- I would not be surprised that the newly-installed automatic door-opening buttons attract the attention of noisy four-year-olds. I would not say "That's enough, boys!" and give the stinkeye to helpless mothers who find themselves powerless in the wake of such tempting and addictive new technology.
- I would keep a freshly-stocked basket of the newest Chick-Lit books, as well as some non-parenting magazines, on a shelf near a cozy armchair in the kids' computer zone. Also, I would install a Glade Plug-In.
- I would recognize the importance of oiling the wheels on all those squeaky rolling-step-stool-library-thingies.
- I would lobby for a Children's Wing bathroom.
- I would not stare blankly when asked for read-aloud suggestions. Instead, I would smile kindly, ask a few thoughtful questions and lead enquiring readers to some of my favorite recommendations:
For your high-and-hyper-on-life almost five boys:
All Jamie Lee Curtis books are sheer delight. But this one is my absolute favorite! Even if all the pages were ripped out, just looking at the illustrations in the front and back endpapers could provide a worthwhile 20-minute bedtime discussion. So good! So good!
For your first or second grader:
A classic. Girls love it. Boys love it. They can read it themselves--the chapters are short, interesting and well-illustrated. But it's also fun to read together. Best of all, once you get 'em hooked, there are a couple more books in the series. Enjoy!
For your nature-lovin', animal-crazy ten year old:
If you don't wanna buy a pet, the Dimwood Forest series is the next best thing. Charming, but realistic animal characters. Funny, with just the right amount of kid-friendly earthiness. Lyrical. A pleasure to read-aloud. Still, don't be surprised if your li'l bookworm finishes the whole thing under the covers after you've tucked him in!
And, if I ran the library, there would be no late fees. But I would give you a fresh-baked cookie if you returned my favorites and brought along a few of your own.
24 comments:
Thanks for the book suggestions! I need to get to the library soon... the one here is not the best. I long for the libraries in the big cities with books that were actually written in this century.
:(
Ha! Our ladies of the library are shrews, too. I totally don't take my kids.
Our library doesn't have late fees-its the best but I would still come to your library. Ours could definately use a kids bathroom. BTW, my daughter wanted to see what you looked like so I showed her your blog. She is very excited to meet you and the kids.
Where is the new membership line? Because I would SO join your library.
I wrote down all your title suggestions. Thank you.
Oh, and our library actually has a kid size potty in the children's wing. It is so, so nice.
You mean there is a kid section to the library?
It is so sad that me, a book lover, loathes taking my children to the libraray. Thomas seriously hurdles over the chairs and through the shelves as I haphazardly waddle after heaving the car seat and holding onto my four-year-old lest he get any ideas from his baby brother.
The children's section of the library should be walled off much like a paddock for children.
After having been asked numerous times to take Mitch out because he was climbing things inappropriately...sigh...I gave up on libraries.
You have found your old-age passion.
Volunteerism.
I wish you did run my library! ;)
I think EVERY librarian is trained to give the stinkeye.
We have the other Jamie Lee Curtis books, but somehow I have missed this one. It sounds perfect for a certain 5 year old at my house!
It is amazing how MEAN some library workers can be and how NICE others can be.
I am a library connoisseur and I loved this post. Wouldn't it be fun to have the job of special programs and community outreach for the local library?
I can't wait to read My Father's Dragon. Thank you!!
That is my coveted job—children's librarian. I just spent a few days in that section, and was blown away by the kids bathroom. Low down potty, changing table, low sinks with stools, big enough for a mom and a couple of kids. The only thing I didn't like is that it didn't work for me!
And our librarian was running around greeting and helping little kids find their books. When I told her what I was looking for she said she had some new books she thought would work, but she was still opening the boxes. They were just what I needed.
(Actually the real great part of the children's library last week was that I was there without kids.)
AMEN! Why is it that everyone is so surprised when kids are not silent at the library? I STILL hate taking my kids there, and they're old enough to know better.
Amen to all of this. Yay for non-parenting magazines. When we read, we want to escape too!
yeah, but if you ran the library, people would call you "ma'am".
ew.
thanks for the recommendations. i will be checking out at least two of them today. bonus of working in an elementary school: no extra trip to the library required. just a little schmoozing with the school librarian. (correction: "media specialist")
I am a BIG fan of the library. I love going online and requesting my books and movies on the library website. And, then they tell me when my holds are ready and I collect all my treasures. It's wonderful. Like Christmas everyday.
I have a 5 year old so I will have to try that book for him.
I vote for you for librarian. I bet you would smile sweetly at me when I walked in the door.
I wish you were the librarian here.
My favorite read-alouds for the preschool set are the Bear books by Karma Wilson. My second grader loves the A-Z Mysteries by Ron Roy, and a chapter book I checked out to read to my kids is called Riding Freedom and I don't remember who it's by but it's good so far.
*Sigh*
I really wish you did run the library...I have gotten the stinkeye so much over the years I want to hiss at the mean librarians. Hissing would be okay, right? At least I am not yelling.
Thank you for the book suggestions! I always love the ones you highlight.
When I taught at the high school our librarian had the "librarian reputation." People were so afraid of her. I was lucky enough to have student taught with her. I could walk past the window of the library and know just by looking at her if it was a "safe" day or not to patronize the place.
You would be a BRILLIANT librarian.
ah, the late fees. how is it that you can renew online, but not once you've already been declared 'late'?
I'm thinking about giving my pediatrician a plug-in too. Sitting in the waiting room this morning with my 16 yr old girl, we were overwhelmed with the smell of diapers. Not exactly aromatherapy.
I always love your childrens lit suggestions. Nasty librarians have no business in the childrens section. Enjoy your trip!
You know I immediately go to my library's website and request whatever children's books you recommend. You are the b est!
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