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Five Tips for Taking Preschoolers to the Library
By Joanna Young
Metropolitan Library System library branches are some of the best preschool destinations. Not only are they free to visit, most library services are also free of charge. Families with preschoolers will find that a trip to the library should become part of a regular routine. Preschoolers look forward to visiting the library, especially on days where special preschool activities are planned. While library visits are usually fun and rewarding, there are a few things to remember. Here are some tips for planning a trip to one of the Metropolitan Library System locations with your preschooler.
Speak to your preschooler about noise. Before you reach the library, speak to your preschooler about inside voices and appropriate noise levels for libraries. Help your child understand that libraries are places where grownups and children visit together and that some library activities require quiet. Make sure your preschooler understands what inside voices are. Have him/her demonstrate by whispering or speaking in a low key.
Metropolitan Library System library branches are some of the best preschool destinations. Not only are they free to visit, most library services are also free of charge. Families with preschoolers will find that a trip to the library should become part of a regular routine. Preschoolers look forward to visiting the library, especially on days where special preschool activities are planned. While library visits are usually fun and rewarding, there are a few things to remember. Here are some tips for planning a trip to one of the Metropolitan Library System locations with your preschooler.
Speak to your preschooler about noise. Before you reach the library, speak to your preschooler about inside voices and appropriate noise levels for libraries. Help your child understand that libraries are places where grownups and children visit together and that some library activities require quiet. Make sure your preschooler understands what inside voices are. Have him/her demonstrate by whispering or speaking in a low key.
Bring a big tote bag. Your preschooler is bound to pick out an armful of bright and colorful books to take home. And since the Metropolitan Library Systems allows patrons to borrow up to thirty books at a time, a large tote bag or backpack is the perfect carry-all for those heavy books!
Hang on to your library receipt! Gone are the days when mothers frantically counted library books both on the way home and to return them. The Metropolitan Library System now prints out an itemized receipt, making those stacks of borrowed books easier to keep track of.
Reward good behavior. If your preschooler remembered to use his/her inside voice, didn’t run through the building, or generally was on his/her best behavior, take notice! Say, “I’m very proud of your behavior at the library. How about getting an ice cream cone?” Your preschooler will see that his/her behavior brought about pleasant results and will remember it for the next trip to the library.
Check out the Metropolitan Library System website for activities. You’ll find that there are many activities planned specifically for preschool age children. From crafts classes to puppet shows, there is usually something in the works for preschoolers that you don’t want to miss!
Other Helpful Information
Metropolitan Library System FAQ
Metropolitan Library System Calendar of Events