Will You Open the Door for Your Kids?

Third grade was my first experience with a library. Miss Catherine was ahead of her time because not many classrooms offered a “library”. Three narrow shelves filled with mystery, adventure, unique characters and new worlds hooked me into voracious reading. We were actually allowed to borrow the books and take them home. This was the year I met Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, and Winnie the Pooh. This was the year I fell in love with reading.

In sixth grade, one of the most influential events of my childhood occurred. A public library opened within walking distance, very long walking distance, of my home. Every week or so, I would grab my pile of books to be returned and scurry the four blocks to Jane’s house. From there, Jane and I walked the two blocks to Debbie’s and then our trio traipsed another half mile to the library. It was worth the walk. We sauntered around examining one shelf after another. So powerful was this experience that I still remember exactly where the Louis May Alcott books, the Betsy, Tacy and Tib books, and the Little House on the Prairie books lived. I still remember that you were allowed to borrow up to six books and usually we did. I still remember the sense of anticipation I felt as I opened that library door. Good friends, good books, good conversation…no wonder reading became such a vital part of my life.

September is Library Sign-Up Month. As parents, you have the opportunity to open that door for your children. You have the opportunity to introduce them to a world of excitement and learning, peopled with characters and experiences that can broaden their horizons and empower them for the rest of their lives. If your children already have a library card, make this the year they will use it. If your children don’t already have their own library card, don’t deny them this privilege any longer. The power is in your hands. Let September be the month you give yourself and your kids the gift of belonging to the library and visiting it on a regular basis.

Book Recommendation for Today:

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes is a classic book published in 1941, whose message is as timely today as it was years ag0. Wanda Petronski is the victim of bullying by a group of girls in her class. Her funny name and claim to have a hundred dresses when she wears the same blue dress to school everyday, provide fodder for the subtle, but hurtful abuse she receives. Although it seems like this would only appeal to girls, the story hooks readers of both genders and is an excellent choice for a family read-aloud. The short text and riveting ending offer wonderful opportunities for discussion and make it an unforgettable read. The public library is sure to have this book…just saying!  Happy reading.

 

About Rita K.

Veteran educator and Certified Reading specialist, Freelance writer
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

6 Responses to Will You Open the Door for Your Kids?

  1. Kaitlin Cruice says:

    We got it out of the library as well! I loved it!

    Like

    • Rita K. says:

      If you borrowed the book from the library, you are one of the lucky ones whose parents have introduced them to the joy of visiting a library, browsing hundreds of wonderful books and selecting a few to take home and enjoy. Thanks for sharing, Kaitlin, and thanks for being such a loyal follower of this blog.

      Like

  2. Kelly says:

    I remember the mile walk to the public library with my mom & sisters and the excitement of filling our wagon with the books we borrowed, the joy of getting my own card, & the anticipation of getting those books home to read! Many years later, I when taking my own 2 kids to the library, I got to relive that excitement through their eyes!

    Like

  3. Rita K. says:

    It’s a powerful little book!

    Like

  4. Amy Warntz says:

    I love The Hundred Dresses and forgot all about it! I’m checking it out of the library now. Thanks for sharing!

    Like

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