Born to Read: How to Nurture a Love of Reading @ Your Library
“The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.”
National Academy of Education, Becoming a Nation of Readers
Talking, singing, playing, and reading out loud are keys to building a strong foundation for early literacy. All of these activities will help you develop strong bonds with your child and nurture not only language development, but also a lifelong love of reading. And your local public librarians are here to help!
Visit your local public library for inspiration and encouragement. Storytimes actively engage children in the joy of reading, singing, and movement. Librarians tailor storytimes to the unique needs and interests of their audience so that children are actively engaged in rhymes, fingerplays, and songs. By modeling good listening skills and actively participating, parents and caregivers can help make storytime both fun and a positive learning experience.
In addition to storytimes and special programs, public libraries offer a variety of free reading material, including board books, picture and chapter books, and magazines. The library also offers audiovisual material for children including educational DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks. With your library card in hand, the library collection is at your fingertips!
Hawaii’s public libraries also offer resources for parents and caregivers in the form of parenting books, homeschool resources, and general collections on topics ranging from potty training and positive discipline to phonics and homework help. The Hawaii State Public Library System provides free access to E-books (both print and audio) and online databases in the library or remotely. You can access all of these resources at any of the 51 public libraries statewide with your library card.
The Hawaii State Public Library System, the nation’s only statewide library system, offers free print, audiovisual, and online resources, and most importantly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable librarians to help you nurture a love of books and reading. Check out our website at https://www.librarieshawaii.org for more information on library locations, hours, and programs.
Submitted by: Jessica Gleason, Branch Manager, Kihei Public Library
