I love the library. Before my Kindle changed my life, I used to love borrowing library books. It was so much fun getting those calls telling me the book I had been wanting to read was finally IN! I still use the online library to borrow Kindle books, but now the only time I go to an actual library in person is to take the kids.
If you haven’t been to the library recently, you should really grab your kids and go! The kids section is always great… with little play areas, computer & listening stations, and obviously… tons of books! During the week there are usually a number of story time events that are super cute for the kids and are free.
Hudson is just starting to read on his own, so I have been trying to think of new ways to grow his love for books & reading. I came up with the idea to have a library scavenger hunt, and I am happy to say it was a huge hit!
I decided to keep the list short, since I didn’t know how long his attention span would last. But I was pleasantly surprised how much he got into it, so next time I am definitely going to add more items to ‘hunt’.
Hudson was running all over to find the items, I had to keep telling him it wasn’t a race! He even found 3 different superhero books, since he kept spotting ones he liked better than what he had found previously.
Mila enjoyed following him around and playing in the activity area. They also had an island full of board books, so she kept pulling books down and reading them. (aka: screaming loudly)
After Hudson found all the books, I showed him the section of ‘level 1’ readers and told him he could pick out a few books to borrow. He chose three books, and also asked if he could borrow the book he found with the bear on it for his sister.
He said he had REALLY wanted to get the Lego Movie book he saw at his book fair a few weeks back, but he couldn’t find it. So I had him go to the youth services desk and ask the woman about it. Soon he called me over and told me the book was checked out, but if I gave the lady my library card they would hold it for us when it was returned. He was very excited about that, and has been saying, ‘When these books are ready to go back to the library, my Lego Movie book will be there waiting!’
On the way home, Hudson asked for one of his books and started reading it to Mila! Melt my heart!
What are some creative ways that you encourage your kids to read?
What a brilliant idea!
Thanks Satcey! It turned out better than I expected!
What a great idea! We love going to the library and this would make it even more fun!
Thanks for commenting Tara! Yes, it was a hit with my son… let me know how it goes!
Fantastic idea! I haven't taken my daughter to the library in ages, I tend to spend far too much money buying her books to keep, but libraries are so magical, I should make more of an effort. Really like the idea of a scavenger hunt.
Thank you Tinuke! I forget about the library sometimes too, but now that he is really learning to read, I was getting sick of buying all those early readers! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 🙂
Love this! Totally adaptable to older kids as well…mine are 9 & 13 and I think they would love it! Plus if I make the list long enough it gives me time to relax with some coffee;)
Hi Lucy! I agree, it would be a good way to help older kids remember how awesome the library is! Hope all is well with you! 😉
I LOVE this idea. My girls would absolutely have a blast. I would just have to make a rule about no running…
Haha, yeah… there was definitely running involved! Luckily (and sadly too) the library wasn't very crowded.
What a cool idea. My daughter would love this
It was a great way to spend the afternoon, esp when the weather isn't great! 🙂
What a fun and productive visit to the library. I will have to try this with my kids this summer. My son is so busy at the library this could help SO much 🙂
Thanks Heather! I hope your family enjoys it just as much! 🙂
Look at little MILA!!!!!!!!! This is such a great idea. Will have to try it.