Poudre River Public Library District Blog
LIBRARY HOURS
Old Town Library
Harmony Library
Council Tree Library
LIBRARY HOURS Old Town Library
Harmony Library
Council Tree Library
(970) 221-6740
  • Catalog
  • Articles
  • Events
  • Site
Advanced Search

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
Business | Genealogy

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
All Events | Classes | Programs | Storytimes

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
Site Map

(970) 221-6740

Prospector
Front Range Community College
My Account Library Locations What's New ResearchDownload How do I? Events KidsTeens
  • Home
  • Using the Library
  • My Account
  • Hours & Locations
  • eResources
  • Calendar
  • Ask a Librarian
  • en español
Skip Navigation
My Account
Locations
What's New
Research
Download
How do I?

Kids and Families Connect at the Library

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Katie Auman in Library Blog, Library Programs, Library Services

Spending quality time with our kids is critical to their growth and development—and it fosters strong bonds and relationships. But, our fast-paced lives can make finding opportunities for quality family time a challenge.

We’re working and commuting longer hours. Schedules are packed. Budgets are tight. And planning even small outings takes time and energy. Fortunately, your libraries offer fun activities and amazing learning adventures for families of all types to do together.

“Libraries are in a unique position to help strengthen family connections,” says David Slivken, executive director, Poudre River Public Library District. “Libraries are also spaces that offers opportunities for families to connect with other families and build community.”

A family takes part in the Open Up to Outside program called Bird Beak Buffet.

Early Literacy

The Library District has a significant responsibility to children and families in our community to support early literacy skills and ensure young children are ready to learn when they enter school. We recognize that parents and caregivers are a child’s first and primary teacher, so we build partnerships with families to assist their literacy efforts.

The District offers age and developmentally-appropriate materials, quality literacy experiences, bilingual resources, and support for families in the shape of interactive storytimes, an extensive and diverse children’s collection, literacy programs like Animal Afternoon, and even the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

Librarians can also help parents and caregivers who feel uncomfortable reading to their children by modeling read-aloud techniques, helping them develop their own literacy, and encouraging them to enjoy their own reading.

Storytimes are active and engaging for all ages.

Play Time

Library time is active, not passive. So it comes as no surprise that Library programs encourage children and parents to play, discover, and explore together. Playing is one of the primary ways young children learn, think, imagine, express themselves, and develop fine and gross motor skills.

Play can become an even more powerful tool for families when its combined with STREAM activities exploring science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math. Programs like LEGO Build Club, Discovery Zone, and STEM Club are great examples of playful family activities.

Old Town Library’s storytime room features oversized puzzle pieces that are great fun to play on.

Family Learning

Family members and caregivers play a vital role in helping children develop a joy for learning. By spending time learning as a family, children can see that learning is a process, and something that people do all their lives.

As a community partner in children’s education – beyond just support for early literacy – the Library encompasses the whole life spectrum of learning. Families can take advantage of rich digital and hands-on resources and programs for knowledge, innovation, and enjoyment.

Often, family learning at the Library incorporates individuals teaching and learning from one another. Do-it-together activities like makerspace programs or 3D model and design classes allow kids to learn new skills and also demonstrate their expertise to adults.

Do-it-together activities at the libraries include arts and crafts, coding and technology, science, and much more.

Other great family learning opportunities include the Curiosity Pass Program, which offers free admission to museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions, and the Gadgets & Things Collection, with items like telescopes, bird watching kits, and more.

“We hope to encourage and inspire families to be engaged in their children’s learning throughout their childhood and teen years,” says Slivken, “and to provide opportunities for parents to spend quality time with their children in constructive and meaningful ways.”

Related

children, early literacy, family literacy, kids, kids and family, play

Comments are closed.

Recent Posts

  • shelf of books

    Automatic Renewals Begin February 1

    February 1, 2023
  • Lincoln Hills, Colorado

    Colorado Black History / Historia Negra de Colorado

    February 1, 2023
  • Poudre Libraries Staff

    2023: A Look Ahead

    December 29, 2022
  • Harmony, Education, and Determination through the Decades

    December 16, 2022

Try our App! Try our Mobile App!

Facebook Twitter River's Mouth Blog Instagram Pininterest Google Plus LinkedIn FourSquare Flickr You Tube

Navigation

  • Download
  • Events
  • How Do I?
  • Locations
  • My Account
  • Research
  • Site Map
  • Site Search
  • What's New

  • English

  • en español

Community

  • Birth to 5
  • Book Clubs
  • FRCC
  • Kids
  • Outreach
  • Teens

My Library

  • Bookdrops
  • Checking Out Items
  • Computer Classes
  • Computers
  • - Assistive Technology
  • - Printing
  • - Printing (3D)
  • - Wireless
  • Library Cards
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Suggest a Purchase

Resources

  • Answer Center
  • Ask-a-Librarian
  • Business Center
  • Job & Career Center
  • Nonprofit Resources
  • Genealogy
  • History Connection
  • InterLibrary Loan
  • Prospector
  • Readers' Cafe
  • - Reading Level Search
  • Research

Get Involved

  • Donations
  • Friends of the Library
  • Library Trust
  • Volunteers

About us

  • Board of Trustees
  • Executive Director
  • Jobs
  • Leadership Team
  • Library Newsletter
  • Policies
  • River's Mouth Blog
  • Sign Up for E-News

  • Help

  • Contact us

Poudre River Public Library District, 301 Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524, (970) 221-6740
Including the collection of Front Range Community College, Larimer Campus