In modern libraries there is often a corner set up just for little children. For busy parents it can be a great chance to browse through some books while the little ones keep themselves safely amused with interesting toys and activities in the back of the library.
While you are there, get your child to choose a book from the shelves that looks interesting and fun and then sit there and read it to them. Toddler books don't take a long time to get through from cover to cover so relax, forget about the time and enjoy the story too.
This kind of time spent with your child has many benifits. For a start it will help your child to enjoy books and learn reading patterns as they see you follow the lines along and turn the pages to get to the next section of text.
There is no need to think that taking a child so young to the library is only for those who want to create 'superkids' either, (although don't laugh at the prospect - children who enjoy reading can learn so much more, even by themselves). Still, this is not the idea of taking them there. It is to let them get familiar within the library environment. Learning that books are full of adventure and information is the first steady step. Don't try to force them to read early, it will just put them off for life!
They will start to understand the benifits of imaginative stories as well as the wealth of information that they can find in books. Another benifit is that your active toddler has a chance to slow down a little and enjoy doing something where they are not just running around wild and that doesn't involve the TV.
Most libraries offer different activities like storybook reading, where you can sit with your toddler and other pre-school children to listen to stories told by the librarian. Often these readings are followed up with a little talk to the children about the story that they had just heard and activities like cutting and pasting or colouring in.
But what I think is the most precious thing about a visit to the library with your child is that is it a speical time for them where their mother or father can sit down and pay them individual attention.
As you can see, libraries make a better pastime for little children than they used to, in fact it could possibly become one of your child's favourite activities and something to really look forward to. So next time your toddler is running amok at home, give it a try. You are likely to find a new pastime for yourself and your child, that is both realxing and enlightening.
