Some families are library families, and some aren’t. My family is a library family. Is yours?
My daughter Hannah, 6, is thrilled after checking out her own library books at the Newburyport Public Library.
When my husband and I first considered a move to Newburyport six years ago, we stopped in at the Newburyport Public Library. With our then 5-month-old in tow, we walked up State Street, entered the historic 1866 building, and made a left into the Children’s Room. The large, modern and colorful space confirmed for us that Newburyport was a town we could call home.
Fast forward to present day. My daughter, now almost 7, my son, 4, and I have visited the Children’s Room, geared toward children from birth through sixth grade, hundreds of times.
Borrowing books is part of our weekly family routine, and we’ve also attended story hour and special programs there. A trip to the library is always fun and special, and as my kids have gotten older they enjoy library time more and more. Plus, it’s a no-cost way to spend quality time with your family, have new things to read at night to your kids, and learn a thing or two yourself.
I recently found my children playing “librarian” during a play date. The kids were using a toy scanner attached to a pretend cash register to check books out. Just a few days after observing that, I was pleasantly surprised to read on the library’s Facebook page that self checkout is now available. I knew my kids would be thrilled to check out their own books, so we made an impromptu trip over to investigate the new system. They loved it, and I loved watching their sense of independence grow.
The Newburyport Area Industrial Development Foundation and the Friends of the Library provided funds for the self checkout system, which librarians point out is not meant to replace personal service. A kiosk is also available at the main circulation desk.
The library has advanced in other ways in the 21st century, with its Facebook page announcing events and its website allowing for online program registration. Paper registration continues to be available for some events, including the ever-popular story times for children 18 months to 6 years. A calendar of the library’s upcoming event can be found here.
The children's seating area is a place for reading and quiet toys. Alex, 4, and Hannah, 6, enjoy the library on a recent rainy evening.
Instilling a love of the library in your children is easy. Here’s how:
–Apply for your child’s first library card at age 5. The librarians make this milestone moment special. My daughter was very proud of herself for having her own card and special case, and she even signed her name on her card.
–Dedicate a special library bag. With so much to choose from, you can easily amass more books than you can easily carry in your hands. Earmarking a large, sturdy bag especially for library books also keeps the books organized at home. On library days, we gather all the books that are due and put them in the bag, sometimes deciding to renew certain items and keep those at home.
–Use the library’s technology as a teaching tool. Now that my daughter can read, she’s interested in reading all of the books by her favorite authors. I showed her how we can search the online catalog and request items. Going to pick up her books is an extra special treat.
–Summer reading lists are a great way to get your kids reading through the summer. Plus it’s nice to cool off for a few minutes.
Another opportunity at the library, if you can be patient, is showcasing a personal collection in the Children’s Room. The exhibit in the small glass cabinet rotates monthly and is curated by a local child. Exhibits vary greatly; some recent collections include a set of plush hedgehogs, Wizard of Oz memorabilia, and the current display of rocks. A selection of books always accompanies the display. The waiting list is long, however. My daughter has waited more than a year to show off her extensive collection of Calico Critters, and I’ve been told it may be another year until we get a phone call.
A local youth's rock collection is on display at the Newburyport Public Library.
As a child growing up in New York City, I spent hours and hours in several of the city’s libraries. I would do homework at the library, browse through young adult books there, and work on term papers and other research projects. My family didn’t own a set of encyclopedias, so utilizing the library’s resources was a key part of my education.
Perhaps my positive childhood experiences at the library spurred me to create similar memories for my children. I love being a library family, and hope to see you and your family there soon!
The Newburyport Public Library is located at 94 State Street. Phone: 978-465-4428. URL: www.newburyportpl.org
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Jill Oestreicher Gross is a freelance writer and mother of two young children. She can be reached at jillalexandra@yahoo.com.
