My 6-year old niece Michaela knows her way around the library. She should! After all, she’s been visiting libraries with her family for most of her life. It shows, too. She’s filled with ideas, stories, and words.
My 10-year old friend, Laura — the Newbery book reader I’ve blogged about here and here — also knows libraries. You may remember that Laura and her mom attended the annual conference of the American Library Association where Laura got to meet the authors of the books she has read so avidly.
Like my niece, Laura has been using libraries all of her life — though books and stories mean something special to Laura. Books have introduced Laura to other places, opened other worlds for her as she coped with the one she lives in. Laura’s parents have written an article on how libraries have helped Laura — ironic given that their Indiana town is no longer funded.
A colleague sent a link to an NPR article suggesting why libraries could become the next new trend since cupcakes (I like it — cupcakes and libraries ‐ just think of the similarities!)
My guess is that when they grow up, Laura and Michaela will continue to use libraries. I hope, too, that the adults in their lives continue to advocate for libraries.
Too often libraries must absorb deep budget cuts; they’re often not viewed as essential services — but they are.
Just ask Laura, Michaela, and their moms.
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
July 23, 2010