What the Children’s Librarian at Your Public Library Can Do for Your Young Reader

Your public library is one of the most valuable resources for supporting your child’s early literacy development. Head to the children’s section and you’ll find books, programs, and support designed specifically to serve your child and your family, as well as a wise guide —the children’s librarian on staff at your public library!

Librarians are literacy leaders. Ambassadors for reading. Storytellers. Community builders. And so much more. 

The children’s librarian at your public library has deep knowledge of children’s books and how to motivate young readers. Many children’s librarians also have training in research-based early literacy practices and a keen understanding how young children develop as readers and writers. They know their book collection inside and out — what’s new, what’s beloved, what’s the perfect next title for a child who just finished a series they couldn’t put down. And they want to know your child so they can put all of that professional knowledge to work for your family.

Start with a conversation. 

Talk to your librarian about your child, what they’re interested in, and what they’ve loved reading recently, and watch what happens. Share your family’s reading, viewing, and listening values so they can make recommendations that are a good fit. A good librarian will pull a variety of diverse books off the shelf, make connections you wouldn’t have thought of, and put titles in front of your child so they can choose something they can’t wait to open. If your child is struggling with reading or you have questions about their literacy development, your librarian can help you with resources there, too. 

Your children’s librarian is also the gateway to everything else your library has to offer:

• Storytime: Programs led by your librarian to introduce babies and young children to books, rhymes, and songs while modeling for parents and caregivers how to support early literacy at home and giving them a chance to connect with other families.
• Library programming: Your librarian will know what’s coming up, how to sign up, and what’s the right fit for your child’s age and interests, be it reading challenges, summer reading programs, author visits, book clubs, craft events, maker spaces, or homework help. 
• Digital resources: Your librarian can direct you to e-books, audiobooks, streaming video, and online learning tools that may be available for free with your library card.

The public library is a place where your child can find answers, discover new interests, and explore books, technology, and media with your support and guidance. Your children’s librarian is a wonderful partner in all of that, and the more your child visits, the more comfortable they’ll become using resources, choosing books, and knowing when to ask for help. 

And if your child is in school, remember that their school librarian is another literacy expert in your corner — two guides, two collections, and twice the support for your growing reader!