We are all aware that libraries have been changing. Librarians are busy making future plans and choices for their Children’s and Youth Services departments. Build a Makerspace? Invest in e-reader devices for patrons to use in the library or check out? Buy a 3-D printer? Bring a Smart Board into story time? The jobs ads posted for Children’s and/or Youth Services librarians usually contain the term “tech-savvy” in the description.
Now, before you start thinking this is going to be an anti-technology post, let me assure you otherwise. I’m not arguing about the important role of social media and digital choices in today’s library. Of course technology is imperative, pragmatic, ubiquitous, and learning new technologies is fun! I love my e-reader and the convenience it provides me with. I love that at 9pm when I realize I have read every single book in the library book pile to my child 10 times each, I can quickly download a couple of e-books from my library. I’m just saying that as librarians and librarians-to-be, may we never forget about the value of books for children. I speak of the physical objects.
Young children are developing so many skills…….fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive. Babies and toddlers need to grab at books, squeeze them, chew on them, and throw them. Preschoolers need to hold books, feel the cover, turn the pages, point, and learn about upside down and right side up. All children need to be able to pick up books, study the cover, browse through them, discover their interests, and make choices.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that “Pediatricians should continue to urge parents to avoid TV- and video-viewing for children younger than 2 years.” As far as fostering and supporting the many areas of development in our children, parents are faced with many choices. As for developing collections, programs, and reinventing the space in our libraries dedicated to children, librarians are faced with many choices. Let’s not forget, there are so many ways to support healthy brain development, and books play such an important role.
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Our guest blogger today is Jill A. Eisele. Jill is a Youth Services Assistant at Bellwood Public Library. She has received her BS in Child Development at Northern Illinois University, and is currently an MLIS Candidate at Dominican University.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
If you’d like to write a guest post for the ALSC Blog, please contact Mary Voors, ALSC Blog manager, at alscblog@gmail.com.
jessica marshall
I truly enjoy reading this article very much! I do agree that libraries and children’s librarians are able to know what/how the changes can be made when it comes to providing information and services to its patrons, especially to younger children and parents. Also, librarians can be able to understand the actual importance of developing a child’s reading and literary skills, which includes toddlers who are starting to read between 2-4 years of age. Lastly, books along with reading and literature goes hand in hand; however, all of us should never forget how books can play a significant role in our daily lives, how they can develop our intellectual/creative/social interests and the value that is been placed upon our hands and minds once the pages are turned and the words that are being read comes to life.
Sharon McClintock
Nice reminder of what physical books offer a child’s sensory development. Touch and feel and lift-the-flap books are especially good for sensory play exploration.
Laura O'Kane
There isn’t a lovelier sight than books strewn about the floor, and an enthralled child moving from one book to the next in sheer wonderment at the joy each book holds. So while screens have their place and technology can be fun, you just can’t beat a real book!
Janet Crigger
There is nothing like watching my two year old son as he chooses his nightly books from his bookcase. I’ll admit that my mind, at that time of night, is racing with bedtimes, scheduling, and having to clean up all the books he’s pulling out…however, your piece provides me with wonderful reassurance that this time for him, exploring the world through books, is invaluable! Thank you!
janan rustan
Great article! As an occupational therapist and parent, I so agree with the value of a book in hand. Thanks for a great reminder to all.
Kim Summers
Well said Jill! I agree that physical books are very important for children and they provide things that e-books cannot. I work in an elementary school library and I love watching the children browse the shelves for books that appeal to them. It’s really neat to watch them explore and discover different books, and that’s not really something they can do with e-books.