Library card day: their own card, their own books
A library card with their own name on it is a small, real kind of grown-up. In about 90 minutes you sign them up, find the shelves together and come home with books they picked.
- Time
- 90 min
- Cost
- $0
- Ages
- 3 to 12
- Where
- Your public library
What you need
- Whatever the library asks you to bring to sign up a kid (call or check their site first)
- A tote bag or backpack for the books
- A short list, in their words, of what they're into right now
- One basket or shelf at home just for library books
Before you go
- Pick a meeting spot when you walk in, like the front desk. Tell younger kids, "If you can't find me, go to the desk and tell them your name."
- Ask about kids on their own. Ask at the desk whether the library has rules for kids without a grown-up. Until you know, keep them in sight.
- The card number is private. If the card has a PIN or online account, teach them to keep it like a house key: only for them and you.
Steps
- Check ahead. Check hours and ask the library what to bring to sign up a child.
- Make it a big deal. Announce it ahead and help them write a short list of what they're into right now.
- Sign up at the desk. Let them say their name and sign if allowed. Ask about limits, due dates and lost books.
- Get the tour. Ask a librarian to show you the kids' sections and how to find a book by its spine label.
- Hunt with the list. Pick five books with a simple rule, ask the librarian when stuck, and read one there.
- Check out with their card. They hand over their own card. Get the due date.
- Give the books a home. Keep library books in one spot at home and put the due date on the calendar.
If it stalls
- If they pick a book that's way too hard, let it come home. You read that one to them.
- If they freeze in front of the shelves, shrink the choice: pull ten books and say, "Pick from these."
Books checked out · due date
Signed off: can do this.Signed by Date