We have been going to the library for my kids’ whole lives! They have enriched our home immeasurably, and even during this pandemic we have relied upon our library to help us. In fact, most of the books that we feature here are borrowed from our library. I believe our libraries are absolutely crucial to our communities.
If you’re here you likely know how important reading is to developing the skills kids will need to navigate information in their futures. In fact, reading just 15 minutes per day can have huge benefits on kids’ reading abilities, improving their reading at an accelerated rate. Not to mention the benefits of hearing stories about the world and it’s people- those similar to and different from what we already know, learning new information, and developing literacy skills. That said, not all families are able to provide text-dense environments for their kids for so many reasons. This is where libraries swoop in and save the day- like a book-ish super hero.
Aside from providing books at little or no cost- in Chicago there are no late fees for books not returned on time, though you may get a firm email asking for the material back, ahem, sorry Chicago Public Library- libraries provide tons of amazing resources. At our library you can check out books and ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, TV shows, and even day passes to some of Chicago’s most incredible museums. There are computer stations available for use and quiet tables you can use if you need a distraction-free spot. The children’s section previously housed some building toys and pretend play toys, though those are not available during the pandemic. There are featured sections for patrons to find new books, featured books, and staff recommendations. Also- library cards in Chicago are FREE. With a photo ID anyone can have a card, and people under 14 years of age can have a juvenile card. My kids feel so cool when they get to check out books using their own cards.
Libraries are also community hubs! It’s a place for people to come together around specific topics and engage with folx they might otherwise not know. Our branch offers homework help, virtual craft (for kids, teens, and adults!) sessions, book clubs, story time for younger kids, and even movie viewings. They partner with local schools! Recently one of the art teachers at my older kid’s school hosted a Craft-ernoon on Zoom! Another week we found a stack of “please take one” bookmarks featuring art from a kid at another area elementary school. During the last year our libraries have also been food sites so folx who need some have a safe place to go.
Did you read Craft-ernoon and get excited? For us, a Craft-ernoon is when everyone wins. Here’s how it works: we find out about a Craft-ernoon (usually Ms. Nicole, one of our librarian friends tells me about them when we stop in) and we sign up. The librarian gives us a craft kit with literally everything we need for the craft. Glue, markers, paper, scissors- everything. They have also partnered with places like the amazing Museum of Science and Industry for some of these events and the kit has included a circuit! On the day of the Craft-ernoon, my kids log on to Zoom with their kits out. They spend the next hour engaged in age-appropriate craft projects like making spinning helicopters or doing Halloween themed crafts and listening to a few stories. They are truly occupied for the entire 60 minutes and don’t need my help at all. Not at all. So I get a break and my kids get a craft. Yes yes yes.
Finally, our library hosts an amazing website and blog full of tons of virtual resources. There are book lists and community events and resources. Books can be requested online and patrons can specify the location from which they’d like to pick up the book. I can even get an e-receipt of all the material we check out at each visit. Our libraries are truly doing so much to enrich our communities. If you’re not already a patron, I highly recommend it!
I would love to hear, in the comments below, what you love about your library!
