Catch the Reading Bug!
I was recently interviewed by a PHD student from Queens who was interested to find out about how children’s reading habits have changed over the years.
We know that less children are reading for fun than they used to and we chatted about possible reasons for this and how we in ‘Libraryland’ have tried to adapt and encourage the reading habit as much as we can. We encourage regular class visits from local schools as well as offering regular Rhythm and Rhyme sessions for parents and toddlers, regular Storytimes and the opportunity for children to join in our reading groups and other fun events. Families these days lead very busy lives and with the increase in after school’s activities, child care demands and homework it can be hard to fit in regular visits to the library, but there are still many children who do catch the reading bug and become avid readers, encouraged by parents, teachers and library staff. They may not understand the impact that this will have on their future lives – but studies have shown that reading can help improve educational achievements and future careers as well as helping them to develop empathy and a wider understanding of different cultures and the world around them.
Reading for the enjoyment of it as children is fundamental to wanting to carry on the habit into adulthood. It is a great stress buster and has been shown to enhance moods as well as sleep patterns. Storytelling or reading at bedtimes has always been a thing precisely because of this – it is so much better than allowing screentime at bedtime.
The thing too though, is that Reading is FUN!
There are so many great books for children around these days and our libraries offer free access to them – something especially welcome in these times of economic stress. Popular authors that we see being borrowed regularly include JK Rowling, Enid Blyton, David Walliams, Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson, Daisy Meadows, Holly Webb, Lucy Daniels, Jacqueline Wilson, Anthony Horowitz, Rick Riordan to mention a few.
Popular series in our libraries at the moment for primary school children include
Isadora Moon Harriet Muncaster 5+
Horrid Henry (Francesca Simon) 5+
Roly Poly Flying Pony (Philip Reeve) 7+
The Treehouse Series (Andy Griffiths) 7+
Captain Underpants (Dav Pilkey) 7+
Toto the Ninja Cat (Dermot O’Leary) 7+
Wimpy Kid (Jeff Kinney) 7+
Alex Rider (Anthony Horowitz) 9+
Pages & Co (Anna James) 9+
Tom Gates (Liz Pichon) 9+
As the new school year approaches, why not set a goal to bring your little ones—or grand little ones—regularly to the library? Together, we can help them explore the magical worlds within the pages of a book and maybe even catch the Reading Bug that will stay with them for life!
