Reading has great benefits—it strengthens reading skills in kids, and teens and adults can learn new things and reduce stress. Reading also supports memory and mental engagement, which contributes positively to our brain health. Foster your child’s love of reading with the following tips, provided by Hawaii State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich:

Let children pick their own books. Kids are more likely to read books they like. Do they like animals, robots, or plants? Giving children choice in their book selection can allow them to explore their curiosities. 

Check out graphic novels. Many children love the illustrations and graphic novels are available at a variety of reading levels.

Be a reader yourself! Pick up a book and your child will follow your example.

Read aloud as a family. Reading aloud and sharing stories is a wonderful family time activity. 

Make reading part of your routine. Read at breakfast, bath time, bed time, or listen to a book while in the car or riding the bus. 

Introduce your kids early to the public library and open a world of possibilities that are always available to them.

Ask your local librarian for recommendations! We’re here to inspire curiosity and help your family read, learn and connect. Ask us!

This summer, readers of all ages will be invited to enjoy the rich and varied stories that shape our community as part of the Hawaii State Public Library System’s annual Summer Reading Challenge, E Heluhelu Kākou; Moʻolelo, which begins June 1. While plans are still in process for this year’s event, typically participants in the Summer Reaching Challenge can reap incentives as they reach reading milestones.

Here’s how it works:

  • In May, plan to register online or by visiting your local library.
  • Start reading on June 1.
  • Read at least one hour per week.
  • Log your reading minutes using the Beanstack app or librarieshawaii.beanstack.org
  • Keep it up until the end of July.

Start planning now to escape the summer heat and visit our branches to browse and borrow materials or use our free Wi-Fi and public computers.

More details will be published on our webpage as they become available. Our digital doors are always open at librarieshawaii.org. With just a library card, you can download audio and e-books, stream movies, learn a language, read The New York Times, and more!