The Library Isn't Enough

Photo credit: Demco

Children need to have access to books. I don't think anyone will dispute this. But is it enough simply to borrow all your books from the library? Don't get me wrong, I'm a regular and enthusiastic patron of my own local library. Whenever I visit, I see families with children. Many times I see them leaving with armloads of books. The sight makes me happy.


But sometimes I run into (or overhear) people who are cheating their children out of the pride and pleasure of owning their own books. Sure, the library is free. Sure, kids can outgrow books as fast as they outgrow shoes. Sure, it's difficult to predict which books will be a hit and which will gather dust. Sure, mismatched book covers don't fit in with a Pottery Barn Kids aesthetic. Sure, they can take up valuable shelf space that might otherwise be used for a Disney collectible. So, why bother ever purchasing a physical book?


Here are 5 reasons why.....


1. Children who own copies of their favorite books can pick them up anytime they want. Owning a book is a very different experience than borrowing one. It's yours. It won't go away in two weeks. You can see it every time you walk past. You can revisit it after putting it away for awhile and rediscover it.


2. Children should be allowed to handle books without fear of getting in trouble. I teach my children to be careful with library books. Other children will be using them later, and they belong to someone else. I stress good book handling skills: No dogeared pages, No cracked spines, Turn pages by the corner, Don't write against (or on) the book, Keep it dry, Don't toss it around, Don't lick the pictures or chew on the cover. This means that the enjoyment of the book is tempered by the constant admonition to "be careful."

I have always allowed my children to handle their own books without supervision. If something happens, we talk about it and then fix it together. Sometimes books are consumed, literally. It's part of the business of growing up.


3. You wouldn't expect a child borrow all of his toys. The amount of money people spend on toys is staggering. We expect that babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school aged children will enjoy different kinds of toys. Every holiday is an excuse to purchase more. We know that sometimes a toy is purchased that is never played with. That doesn't mean we demand that children be denied the pleasure of owning them. Imagine saying, "Times up! We have to return those toy cars today or they'll be overdue."


4. Libraries contain only a tiny sample of the wonderful books in the world. Sadly, many libraries are facing serious budget cuts that prevent them from expanding their holdings or even replacing books that go missing or wear out. Some libraries have mandates or formulas for deciding which books will be added to their holdings. This means that excellent books will sometimes be missed.


5. Books make wonderful heirlooms. Your child may not recognize that frilly bib your aunt made or that derpy baby hat. She may not remember that swaddling blanket she lived in for months. But your children long remember and cherish that book you read together over and over. Books also make terrific souvenirs of travels to new places, and they can bring back tangible memories of happy times.

Look for books your child loves at the library
and purchase them copies of their own.

Ask booksellers to recommend new books for your child based on their interests.

Allow your children to hug their books, sleep with them,
and even DANCE with them.

Books are not fragile china dolls.

"A library of well-loved books is a sign of a happy childhood."

Take a deep breath and gaze upon this sight. You can handle it!