Booklist: Books about Libraries for Shared Reading with Children
Our boys grew up loving libraries. On son #2’s 10th birthday, by his choice, we did the two things he loved most in the world – eat at the local Chinese restaurant and then visit the library. He had a special seat by the window in the children’s section where he would curl up and read a stack of books. Later when he was in 5th grade, he wrote a poem about the library that he gave to his favorite children’s librarian. Libraries are a safe haven that children of all ages can enjoy. Celebrate National Library Week! Visit your local library and check out some books about libraries.
Before Shared Reading
Depending on your child’s attention span, try reading two books in one shared reading time. Pair a story book with a concept or nonfiction book. Talk about what is the same and different between pretend stories and realistic stories.
During library story times, in addition to introducing the book’s title, author, and illustrator, librarians also include a short teaser lead-in to focus reader attention. This teaser blurb is known as a “Book Talk”. Your local library may have a reference book of Book Talks for popular story time books or you can see examples of Book Talk in action by viewing episodes of PBS’ Reading Rainbow. Storyline Online also has great examples of Book Talks in action.
During Shared Reading
To build comprehension, point out what is the same and what is different between the story libraries in the books and your local library.
After Shared Reading
To celebrate libraries in the best way possible, plan a trip together to your local library or book mobile. Based on the book you read together discuss what to expect at the library.
During the trip talk about your local library’s policies, discuss what is age appropriate and necessary (for example, how old your child is or being able to write their own name) for your child to have their own library card. Celebrate with your child if they are ready for their own library card by checking out a book about libraries or books.
After the trip, set up a home library and role play visiting and checking out books.
Picture Books about Libraries for Shared Reading with Children
The Library Lion
Words by Michelle Knudsen
Pictures by Kevin Hawkes
One day a lion drops in for the library story time; Hmmm, let’s see what happens next.
The Library Dragon
Words by Carmen Agra Deedy
Pictures by Michael P. White
Sunrise Elementary has a new librarian and she’s a REAL dragon. Who’s going to be brave enough to read a book? If you love dragons, also see Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library, words by Julie Gassmanand and pictures by Andy Elkerton which has library etiquette 101 delivered with humor and rhymes.
If You Want to Bring a Circus to the Library
Words and Pictures by Elise Parsley
Part of the Magnolia Says Don’t series
Magnolia takes the “You Can Do Anything at the Library” sign literally and sets up her own big top. Loud and proud, Magnolia learns what not to do in this cautionary tale about library etiquette.
Lola at the Library
Words by Anna McQuinn
Pictures by Rosalind Beardshaw
Picture Book Ages 2 – 5
Great for introducing toddlers and preschoolers to the local library. Also see Lola Loves Stories
Tomas and the Library Lady
Words by Pat Mora
Pictures by Raul Colon
Picture Book Memoir Ages 4 – 8
The true story of Tomas, from a family of migrant farm workers, who learns to love reading and books from his mentor a local librarian. Tomas grew up to be the first minority Chancellor in the University of California. See also, Abe Lincoln:The Boy Who Loved Books by Kate Winters.
Chapter Book about Books
Read more books about books and libraries:
Booklist: Books about Books for Shared Reading with Children
Booklist: Books about Libraries for Shared Reading with Children
Book Review: Summer Hours at the Robbers Library, Sue Halpern
Book Series Review: The Invisible Library, Genevieve Cogman
Book Review: The Mortal Word, Book 5 of The Invisible Library Series, Genevieve Cogman
Book Review: The Library Book, Susan Orlean
Quote: The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library. Albert Einstein
Quote: Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future. Ray Bradbury