Although library buildings are closed for now, a digital trip to the library can still help your child build a lifelong love of books, reading and learning. Libraries have books, movies, video games and more online, and it doesn’t cost you a thing to borrow them from the library. All you need is your library card, which is free for anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Broward County. Reading together sets an example for your child and shows that you believe reading is important.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
Reading to your child for at least 15 minutes every day, starting from birth, is important to your child’s healthy development and future success in school. Children who are regularly read to show more activity in the parts of their brain that help with reading comprehension and understanding stories. Even the youngest baby loves being held and hearing the voice of their family members as they read a book aloud. Your local online library has more books than any one person could afford to buy. With so many books to choose from, it’s fun and easy for young children to discover new favorite stories. Librarians are dedicated to building diverse collections, so books can serve as windows (letting children see other cultures) and mirrors (so children see themselves reflected in the books they read). Children learn about different cultures, customs, religions and living situations in their neighborhood and around the world by reading books that reflect this diversity.
Through the shared experiences and resources found at the library, parents and caregivers can encourage their children to value reading and become lifelong learners. According to the latest research from the Kids & Family Reading Report, 95% of parents agree “every community needs to have a public library.” Have you visited your local library lately? Stop by, say hi to your librarians, and let us help you build your child’s love of books.
Follow these links to visit the Broward County Library online today! All resources are FREE with a Broward County Library Card.
Get Your Online Library Card Here
Broward Libraries Digital Resources
Broward Libraries Youth Resources
Broward Libraries School Resources
Adapted from an article by Meagan Albright, M.L.I.S., Youth Services Librarian III, NSU Alvin Sherman Library. The Nova Southeastern University Alvin Sherman Library, Research, Information Technology Center is a unique joint-use library serving the residents of Broward County as well as NSU students, faculty, and staff members. To find out more about the Alvin Sherman Library’s free events for children and families and to sign-up for a free Alvin Sherman Library card, please visit sherman.library.nova.edu
References
John S. Hutton, Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus, Alan L. Mendelsohn, Tom DeWitt, Scott K. Holland,the C-MIND Authorship Consortium, Home Reading Environment and Brain Activation in Preschool Children Listening to Stories. Pediatrics, Sep 2015, 136 (3) 466-478
Kids & Family Reading Report, 7th edition
https://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/home.html
Zero to Three
https://www.zerotothree.org/early-development/brain-development