Library programs for kids play an important role in inspiring lifelong learning and a love for reading. However, with technology becoming such a big part of children’s lives, it’s important to make reading just as exciting. We’ve created a list of fun and exciting library activities that will engage and provide many opportunities for kids to develop a passion for reading.
Performative Storytelling
Hire professional entertainers to make stories impactful and memorable. Find performers to read or give life to a fictional character or book musicians to create a musical storytelling experience.
🎭 Hire an engaging entertainer
Take your storytelling to the next level by hiring a ventriloquist, storyteller, or children’s theatre group to read the books. These entertainers will engage the kids and add an exciting twist to your storytime!
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✨ Create magical moments
Hire a costumed character to create a magical and memorable experience. Invite the Mad Hatter to read from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, or have Cinderella tell her fairy tale! Seeing the characters from famous children’s stories in person will solidify a love of reading by experiencing a fictional world firsthand.
❓ Never hired entertainment before? Top 5 Questions to Ask When Booking a Children’s Party Performer
🎵 Tune into tales
Music is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and speaks to people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, learning stories through songs is not only fun but can enhance learning. Book a musician to perform children’s story songs or music to accompany popular stories.
Educational Fun
Looking for something more educational? Create engaging opportunities for kids to learn about history, different cultures, and books with performers and a book tasting!
🎩 Bring history to life
Historical events can sometimes be hard for kids to grasp, but you can bring them to life with historical character impersonators at your next story hour. From Mark Twain to Clara Barton to Abraham Lincoln, you can find a well-known historical figure to fit your program.
🌎 Take a trip around the world
One of the joys of reading is experiencing new places and cultures. To help readers learn more about the world, set up stations with books set in other cities and countries. Book performers to engage the kids and provide an authentic cultural experience.
📚 Sit down for a book-tasting
Host a book tasting to allow kids to learn about book genres and sample a variety of books. Set the stage with tablecloths, plates, napkins, and other dinerware and organize books by genre or topic. From picture books to animal tales to fantasy stories, give kids the chance to discover their preferred style of writing.
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Lively Library Entertainment
Help kids feel comfortable in the environment with fun library games. Create opportunities for kids to move around the space, collaborate with peers, and be creative.
🔎 Go on a library scavenger hunt
Try using this printable library scavenger hunt checklist to encourage kids to explore the library on their own and learn how to find books. From elementary to high school students, these challenges are varied and suitable for different ages.
🗝️ Design an escape room
Encourage movement, collaboration, and problem-solving for kids by planning an escape room. This activity suits older kids or those who love solving puzzles. Provide mystery novel suggestions for kids after the escape room is complete to stick with the theme.
▶️ Pro Tip: Enjoy a free webinar by the American Library Association on creating an escape room.
✂️ Create reading-inspired crafts
Get crafty with book-inspired art and DIY arts and crafts projects. These hands-on activities allow kids to express their creativity while celebrating their favorite stories, from creating custom bookmarks and book bags to making crafts based on books.
📖 Looking for more ways to celebrate reading? Check out our whimsical ideas for a bookworm party all your little readers will love.
A local public library offers families and caregivers many opportunities to encourage reading and learning for kids through various engaging activities. With a diverse range of activities including enchanting storybook performances starring beloved characters like Cinderella to toe-tapping sing-alongs that bring stories to life through melody, the library is a hub of creativity where learning and fun go hand in hand.