Visiting the Library

Visiting the library is a wonderful activity for young children. Read on to see why we love the library and a regular activity in our schedule.

Kim at Tiny Little Explorers

7/5/20244 min read

Why Libraries are a Magical Place for Young Kids (and Their Parents and Caregivers!)

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated treasures in every community: the library! If you’re a parent or caregiver of a young child, the library isn’t just a building filled with books - it’s a gateway to adventure, learning, and independence. Once you and your little one step through those doors, you’ll see the magic unfold.

The Library: A Kid-Friendly Wonderland

First things first, libraries aren’t the quiet, “shh”-filled places you might remember from your own childhood. Today’s libraries are vibrant, welcoming hubs packed with cozy reading nooks, storytime sessions, craft activities, and even interactive play areas. It’s like a mini wonderland where kids can let their imaginations soar.

But the true magic happens when your child gets their very own library card.

A Library Card = Independence and Confidence

You might not think of a library card as anything extraordinary, but for a young child, it’s a golden ticket. It’s their first card of responsibility - something that’s just for them. Kids light up with pride when they get to hand their card to the librarian and check out books all by themselves or at one of the libraries we visit using the automated check out machine.

Giving children this little slice of independence teaches them responsibility in such a simple, empowering way. They’ll learn to care for their books and remember to return them on time (with a little help from you, of course). It’s a small but powerful lesson in autonomy that sticks with them as they grow.

Picking Their Own Books = A Confidence Booster

Now, let’s talk about the joy of letting your child pick their own books. Sure, they might gravitate toward the same dinosaur book or that glittery unicorn story again or even the same book they may have at home, but letting them make their own choices gives them a sense of control and freedom.

When kids pick books that excite them, they’re way more likely to actually want to read—or at least flip through the pages and explore the pictures. It’s all about making reading fun and meaningful to them, which is the foundation of a lifelong love of learning.

And you never know, the book they choose might spark a new interest or lead to a whole world of curiosity. One day it’s trucks, the next it’s outer space.

The library has it all!

Developmental Benefits of Library Visits

Libraries are a powerhouse for early childhood development. Here’s why:

Language and Literacy Skills:
Being surrounded by books and stories helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills. Storytime sessions are especially great for introducing new words and concepts in a fun, interactive way.
Social Interaction:
Many libraries host playgroups, storytimes, and craft activities where kids can interact with peers. It’s a wonderful way to practice sharing, taking turns, and making friends.
Cognitive Development:
Exploring books, puzzles, and sensory play stations at the library stimulates little minds in ways that screens just can’t. Plus, they learn focus and patience as they engage with the materials around them.
A Sense of Community:
Visiting the library regularly helps kids feel connected to their community. They’ll recognise friendly faces (hello, librarian!) and feel a sense of belonging in a shared space.

It’s Free, Fun, and Full of Memories

One of the best parts? The library is completely free! You get access to thousands of books, educational programs, and activities without spending a dime. It’s a win-win for families looking for budget-friendly fun and learning opportunities.

And don’t forget the memories. The weekly library trips you make now will turn into cherished traditions for years to come. Someday, your child might even be bringing their own kids to the same library, remembering how it all started with a little card and a big stack of books.

Tips for Making Library Trips Awesome

Make it a routine: Try visiting on the same day each week or fortnight so it becomes part of your family’s rhythm.
Set some ground rules: Talk to your child about being gentle with books, walking not running and using an “inside voice” in the library.
Timing: Not all visits need to be long, some days you may spend a long time using the library resources and other days it may be a quick book drop off. The time you spend will depend on the age of your children, time of day etc. Any time spent in the library is valuable and impactful.
Ask librarians for help: Librarians are like book wizards—they can recommend great reads based on your child’s age and interests.
Celebrate their card: Make a big deal out of getting that first library card. Maybe even take a picture!
Have a dedicated library bag: Handy to keep the library book list so you remember which books need to be returned.
Storytelling sessions: Including the storytelling sessions in your library visit is a great way to introduce "mat time" for your children and other storytelling styles.
Remember: Parents and Caregivers can check out books as well! You can find me in the cookbook aisle.

Let the Library Adventures Begin!

Whether your child is diving into picture books, singing along at storytime, or proudly checking out their own stack of books, the library is the perfect place to grow, learn, and explore.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your kiddo and head to your local library. The magic of books is waiting!

Thank you for reading,

Kim

If you would like a list of lovely books to read with your baby grab your FREE COPY of Books for Infants here.

Our factsheet "Books for Infants" includes: