L is for ...

Well, I just saw this lovely animation, so look! Just when I was beginning to think that libraries were starting to labour the point about literacy, along comes this beautifully illustrated (and spoken) message that says so much. Libraries are lively places these days, and not everybody loves this. Our Noosa Library today had the pleasure of welcoming 70 new young readers from a local school. A good third of the 7-8 year olds had not previously visited the library at all, although they were able to walk over from school. When we introduce children to the library for the first time, I like to turn off the computers, and give them plenty of time to explore the books independently. Rather than tell them how important reading is to them, just give them space to look around and explore their passions. I was rewarded by the positive comments of the teachers, and three hearty cheers from the masses as they headed back to school. I felt like The Queen! Two myths were busted: Year 2s are too old for Storytime (busted!); Non-fiction books don't interest kids anymore (BUSTED!) More later.