Supporting Local Libraries In a Digital World is critical because local libraries play such an important part in our communities. I remember when I first became a mom, I walked into a Mommy and Me playgroup with my six-month old daughter at my local library and it has been an essential part of my parenting journey since then.

After the Mommy and Me playgroup, we hung around to chat then Babygirl and I headed to get some books. As my oldest daughter grew, we attended various classes at the library catered to her age group and all my girls have been blessed to participate in many library events, like Hour of Code, which planted a seed in their love for STEM.

In the Summer time, we enjoyed participating in our local library Summer Reading program and reaping the rewards at the end with a celebration for all the families who have taken part. According to Scholastic Summer Challenge, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic level, or
previous achievement, children who read four or more books over the summer fare better on
reading-comprehension tests in the fall than their peers who read one or no books over the
summer.

Reading as a leisure activity is the best predictor of comprehension, vocabulary and reading speed. Having reading role-model parents or a large book collection at home has a greater impact on kids’ reading frequency than does household income.

We need to take the time of supporting Local Libraries in a digital world and here are some ways to show support:

1. USE IT!

If local libraries can show that they are needed and well-used, it’s easier for them to make the case that they should receive funding. We make it a priority to visit our local library weekly. Our three-year old wanted her own library card like her big sisters so the librarian made her understand that she had to be able to sign her name in order to receive one and we made it our focus to teach her how to write her name. I am proud to say that she achieved that goal last Summer and now she feels all proud choosing her own books (with my suggestions) and checking them out with her library card. We do our best to sign up for various events hosted at our local library and I realize it’s one of the easiest ways to support our local library.

2. VOLUNTEER!

Volunteers help local libraries keep costs down and serve the community better. You can contact your local library to see what they need help with. This helps if you have a special skill that could benefit your local library in some way. I can see a French for Beginners program in my near future.

3. DONATE OR BECOME A MEMBER!

Most local libraries have a “Friends of the Library” program where you can become a member. You can also donate any amount to a cash collection area at your local library where you can give your pocket change. It adds up over time. If you have no cash at all, you can usually donate books which we do because over the years we have accumulated tons of books and it’s our way to pay forward.

4. SHOP AT THE LIBRARY!

My local library has a bookshelf where we can buy used books. On our weekly visit at our local library, we make sure to check out the bookshelf for some treasures. My girls are super fast readers so I turn to the library to meet their insatiable taste of reading and when my local library hosts a Book Sale, we are the first one there and understand it’s a win win for the library and my girls.

5. VOTE AND CONTACT YOUR REPS.

You may even want to periodically contact your local library to see if there’s any legislation coming up that would affect them. Vote against anything that would harm the ability to use the local library freely or that would leave it unfunded.

Technology has expanded research potential and changed the way we navigate information, and there is an over-abundance of media options available for taking in non-fictional and fictional stories. Card catalogs and the little card pockets in the back of books are relics of a simpler time, but libraries are far from obsolete. Even in our fast-paced, digital world, local libraries are relevant and essential to our communities.

Local libraries do more than provide resources and education; they provide opportunities for people to come together and to network, creating a sense of belonging in their community. Programs and groups of all ages enjoy quality speakers, knitting groups, and book discussions. Family movie nights, LEGO building clubs, and children’s story and music times fill libraries with parents and children looking for quality (and free) entertainment.

My love of local libraries run deep and with Summer here, I can’t wait to dive in with my daughter into this Summer Reading Challenge and I am excited to join in the fun as well because why should only my children have all the fun! Our library states so well the importance of supporting local libraries: a place for the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading and the power of information.

Get to your local library with your children today and enjoy a book or two each! Make time to share with each other and happy fun learning and discovering!