Alert
The library will be closed Sun, March 31 for Easter.

Your digital library is always open to check out ebooks, movies, music and magazines. Learn More

Close Alert
Skip Navigation
 
Mother and son (3-5) on couch, reading in living room Mother and son (3-5) on couch, reading in living room

Build your kid's library

Mother and son (3-5) on couch, reading in living room

Here’s a simple trick kids can use to get Mom, Dad or Grandma to read to them: Put a book in their hands. But if there aren’t any books lying around, that critical interaction is less likely to take place. Keep books at home. Develop a home library for your child in addition to bringing new books home from the library. Here's how:

Story time in the couch

Get books.

Unearth your tote bags and piggie banks and head out to garage sales, thrift stores and book sales. Become a Friend of the Library to gain exclusive access to swaps, Booktique discounts and sales. Encourage friends and family to give books as gifts to your child.

 

Mother reading to daughter (2-3 years) and baby (6-9 months) in bed

Get the right books.

Librarians can offer you information on some great staples for all age groups. Littler kids are learning to read, while older kids are reading to learn. Each will require different types of books. We're here to help you find just the right ones to build your home library.
Two Generation Family Reading Father Son Niece

Make a place for books & reading.

Book shelves can take many shapes. Great places for books are milk crates, bins, stacked boxes or propped on a dresser. Reading places can be anywhere quiet. Turn off the T.V. when reading and get settled in with any book from your child's very own library.

Here are some great "staple book" suggestions from the American Library Association to get you started in building your child's age appropriate home library:

 
Back to Top