Endless Adventures at the Local Library
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
― Albert Einstein
By getting involved with the Time to Read programme, businesses give children the opportunity to learn and grow through reading. To ensure this continues long after Time to Read finishes, a visit to the school’s local Library is included in the programme to show the children and their families the amazing free resources they can utilise by themselves. We chatted to some of the Librarians who we have worked with to get their view on why it is still so important to encourage children to use their local libraries in a time when any information they may need is at the fingertips through technology.
Laura Joyce, Senor Librarian at Lucan Library sees how encouraging children to use their local library and read as much as possible can have a lasting effect throughout their lives;
Children from Mother of Divine Grace Primary School, Dublin 11 getting stuck into a book on their visit to Finglas Library with Gas Networks Ireland
“Children who are introduced to libraries through the Time to Read programme are encouraged to return and to bring their families back with them. The value of reading in a child’s life should never be underestimated. Children who are read to regularly can concentrate for longer periods and so find it easier to learn how to read, write and absorb new information. Fostering a love of reading is crucial to our children’s future happiness and success.”
The social benefits of visiting the library are highlighted by Vincent McManus of Inchicore Library, “Visits to the library also promotes interaction with other people and helps promote exploration and curiosity.”
Vincent also uses the Library visit as a chance to show the children the other resources available at the Library “By bringing the children to the Library it increases their awareness of what is available whether it be DVD, large print, books on CD, magazines. It also encourages them to consider libraries as an additional source of entertainment.”
Children from St. James’ Primary School, Dublin 8 receiving their Library cards and completing their quiz with their volunteers from Core Media.
Darina Molloy, Librarian, Castlebar has been working with the Time to Read programme for several years and sees the positive effect that using the library has on children on a daily basis; “In Mayo, the happy hum of conversation from the Time to Read children during their visit to the library is lovely to hear.”
Breaffy NS, partnered with Mayo County Council, at Castlebar Library for their Time to Read Library Visit
“Libraries are one of the few places left in the world where you can spend a happy few hours with children, leave with more items than you arrived with, and not face a hefty bill at the end of your visit. Reading helps young children to expand their vocabulary, it can help them make sense of the world around them, and if they find books and stories they love, they will never be bored – whether or not there is wifi!”
