This summer, a record-breaking number of children have signed up for the annual Summer Reading [1] program. So many kids in our libraries means a lot of parents are visiting as well. If you are one of those parents, or if you expect a child for a visit this summer, you might be interested in the library’s parenting collections [2].
We have a wide variety of parenting books in our nonfiction collection, with tips on parenting children from toddlers to teenagers. On our web site, you will find information about homework [3] and home schooling [4] in our reference subject guides [5]. If you have younger children, you might be interested in checking out one of three different kits we offer:
[6]Parent Packs
Expectant parents or those with a new baby will benefit from Parent Packs. These tote bags contain books about pregnancy and parenting, a yoga DVD and a packet of pamphlets you can keep, including a list of children’s books about new siblings, and information on breast-feeding, child proofing your home, contacting social service agencies and more. They are also available in Spanish. Parent Packs are made possible by a generous donation from the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri [7].
Play As Learning (PAL) kits help young children ages birth to 3 years old learn in a play-like atmosphere. PAL bags contain books, toys, and music or a video. There are 10 different themes, like creativity, music and movement, and language development.
Little Red Reading Boxes are for children ages 3-5, with a few kits geared to ages 2 and under. Each box contains books, a videotape, a cassette, toys or puppets and a packet of activities based on themes like motor skills, colors, cooking and families.
These kits all check out for four weeks at a time, and you can search for any of them in our catalog with the words “Parent Pack, [8]” “PAL Kit [9]” or “Little Red Reading Boxes. [10]” You can place a hold on them or call and ask our staff to reserve one for you to pick up at any library or bookmobile stop.
And, of course, since we know that parents need to learn and play, too, you’ll find our large collection of books and audiobooks [11] for adults offers something for all tastes. Should you want a recommendation, check out the Books & More [12] section of our web site or ask our staff.