The Library That Puts an Age Limit on Reading

As a mother of a young child I like to encourage him to read,even though he is only two and a half years old. I read to him and he loves it. He always has a book he wants me to read to him and he can point to the pictures and tell me what they are. After work a few days ago I picked my son up from daycare and decided to take him to the local library to get a card for him so we could check out books togather. Before going I first phoned the lobrary to ask how much they charged for a childs library card. The rather rude lady I spoke to asked how old he was so I told he would soon be three. “Oh he is way too young for books mam”. is what this lady told me.

I then asked her if they did not have toddler books. She never answered me but I know they do because I have been here and have seen the section for baby and toddler books. This lady told me my child was too young for books. I was shocked to hear a librarian tell me this due to the fact that I had thought that reading to your child and having them enjoy books was important. Apparently not to this woman.

Needless to say I kindly told her what I thought and hung up. At my house we have hundreds of books, my goal was to simply introduce my child to the library because he does love books so much. I do not believe that there is an age limit for children to enjoy books. Even if they cannot read yet,they can still enjoy being read to and enjoy the photos that the books offer for children.

Books are so important for young children to have because I believe it gives them a head start. Books should never be denied to a child for any reason. Books can open a world to a child that daytime television cannot. I just think its important for children to have.