Daycare and the Public Library
Daycare Outreach, Lbrary Fieldtrips, and Summer Reading Programs
The importance of the public library and your daycare program
Good reading habits start early. Introducing children in daycare to the local public library is important because it supports school readiness and promotes early literacy. While building a reading library is important, it can become rather expensive.
Introducing the children in your day care to the library is an inexpensive way to encourage a love for language and reading. As well it allows children to be exposed to a wide range of library resources such as books, films, magazines, and software.
There are several ways to incorporate the public library into your daycare program:
Daycare outreach and bookmobile visits
Daycare outreach and bookmobile visits support school readiness by bringing library resources and storytime training to child care providers and parents.
Bookmobile visits
How it works:
A bookmobile is a mobile library. Usually it is a large van or bus with bookshelves, computers, and a space for reading or storytelling. A library will send a bookmobile and a children’s librarian to the daycare center on a regular basis. The librarian will usually provide story time and introduce the children to literature.
The librarian may also provide songs, flannel board stories, games, and finger plays related to a particular theme. Children can also check out a limited number of books. Contact your local library and ask to speak to the director of children or youth services to find out if they have a bookmobile and to discuss the addition of your daycare to their rotation.
Daycare Outreach
How it works:
Much like bookmobile services, a librarian will visit the daycare and provide resources, storytime and programming. Although a bookmobile is not involved, daycare outreach will also introduce children to literature and to the appropriate behavior and skills necessary for storytime.
Your local public library should have an outreach program that includes daycare outreach by librarians. If this is not available, speak to the library director and make a request. You will find that most libraries are enthusiastic and would love to help.
Library Fieldtrips:
Arrange to take the children in your daycare to the library regularly. Call ahead and ask to arrange for a tour and orientation. As well, arrange for a story time where the librarian can introduce the children to the best and most appropriate literature and resources. Many libraries have a new and exciting theme every month. Children can explore the library, get a library card, and get acquainted with the friendly librarians who are there to help them grow.
Summer Reading Programs
Another way to introduce your children to the library is to register the children in your daycare in your local library’s summer reading program. Research shows that children who participate in summer reading programs (or who read during the summer) perform better in the fall when they return to school.
How it works:
Many public libraries list age appropriate books to read throughout the summer. Children then read a set number of these books and describe the books they have read by writing a summary, completing an easy form, or sharing verbal summaries.
Many times prizes and/or certificates are awarded to those who complete the required number of books. You may also choose to imitate a public or school library’s summer reading program.
To recap:
The benefits of introducing children in daycare to the library:
- Introduces children to the library and supports its value as a community resource.
- Supports school readiness by improving literacy and listening skills.
- Supports life-long appreciation of literature and reading.
For more information about group daycare, Please see my article Group Daycare
