Sammy got his very first library card when he was 11 months old. I recall pushing him in his stroller towards the customer service desk, stating that I was interested in signing my son up for a library card, and completing the paperwork for him to obtain it. I then signed the back of the card and smiled from ear to ear as we entered the children’s section to select books to check out and read at home. I knew then that this was indeed one of the happiest days of my life. As a parent and an educator, I knew just how much literacy and a love for reading needed to be cultivated in Sammy each and every day for the rest of his life. Now at age 5, Sammy continues to have a deep love of literature and I am one happy WatchMonkeyMama!
I also knew from my own childhood experiences as an avid reader (once I figured out my subject and author interests), and my teaching experiences with students in my classrooms, that reading was essential for every child to succeed. I also knew that it should be introduced and fostered in ways which supported the reader, his/her interests, and was always aligned with their individual reading level and strategies and skills taught to increase their abilities in reading.
Here are images of Sammy receiving his very first library card and of course eating it!
Moreover, it represents the beginning of our life long relationship with the public library. Frequent visits to our local library became as familiar to us as our home. Sammy and I began attending weekly story time sessions at the library. We loved learning to sing the cheerful and playful songs combined with finger and hand movements, dance, and instruments. And like several other parents and caregivers, I had my share of running after Sammy when he darted off in search of something new that sometimes needed adult intervention. Sammy also enjoyed watching the puppet shows which made us both laugh and had teachable moments. Another added bonus of our regular weekly (sometimes multiple times a week) visits to the library, were friendships that were developed and continue to this very day.
Sammy reaped additional benefits of visiting our local library like playing in the child friendly play areas and exploring in the hands-on early learning centers. We would also search for books of interest and check them out each time we went to the library. And I will admit that at times, I have even had to pay overdue fees for keeping the books longer than usual. What’s pleasant is that books can now be renewed in seconds over the phone. Yay to technology! I sure wish they had this feature when I was a child.
And the summer after Sammy received his library card while he was still 1 year old and a few months away from turning 2, he (with the help of mommy) registered for his very 1st summer reading program. I am super proud to say he has participated in every subsequent summer reading program since then. In a few months I will write a blog post about this. It excites me even thinking about it!
In the months and years that followed, Sammy would attend the weekly arts and craft classes following story time at the library. There were days when we would visit the library in the earlier part of day and then return again in the evening before dinnertime for him to participate in the Lego Club which he was so excited about. We absolutely LOVE our public library and I believe that every child should have their own library card and be a frequent visitor of their local library to check books out, play and learn in the learning centers, meet new friends, and more at absolutely no cost.
Pete the Cat! Sammy absolutely loves Pete the Cat!
Fast forward to the time when Sammy was 16 months old and searched for the just right book at home in his personal library. I observed him search high and low using the proper techniques for toddlers. This included grabbing hold of books, quickly looking at them, and then tossing them aside. Here Sammy stepped on books, pushed and tossed them aside, and plopped down occasionally to open a book of interest.
And as a parent and educator, I knew NOT to stop this process even as messy as it got. It was good mess. My 16 month old child LOVED listening to stories read by his mommy and daddy every single day and often many times a day. This act of searching for the right book was part of the exploration and learning process. This specific day was another special day in my life.
Sammy exhibited interest, time, effort, determination, process of elimination, scrutiny, and the tossing of books as he searched for the right book to read. And yes, I purposely said read because reading is so much more than reading the printed word and comprehending.
Here Sammy is searching for the right book to read.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of reading to and with children. Expose them to literature where they see themselves. Read them a variety of genres. Read to them every single day. And please make sure they have a public library card of their own to check out lots of amazing books at no cost. When we do this and more, we are setting our children up for success.
Great Read Lesley! Way To Go Sammy!!!
Thanks Gloria! I am glad you enjoyed my blog. It’s funny…today Sammy and I read “Goodnight Moon” again. It is definitely a favorite book of his! 🙂
I loved reading this. I never thought of making a library card for my daughter, but she has been using my card since she was a baby. I should sign up for her own card! I miss our library so much. I started taking her to the library before she could walk. The library is one of her favorite places now. She loved storytimes, art classes and all the toys and learning materials. Even though it is not fully open due to Covid, she still loves picking out books to read and checking them out. We also enjoy their to-go programs. The library offers so much for babies, toddlers and kids. I’m also glad that I got to meet some nice people like you at the library.
Thanks for reading my blog Sookie. Yes, please get a library card for your daughter. Sammy has so much fun stepping up on the footstool at the kiosk and checking the books out all by himself! 🙂 I applaud you for all that you continued doing with library resources during our Covid-19 pandemic. Kudos to you! Sammy and I were so blessed to meet you both at our local library. I can’t wait until the day for our two (soon-to-be 3 with your new baby) children get to have a playdate and you and I can reconnect as well. I still remember the day we met in the playroom of the library as our toddlers played with toys. 🙂