Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) is encouraging children to take out their own free library membership this Library Lovers Day, because you are never too young to fall in love with your library.
Giving children their own library card is a powerful step in supporting their learning, confidence and sense of belonging in the community. From birth, regular book sharing plays a vital role in developing language, communication, speech and early literacy skills.
Starting 14 February, YPRL is giving each new child member (0-12 years) a special library bag and activity pack decorated in designs by local children’s book authors and illustrators Emma Sjaan Beukers, Annabelle Hale, and Marc McBride. They can also go into the draw to win some amazing prizes.
YPRL CEO, Nicole Rudden says parents and guardians have an important role to play by supporting children to become library members.
“As parents, giving children their own library card is one of the simplest and most meaningful things we can do, it encourages a love of reading, builds confidence and responsibility, and gives them ownership of their reading and learning journey.
We know that children who use libraries are nearly twice as likely to be above-average readers than those who don’t. Study after study shows dramatically improved literacy and educational outcomes where children have free access to books they want to read. By making libraries a regular part of a child’s life you are giving them the best possible start.”
A child’s membership allows each child to borrow up to 30 books at once. The membership can be linked to a parent or guardian card so they can help younger children to learn how to manage their membership. It costs nothing to join, borrow from the collection, or attend any of the hundreds of children’s activities at the library each year. In great news for busy young readers, there are no fines on late books.
Beyond books, library cards provide access to free digital resources and educational programs that support learning beyond the classroom and a joyful connection with reading, exploring ideas and interests that give flight to brilliant young minds.
To find your local YPRL branch visit: yprl.vic.gov.au
-ENDS-
Media contact:
Matthew van Hasselt
mvanhasselt@yprl.vic.gov.au
M: 0427 493 188 | P: (03) 9088 3453