Ever since my son was little, I have documented his firsts: first rollover, first tooth, first day of preschool, etc. As my son prepares for his first year elementary school, I thought it was important to give him another first: his own library card.
I come from a family of book lovers and librarians. My great-aunt, a maternal aunt, a paternal aunt, a cousin and even my sister have dedicated their lives to library science. My earliest memories are going with my family to sign up for summer reading challenges. I have memorized my card number before. When a new book comes out, I race online to request it first. I use Scottsdale Library’s DVD rentals more than I do Redbox.
I simply love public libraries.
My husband and I have used Scottsdale Library for a variety of child enriching activities. These include baby story time, tactile learning by playing with the blocks and trains, navigating desktop shape and number games, and having my son select a take home book or two to read. There really are so many great reasons to bring children there.
Allowing my son to sign up for his own card enhances his relationship with learning. It also gives him ownership of the responsibility of borrowing materials.
It was very simple to request a child account at Scottsdale Public Library. By bringing my own driver’s license up to the main desk, the librarian was able to quickly link a new account to my existing one (or if you don’t have a card, both and your child can sign up at the same time).
My son’s favorite part was choosing a design of card, the mountain lion. I chose a simple pin number he and I could remember. We also agreed that he could keep his card in his room and I would keep the key fab on my car keys.
Realistically speaking, giving my four year old his own card does increase my own need to keep an eye on materials. To combat this, I quickly set up an initial three 3 materials out at once rule. And luckily, through modern technology, all due date warnings (and opportunities to renew) will come to my email.
I hope this card is the first his first step to becoming a life long learner and supporter of public libraries.