Beyond Books: Exploring the Rochester & Monroe County Libraries

By Jillian Melnyk

Say goodbye to the days of dusty shelves lined with rows of musty books and endless card-catalog cabinets. Today's libraries are hip, modern and – above all else – FUN! The Monroe Country Library System offers something for everyone, so take a peek. You'll be glad you turned the page!

Pint-Sized Improvements

There is no question about the numerous advantages early literacy has on the development of young children. Fostering a love of learning and reading at an early age can lead to success in school and the world beyond.

"A child who develops a love of learning and literacy skills develops a curiosity about the world and the ability to find out more about it," says Sally Snow, Assistant to the Director at the Rochester Public Library.

Local libraries are taking innovative approaches to fostering children's love of and involvement with books. In an effort to encourage young children and preschoolers to be independent library users, the Greece Public Library recently renovated their children's room. Their books are now organized in concept groups and categories, such as "Things That Go". They are displayed with their covers facing outward and are placed at a small child's eye level.

In fact, many of the libraries in Monroe County are child-friendly and feature rooms tailored especially for children; places where they are invited to read, play or use a computer.

"Most of our libraries have a dedicated Children's Librarian who can answer children's questions and help them with book selections," Sally explains. "The Children's Librarian at your (local branch) can be a great resource and can help children and parents alike find appropriate and interesting books and resources."
Children can also search for books themselves through a computerized Kid's Catalog Web (which they can use on site or log onto from home via the Monroe County Library's main page). The Kid's Catalog is easy to use and offers children the ability to explore books by topic, "most popular" selection, category (such as "award-winning") and author. Like the adult version of the catalog, it can be used to view the status of a book and find out if it is "In Library" or "Checked Out". Children can even place orders for books held at other Monroe County Library branches. The Kid's Catalog also hosts links to pre-approved internet sites for educational enrichment, homework help, fun and local interest.

Whether your child uses the library's computerized catalog or browses its shelves, encourage him to make un-assisted decision on a book to take home and read. Suggest to your child that he can choose books that pique his interest regardless of whether they are books you would have selected for him.

"Children who are exposed to a lot of different types of reading materials and who aren't pressured to read particular things," says Adrienne Furness, Children’s Librarian at the Webster Public Library (980 Ridge Road). "They are much more likely to become solid readers and the type of people who read for fun."

Help for Home-Schoolers and Others

The number of children being home schooled is rapidly rising. Whether you home school your child or are just looking for additional avenues of educational enrichment, the library system offers you a wide assortment of resources.

"We have a great interest in serving home-schoolers at the (WPL)," Adrienne explains. "We have a special section for home-schooling materials in our children's room, (like) our popular science kits which include books, audiovisual materials, and equipment around different science topics."

WPL offers two kits geared toward children in grades K-2 and 3-5. In February and March of 2009, the WPL will also begin offering a Writing Workshop for Home-Schoolers.

While libraries have an extensive collection of books to assist with school work, some even offer educational programs that give additional assistance to students. Students can drop in for free after school tutoring and homework help on Wednesdays at 4:45 p.m. at the Monroe Branch Library (115 South Avenue).

Education and Fun: Wrapped in One

Many local libraries offer programs which are fun and educational at the same time.
"Children learn best when they're having fun," Adrienne says. "Our programs are a great way to reinforce and enrich skills like letter recognition, counting, sequencing, inference and wordplay."

Toddler and Baby Story Times, Sally explains further, provide wonderful ways to engage young children and get them started early on the road to literacy. Many branches of the Monroe County Library System offer Story Time and break them down into categories such as Infant Story Time (up to 24 months), Baby & Toddler Story Time (6 months - 3 years) and Preschool Story Time (3 - 5 years).

The Henrietta, Highland, Parma and Penfield branches offer Middle School and Teen Book Club discussions, as well.

If you think all there is to do at the library is read, you would be amazed. There area a wide variety of events, activities and programs tailored to meet the needs and interests of individuals and families. Area branches host events like Family Game Nights, Movie Nights, Story Time, Pajama Story Time, craft classes, special guest appearances, magicians, music programs and more.

"Participating in library events is an activity that the entire family can engage in-with children of all ages," Sally suggests. "It's great quality family time."

If you frequently visit your local library, take a quick drive across town and try out some of the special events other Monroe County Library branches have to offer you.

And Parents, Too!

With so much fun being offered for children, we didn't want to forget the resources that are available to parents. Many of Monroe County's libraries have parenting collections which include books, DVDs, videos and other types of information about child-rearing. At the library, parents can find kits related to specific topics like potty training and preparing for a new sibling.

The Library System's website also provides a comprehensive list of resources which covers everything from parenting and education to special needs and child development. It presents tips and information to help them select age-appropriate books and become a more effective reader for their children.

Possibly one of the most impressive online offerings is a list of book recommendations by Librarians representing the Monroe County Library's Children's Services division. It is compiled and organized by reading level and topic. Scan the extensive list with your children or use it as a resource for yourself and your partner-choosing books that feature topics you want or need to discuss as a family (i.e. growing up, divorce, diversity, death, illness, step-families, etc.).

Visit your local branch today – crack open a book and have fun!

Jillian Melnyk is the Editor at Genesee Valley Parent Magazine.

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