access to paid archives such as Ancestry.com. Librarians are trained in these resources, so even if you feel confident using these programs, consider reaching out to a librarian for additional tips and tricks.
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And of course…books
Although modern libraries have outgrown their stuffy stereotype, they have not outgrown their original purpose of lending books. Even if you already have a title in mind, a librarian can offer up-to-date recommendations both for you and your student.
In an age where many bemoan the increasing isolation caused by technology, your local library is a safe and lively “third space” with a wealth of offerings for both students and adults. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to use your local library—so just visit!
