To the editor:
As a young girl growing up in Tiverton, I have very fond memories of Essex Library. The librarians were so helpful to me and formative in teaching me the research skills that I would come to use for the rest of my life. Many degrees later, with more hours spent in libraries than I could ever count, I am a mother seeking to teach my children to be life-long learners.
To this end, in the last three years I have checked out 476 books from the library to read to my children. Because of this free and locally convenient service, we have been able to pursue a search for fine children’s literature, complete unit studies on subjects like the solar system, and annually read books on the four seasons and various holidays. I read to my children before they go to sleep and when they wake up groggy and just want to snuggle on my lap. I also read to them while they eat their meals and sometimes even conduct a “dinner theater” by singing the tune of the book or acting it out in the middle of the kitchen floor while they look at the big pictures in my hand.
Having access to so many good books keeps reading interesting for me and for them. To think that a Kindle or the internet could replace a local library would be a serious misuse of these technological advancements. My three-year-old is currently enjoying a three dimensional French pop-up book and my one year old is delighting in the different tactile sensations on every page of his book about autumn.
Last year we attended a weekly story hour at the library I was motivated and inspired by the gifted story teller whose accompanying props helped illustrate the lessons of the stories. My son was able to handle dinosaur fossils, musical instruments from around the world, and complete a craft every week. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity for children and parents alike to socialize, learn from one another, and network together. I cannot imagine a community today raising the future leaders of America without a local library.
Molly (Black) Wainio
Fall River
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID