I’m a big believer in libraries. I think it’s a hazard of my job as a college professor, but I find tremendous value in spending time in the presence of books. With the kids out of school and looking for new and fun activities, summer is a perfect time for a library field trip. Here are my top five reasons why:
The Free Books
This may go without saying, but borrowing books is ideal for bibliophile kids like mine. A trip to Half Price Books costs us at least $50, and the benefit of free books should be enough to justify the visit. My kids, especially the 11-year-old, is a veracious reader, and he can easily read three or four books every week over the summer.
The Free Non-Books
Libraries are chock full of books, but you can find lots more there too. For those of us who actually own and know how to use a DVD (Blu-Ray, whatever…) player, you probably know you can also borrow movies, television series, and even (gasp!) audio books.
These aren’t the real treasures though. In my opinion, the best non-book parts of a library are found in exploring special collections like maps, photographs, and other undiscovered materials. And if you really want to rock your kids’ world, show them some old newspapers on microfilm or microfiche.
The Programming
Public libraries everywhere feature exciting kids’ programs for all ages. While there’s always story time and puppet shows, most cities invest in intriguing author visits, science demonstrations, etc. to attract audiences to their libraries. Follow your library on social media to stay on top of events and activities.
The People
First, librarians are some of the most helpful and kind people in the universe (at least the ones I know are). They are always more than willing to help you or your child find your new favorite author or literary genre. Get to know the librarians at your local public library, and they’ll greet you with a warm smile every time you stop by.
Moreover, public libraries are, well, public. People from all walks of life use libraries to search for jobs on the internet, conduct genealogy research, and even to escape extreme weather conditions. Libraries are a demographic melting pot. While I can’t attest for every community, our Dallas public libraries provide a sound lesson in the vast diversity of our great city.
General Enrichment
Planning a trip this summer? Trying to overcome the dreaded “summer slide”? Just looking for something new and different to do? Plan some time at your library. Send the kids on an age appropriate scavenger hunt. Start a family book club. Assign them a research project for your summer vacation destination (hint: look at some of those maps I mentioned earlier). Use the library for its intended purpose – to sit quietly and browse.
I’d love to hear stories about your public library. Please share them in the comments below.
Every time you enter a library you might say to yourself, “The world is quiet here,” as a sort of pledge proclaiming reading to be the greater good.
From The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snickett