A Library Card Teaches Children Personal Responsibility
Give your child the opportunity to explore their reading interests independently and learn about personal responsibility.
A library card is a fantastic way to teach your child about personal responsibility.
Give your child the opportunity to explore their reading interests independently and learn about personal responsibility. A library card is a child’s first step into independence for many families. The library will most likely ask for proof of identification. If you have an older child, they can provide a valid driver’s license or personal identification card. Otherwise, younger children can provide their student IDs. Library cards are free.
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Why Should Children Get a Library Card?
For one thing, owning their library card allows your child to become independent. Library cards allow children to utilize public computers, research databases, InterLibrary Loans, and more! In other words, checking out books is part of owning a library card. Teaching children how to use borrowed materials responsibly and respectfully is an important early lesson.
How to Get a Library Card for Your Child
Getting a library card for your child is easy. Most children below the age of 16–18 need a legal guardian present during the application. The library will most likely ask for proof of identification. If you have an older child, they can provide a valid driver’s license or personal identification card. Otherwise, younger children can provide their student IDs. Library cards are free.
Visiting the Library
Bringing your child to the library and allowing them to have the freedom to choose can be a wonderful learning experience. Although they can borrow whatever they want, they eventually have to give it back to the library. If you’re worried about your child selecting age-inappropriate books, give them a chance to choose their reading material and review their selections.
Most libraries have children’s sections filled with exciting and age-appropriate books — an opportunity to encourage your child to ask librarians for reading recommendations. Library cards are one of the few items children can have like adults, instilling a sense of pride and self-esteem.
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Motivating Lifelong Readers
The best part about getting your child a library card is encouraging them to love reading and the library. Even if your child doesn’t enjoy reading, they’ll eventually learn more about the library itself and the resources available within its walls. These are valuable skills they’ll carry with them to adulthood. However, they’re more likely to engage with literature if they visit the library for an exciting and enjoyable weekly activity. In summary, getting your children a library card encourages them to read, an essential lifelong skill.