Happy National Library Week 2020! I know, I know… how can you “find your place at the library?” There are no libraries open during #quarantine. Well, research says that you should start yours with your home library. Did you know that having at least 80 physical books in adolescence can impact your child’s literacy? It actually “benefits their later educational achievement, attainment, and occupational standing.” That’s why in our house my motto is, “More books than toys!” It helps keep my house tidy, instills gratitude in my children and makes reading more consistent.
Resources to Help You Raise Strong Readers
Ages 0-3
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- Read to Learn Book Club: Sign-up for a free, monthly book club for children in Miami-Dade County. All children from birth to age 5 are eligible to receive a free book every month, delivered to their home.
- Royal Readers: Storytime occurs weekly (via Zoom) and serves as a much-needed break (15-30 minutes max) for parents.
Ages 3-5
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- Reach Out and Read: Access thousands of books in 59 languages, museums, and even the biggest stars and celebrities reading books aloud
- Early Literacy Tips for Families: You could rotate between these tips for about 10-15 minutes a day and watch it nurture more interest in books in your little one
School-Aged (K-12)
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- Reading Rockets: By far my favorite reading resource for practice, understanding problems that your child may be having with reading and strategies to improve their reading
- Open Culture: Textbooks, audiobooks, homeschooling tools for teachers, and free activities to do at home
All Ages
- If you need more physical books to pick up and hold in your hands, check out how to build a home library on a budget.
- Miami-Dade Libraries: Use your Miami-Dade Public Library card to access your digital library which includes eBooks, audiobooks, online storytime, digital content and more.
- Colleges & Universities: Use your student access or if you’re a graduate, your alumni status from your local or out-of-state college or university to access media and digital resources.
Missing Libraries?
Listen, I know raising readers and getting physical books to read to your child may feel like a challenge. In the midst of more than anticipated screentime, take heart! Invest time exploring and sharing these online resources with other families. I, too, will be counting the days till I can take my little ones to the library for the books, activities and incredible library staff.
Take Action, Say Thank You
Join the rest of the country and show appreciation to your local branches during National Library Week. Save the picture below and repost with your favorite library name via Instagram or Twitter post. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ThankYouLibraries and #miamimomsblog.
To all of our local branches in Miami-Dade County, I celebrate you for all that you do. I miss you and can’t wait to get back to the library–where learning and fun collide!
Stay Connected
Follow these accounts
I Love Libraries Twitter: @IloveLibraries | Facebook @ILoveLibraries
ALA Accounts Twitter: @ALALibrary | Facebook: @AmericanLibraryAssociation | Instagram: @americanlibraryassociation
