For the Love of Books!

Being an early childhood teacher, I have WAY more than my fair share of children's books. In fact, my husband would tell you, I probably need to not acquire anymore. Normally a trip to Barnes and Noble or Books a Million will translate into several new acquisitions. Somehow in the race to acquire more, I forgot about the simplicity and fun of the library.

Yesterday, as things would have it, we couldn't swim due to all the rain. Being cooped up in the house all day isn't too much fun, so we decided to make the trek to the brand new library that was built just down the street. Oh my goodness, it is beautiful. Such a nice place.

We enter and the first thing we do is fill out paper work to get our library cards. Each child got their own and the look of sheer joy at having a library card with their own name on it was priceless. (keeping them in my wallet and not in their position, might prove to be a bit more difficult). It brought back memories of having my own library card as a small girl and remembering that feeling of pure joy as well.

We went to the children's section (which is completely separate from the adult section - that is so nice). Nice and open, plenty of kid-sized tables and chairs, soft-seating areas to cuddle up and read. Great space.

Caroline worked with the librarian and was shown how to look up books on the computer system and she learned a bit about the Dewey Decimal system (remember that one!). She was so big as all by herself (without me even standing there - I could just see her mouth the words from where Jack and I were sitting). "How do I find chapter books that a 3rd grade girl would like to read?" She was in heaven as she sat in front of rows of books, "Momma, look at this book, it sounds so interesting. I'll get this book the next time we come." I loved the excitement to read!

Jack and I sat down and read about Koala bears. He told me when he found out that baby Koala bears are called Joeys, that they are named just like baby kangaroos. (how'd he know that?). We read about a trashy town, bears that hunt for sea shells, dirty dogs and what dinosaurs do when they get sick. Before we went in, we talked about how in a library you have to use a very very inside voice. So didn't think it would work, but it did. He was so quiet and whispered the whole time we were there.

Both kids left with 3 books a piece. They were then shown by the librarian how they could check out the books with their library cards. Both liked scanning the cards and books.

I liked spending the afternoon with my kids, cuddling, reading and growing a love of books.

James liked that we have new books for a few weeks, without it costing us a penny!

Thanks for the memories, Library, we'll see you in a couple of weeks!