Children’s Reading for Pleasure
Thu 7/Nov/24
Children’s Reading for Pleasure
Like everyone Essex Library Service were concerned to see the results of the National Literacy Trust’s research into children’s reading for pleasure. Whilst the reasons for this are many and varied, we’d just like to highlight some of the ways that libraries can help families turn this around and create lifelong readers.
Libraries are an ideal place for children to explore and expand their reading choices and find out what reading for pleasure is for them.
With thousands of different types of books to choose from, they can explore different types of fiction and non-fiction topics.
Non-fiction can be a great way to encourage reading – if your child is interested in a particular subject (sport, animals, cars) then a non-fiction book that topic can fire their enthusiasm.
They can also explore different types of fiction to see what grabs them do they like humour, adventure, historical etc.
Libraries are a risk-free way to explore reading – if they don’t like a book then they can stop reading and find a new one to try.
We also provide reading in different formats such as e-book and e-audio and have a wide selection of titles for children. For many children listening to an audiobook can increase their enjoyment for stories which can then lead to them wanting to read more.
We also run a wide range of activities to encourage families to visit our libraires.
- Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes – a great way to introduce really young children to the library
- Storytimes – these happen regularly in many libraries
- Summer Reading Challenge - 22,211 children signed up to the challenge this summer
- Winter Reading Challenge – launching on 2 January 2025
- Arty Bookworms - book themed craft sessions (a new round of these will be starting in January)
- Author in Residence – our new Author in Residence, Gina Blaxill, will be running events and activities over the coming year with the first one being Saturday 14 December at Chelmsford Library
- Lots of clubs and activities to encourage families to visit such as Block Builders, Code Clubs and craft sessions
You can find out what is on offer at your local library on the library website
We also have an outreach team of Community Connectors who are building relationships with schools and pre-schools and going out to promote the library to families who haven’t yet had the chance to see what we offer. During December they will be running some Santa themed events
Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information about our upcoming events and activities.
Things parents can do to encourage their child to read for pleasure
- Spend at least 10 minutes a day reading with your child, even when they can read for themselves. This could be a combination of you reading to them, them reading to you or even taking turns
- Visit the library on a regular basis and let your child choose what they want to read so they can discover what it is they really enjoy
- Have a reading nook in your home – a cosy corner where you and your child can curl up together to read
- Be open to other ways of reading – let them try listening to an e-audio book, which you can borrow via our website. This can also be a great way to encourage children who struggle with reading – such as those with dyslexia
- Lead by example – find things you enjoy reading and let your child see you reading. Your enthusiasm can show them what reading for pleasure looks like