Take Your Child to the Library Day Launches

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By Lauren Barack
January 24, 2012

Scavenger hunts, story hours, and dogs will greet children and their families at the first annual Take Your Child to the Library Day set for Saturday, February 4.

An idea of Nadine Lipman, head of children's services at Waterford Public Library (WPL) in Waterford, CT, the event has already captured the attention of more than 120 libraries, which are rapidly joining the celebration, having just heard about it in recent weeks. Lipman approached her library director in early December, after reading about Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day and thinking the idea could be retooled for libraries.

"A lot of families are not aware of their local library until they need us," says Lipman. "Some parents only come in when their kids have reports due. I would like those people to come in on a regular basis. We have other things besides books."

Public libraries across the country have seen a jump in patrons coming in to use resources such as computers. But Lipman says that fewer school-age children have been using the library, a trend she's watched over the last 11 years she's been with the branch. For Take Your Child to the Library Day, Lipman is reaching out to three local elementary schools, asking teachers to push the event to students and parents.

Those who attend will find activities such as LEGO and craft projects, which WPL plans to offer on February 4, as well as an appearance of Where's Waldo—also known as Lipman's 27-year old son—who's dressed appropriately for the day. The library is also introducing the finalists for the state's Nutmeg Award, where students will vote on their favorite chapter book from a list of 10 titles whittled down from 120 read by teachers, parents, and children.

With very little budget, Lipman is bootstrapping much of the planning. One volunteer created the blog and another created the event's logo—a family of rabbits on their way to the library, drawn by children's author and illustrator Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. The activities won't cost the library any extra funds, says Lipman, who may spring a bit for some stickers.

Lipman isn't trying to tell other libraries how to celebrate the event; she's just offering suggestions on the event's blog plus encouraging other libraries to post their ideas on the event's Facebook page. In addition, librarians can borrow images or post a request on the event's Facebook page for Lipman to email them a high-resolution copy.

"What we said to libraries is you don't have to plan anything special," says Lipman. "They can do as much or as little as they want. We haven't made anything really big for it, but next year could be totally different if we plan much more in advance."