But whether you have such an untypical librarian or not, the public library literally opens a world of learning to you and your children. And while some will argue that libraries are becoming outdated due to online learning resources, public libraries still provide an environment for education and reading that is unsurpassed.
At least from my experience, the local public library can be an amazing resource for fathers and children. Taking your children to the library can be a great way to build your relationships with your children and help them to develop a love for learning and to enhance their natural curiosity about the world around them.
Here are some ideas for helping your children get acquainted with the public library and for creating some excellent father-child bonding time.
Just get going. The most important thing you can do to help your children connect with the local public library is to get them there. If you don't know where your closest public library or branch library is, you can search for it by address or zip code. Take some time to walk, drive or bike to the library with the kids. Then get inside the front door and start exploring.
Take a tour. Often, the library will offer tours at specific times during the week. Call first and and find out when the tours are offered. Then plan to go so you can learn more about what your library has to offer. Ask specifically about how to use the library catalog so you can find books and other materials of interest to your family.
Check out the website. More and more local libraries have a web presence. Some, like our library, offer events calendars, online services like reserving a book or paying fines, and access to online databases from home. You can often find a wealth of information about your library before you even go.
Get the kids a library card. At the library, find out what you need to do to help your children get a library card so they can check out circulating materials. Each library has its own policies about when a child can get his or her own card, but a rule of thumb is to wait until they are school age (5 or 6 or older). Often, libraries will have parents and small children have cards with the same library account so parents are responsible for checked out materials. But at whatever age, a library card will help them feel connected to the library and help them learn personal responsibility.
Attend library events. Many local libraries will have regular events like story time, craft times, science adventures, movie nights and other classes. Check out your library's event calendar and find something to attend with your children. These events are often free and can be really fun for a dad and children to do together.
Borrow materials for you. Libraries are not just for children, you know. They have the latest popular novels, classic literature and fascinating biographies (my personal favorite). When your kids check out books, get something that interests you and then let your children see you reading. You will not only set a good example, but improve your own education and quality of life.
Public libraries are a tremendous resource for any community. And used effectively, the public library can be a great asset to you and your family as well.
