The research is clear—children who read on their own or are read to have higher reading scores and hit educational milestones like counting and writing their name faster than kids who aren’t exposed to reading in early childhood. One in six children who are not reading proficiently in the third grade do not graduate from high school on time.
An important way to help kids learn to love reading is to build them their own home library where they can keep—and easily reach—their favorite books. Here are five ways to build a home library they will love.
1. Create a Cozy Reading Spot—and Get Decorating!
Whether it’s a comfy reading nook in your child’s bedroom or a room dedicated to books, you want to make reading seem fun. The space should reflect your child’s personality. If they are more social, create a reading space where they could read with a friend or sibling. If they like to fly solo when reading, create a private retreat. Add places to sit and get comfortable while reading their favorite book, even if it is a pillow and blanket on the floor.
You also don’t need a fancy bookshelf. Sometimes a cardboard box, small wooden packing crate, or just a shelf on one of your family’s bookcases can serve as the perfect home library for your child. The most important thing is that your child can reach the books easily on their own when the mood strikes them to read!
2. Start Collecting Books!
From borrowed library books to used bookstores, flea markets and garage sales, there’s no shortage of ways to stock up on books for kids of any age with minimal cost. You could even set up a book swap with friends. And don’t forget library freebies: You can find many books in the donation bin that might become your child’s new fave. Children’s magazines also count as reading material.
3. Use Digital Wish Lists for Birthdays and Holidays
While it’s always fun to scour local and independent bookstores when building a home library, the convenience and ease of browsing digital collections can’t be beat. Creating an Amazon wishlist for your child (or having them create one, depending on their age), is an easy way to encourage grandparents or extended family to give the gift of reading. You can upgrade to an e-reader for older children so they can easily take their library of books with them wherever they go.
4. Pass Down Family Favorites
If you have older children or a library from your own childhood, adding hand-me-downs is a great way to talk about books as a family. Plus, reading your favorites with your kids is a fun way to bond. Seasonal reads and holiday books can become a special tradition you look forward to sharing, and your kids might be inspired to pass favorites down to their own children.
5. Consult an Expert-Curated List for Must-Haves by Age
If you want to instill a love of books in your kids early, save yourself the trouble of researching the best books by age and turn to the experts instead. The Children’s Book Council, a nonprofit trade association of children’s book publishers, maintains a continuously-updated home library list for ages 0-14. With a range of genres and subjects as well as diverse voices, your child is bound to discover a few favorites.
