Frugal Family: Libraries Can Help Families Instill Love of Reading

Many parents are eager to help their children develop a love of reading, and encourage books from a very young age.

Thousands of books — from board books for infants to chapter books for older children — are available for purchase around Montgomery County, at malls, bookstores, or, of course, online. But filling up your child’s bookshelf can get costly, and many children have fickle tastes that change at a moment’s notice.

The easy answer to solve this problem is the Montgomery County Public Libraries system, where parents can access a treasure trove of information, programs, events, and of course, books and magazines, all for free.

Are you a new parent, unsure of which books would be appropriate for your baby or preschooler? Download a copy of the library system’s pre-kindergarten booklists which features dozens of titles from “My Very First Book of Food,” by Eric Carle, to “Today I Will Fly,” by Mo Willems, all available to borrow from any of the system’s branches.

Older children aren’t left out, though. The system has a special section on its website just for teens, as well as a special Facebook page called MCPL Teens, which was created and is maintained by the library system’s Teen Advisory Group. Teen members write reviews of music, books and websites, produce podcasts and videos, develop programs and bring new ideas to library services for teens.

Free story time events for small children are set several times each week at different branches. And special events for babies through young adults are scheduled periodically through the year.

Elementary and middle school-age children can benefit from the Homework Help programs offered at most branches and online.

Here is a short list of upcoming free events you and your children may attend at various local library branches (and while you’re there, pick up a few books or videos to borrow, as well):

• “Circus on Strings,” 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19, at Germantown: Large and colorful marionettes perform to a wide range of music. Learn about marionettes and enjoy circus acts. For all ages.
• “Penny Theatre,” 10:15 a.m., and 11:15 a.m., Thursday, March 17 at Quince Orchard: The Penny Theatre will perform two stories, "Who's in Rabbit's House?" and "Curious George." For children ages 3-6. Register by calling 240-777-0200.
• “Stepping Stones Story Time,” 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, at Damascus: A progressive story time for ages newborn to 5. Each session begins with the simplest rhymes and activities suitable for even the youngest participants.
• “Madama Butterfly,” 2 p.m., Saturday, April 9, at Quince Orchard: Washington National Opera for Children presents "Madama Butterfly." Travel to Japan and meet young Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly) and learn the culture of Japan through the language, song and costumes. For elementary school age children.