It’s Library Shelfie Day!

In 2014, the New York Public Library declared this day for sharing “shelfies” in front of library shelves to inspire a love of books and reading. Unfortunately due to the pandemic we cannot visit our favorite libraries, but we can celebrate this day enjoying our favorite books at home.

When books are part of the family routine, language skills grow. Books inspire imagination. Books can also help parents teach important values. Starting as early as birth, reading to children has been shown to help with bonding and to encourage a love of learning.

Here are some ways to encourage reading at home:

-Create a cozy reading area at home.

-Make it daily routine to read with your child at least a few minutes a day.

-Make story time interactive – point to Pictures and ask questions.

-Keep books where they can be easily reached, so your kids can look through books on their own.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Reach Out and Read have suggested a list of books that help children become aware of the world around them.