Libraries sometimes have an unfair reputation. You might imagine a strict, silent place, with an austere and overbearing librarian ruling the shelves.
But today’s public libraries are so far from that old-fashioned idea; they’re more like a portal to discovery that will blow your child’s mind. From soft and cozy reading nooks to tranquil study spaces, the public library is an exceptional resource for children (and adults) of any age.
If you want to nurture a love of reading and help your child develop strong literacy habits, the public library is a great place to start. But like anything new, your child may need a little encouragement to warm up to the idea.
You can transform library visits from a dreaded chore into a cherished routine. The key is creating a positive, low-pressure environment where your child feels free to explore this safe space and connect with their interests.
When your child learns to associate the library with joy and curiosity, they’re far more likely to make reading part of their everyday life. So whether they’re reading something educational or something entirely for entertainment, it won’t feel like a drag.
Start With a Warm Introduction
You don’t need to launch into a formal explanation of what a library is.
Start with a casual conversation about it. Explain how the library is full of stories, games, and other adventures. Spark your child’s interest by linking it to their hobbies. Do you have a dinosaur-mad child? The library might have books about the flying dinosaur Quetzalcoatlus. Does your child love to help you in the kitchen? Search for a great cookbook about cake baking.
Treat your child’s first trip to the library like a field trip. Set aside a special time so that your visit feels calm and unhurried. This trip is more about exploring the space than anything else. Walk around together and find the specially designed areas for children that each library has to offer. There might be colorful reading nooks, shorter shelves, and eye-catching displays. Some libraries also have borrow boxes for games and audiobooks, as well as activity tables for crafts.
Show your child that the library is a welcoming and friendly space, and they won’t feel intimidated by visiting.
Let Your Child Take the Lead
The best way to encourage your child to love their local library is to give them the power to choose their own book.
It’s tempting to guide them straight to books that you think they “should” read, maybe something directly linked to improving their reading comprehension, but that will make the library feel like homework.
Whether it’s a graphic novel about cats exploring space or a book of factoids about the rainforest, the most important thing is that your child is engaged in their choice.
The goal of your visit is to give your child some autonomy to find enjoyment in this space. Their book may have more pictures than words, but it is still a step up in developing their reading confidence. Over time, they’ll likely grow more curious and willing to try new types of books on their own.
You can also encourage your child to ask the librarian for help. Learning that there are friendly adults ready to recommend fun books or guide them through the shelves helps build independence and social confidence.
Plus, librarians can direct your child to something he or she likes. No matter how obscure the interest or how widely your child has already read, librarians can virtually always help them find something new and exciting to borrow.
Create a Fun Routine Around Library Visits
Children thrive on routines, and library visits can easily become a special part of your weekly rhythm. Pick a designated day that works for you and set that aside as your dedicated library time. Your child knows that this is when they will be able to renew their current book and/or find a new gem to borrow.
Build fun traditions into your library outings. You can enjoy hot chocolate afterwards and read your new books in the cafe, or you can have a special library tote bag that your child uses exclusively for their library trips. These rituals signal to your child that library time is something to anticipate and enjoy, not just another errand.
Your local library is also a trove of activities. From interactive rhyme time aimed at preschool readers to teen book clubs, there will likely be a timetable of regular events that your child can take part in.
Keep an eye out for seasonal activities too, such as one-off story or crafting sessions linked to the holidays. All are things that can keep your child engaged while connecting books to fun experiences.
Talk About What They’re Reading
Reading doesn’t end when you walk out the door. One of the easiest ways to strengthen your child’s connection to books is by talking about them. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite part of that story?” or “What do you think happens next?”
You don’t need to test them, just show that you’re interested. When your child sees you value their thoughts and ideas, they’ll feel more confident expressing themselves. This kind of dialogue reinforces comprehension, vocabulary development, and a deeper appreciation for stories.
If your child enjoys drawing, encourage them to create illustrations of scenes from their books. If they like building with blocks or toys, suggest recreating a character’s home or the setting of a story. These creative extensions make reading more interactive and memorable.
Celebrate the Library as a “Big Kid” Privilege
Children love to feel like they are a “big kid,” so framing a visit to the library as a privilege usually reserved for older children can add an extra layer of motivation.
Talk about things like getting your child their own library card and the responsibility that comes with this privilege. These are the books they have borrowed; they must keep them safe and treat them well.
Let your child carry the card and hand it to the librarian themselves. Those small acts give them a sense of ownership and pride. Explain how returning books on time is part of being respectful, and if they misplace one, guide them through the process of locating it and seeking assistance.
Children who feel trusted to handle these responsibilities are more likely to take them seriously. They also start to understand how community spaces work and what it means to be part of something larger than themselves.
Support Their Reading Journey at Home
You can build on your child’s library experiences by incorporating reading into your home life. Create a cozy reading corner where your child can enjoy the books they’ve borrowed. Reading together every day for 15 minutes each day is enough for your first grader to improve their reading comprehension significantly.
If your child is too young to read, take turns “reading aloud.” You read a page, then they “read” one by pointing to the pictures or repeating parts of the story they remember. This shared experience creates a safe space where your child can practice without pressure.
Celebrate progress, even if it’s small. If your child finishes a short book independently, acknowledge it with enthusiasm. When your child sees themselves as a “reader,” they carry that confidence into every academic subject.
Encourage Exploration Beyond Books
Most libraries offer more than just reading material. The library is full of resources your child will love, from music CDs and audiobooks to science kits, educational games, and even kitchen equipment and camping supplies. Some branches have tablets preloaded with learning apps, while others offer access to streaming platforms or learning databases you can use at home.
Let your child check out something different now and then. It could be a video about space or a puzzle they can borrow for a short time. These experiences teach your child that the library is about more than just reading and that they can turn to it for a range of needs.
Let Your Child’s Curiosity Lead the Way
Helping your child enjoy the library will improve more than just their reading level. It will create a lasting excitement about the adventures you share there. Yes, they will learn, but they will also grow.
Let your child’s curiosity lead the way. Give them space to pick their own books, attend events that interest them, and interact with the librarians as trusted guides. With this self-guidance, the library can be a place they love, not one they “have to” visit.
And that love for libraries? It’s a gift that will grow with them for life.