Libraries are places of learning and discovery for everyone. Helping your child find out
about libraries will set him on the road to being an independent learner. Here are some
suggestions for how to help:
*| Introduce your child to the library as early as possible. Even when your child is a
toddler, take him along on weekly trips to the library. If you work during the day or
have other obligations, remember that many libraries are open in the evening.
• If your child can print his name, it is likely that your library will issue him a library
card if you will also sign for him. See that your child gets his own library card as
soon as possible so that he can check out his own books.

*| When you take your child to the library, introduce yourself and your child to the
librarian. Ask the librarian to show you around the library and tell you about the
services it has to offer. For example, in addition to all kinds of books, your library
most likely will have magazines of interest to both your child and to you. It will likely
have newspapers from many different places. Most libraries also have tapes and CDs
of books, music CDs and tapes, movies on video and on DVD and many more
resources. Your library also might have books in languages other than English or
programs to help adults improve their English reading skills

Ask the librarian to tell your child about special programs that he might participate in,
such as summer reading programs and book clubs and about services such as
homework help.

*|  Let your child know that she must follow the library’s rules of behavior. Libraries
want children to use their materials and services. However, they generally have rules
such as the following that your child needs to know and obey:
—Library materials must be handled carefully.
—Materials that are borrowed must be returned on time. Your child needs to learn
how long she can keep materials and what the fine will be for materials that are
returned late.
—All library users need to be considerate of each other. Shouting, running and being
disruptive are not appropriate library behaviors.