When I was a child, I’m sure you couldn’t have a library ticket until you were five. There would have been no point anyway. The great age of the pre-school picture book illustrated by the likes of Quentin Blake, Chris Riddell and Emily Gravett hadn’t yet arrived. Until we were old enough to enjoy hearing about Winnie the Poo and Milly Molly Mandy there was nothing for very small children on the shelves.
These days, pre-schoolers are welcome. Parents are urged to enroll their babies. There are story times and sing-along sessions, jigsaws, bright paper, coloured pencils – and cheerful rugs to sit on. So one very rainy day while fourteen month old Anaïs was staying, off to the library we went.
Didn’t she have fun?
For Rebecca’s Love your Library
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
Looks like she was really enjoying the experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all were.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She had fun. As did two older girls who adopted her for a while, reading to her and generally taking her under their wing.
LikeLike
What a very good idea, lovely pictures too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had a fun hour or two.
LikeLike
How absolutely delightful! Entertainment for both of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was. And a refuge from the rain.
LikeLike
🤣☔💟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful. I spent so much time in the local library that I had free reign even in the back rooms. I think I had an obsession with a particular author and read all of their books. I remember the Dr Doolittle for one and when a bit older Ray Bradbury.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How funny. I liked neither, I was more of a Rosemary Sutcliffe and Henry Treece kind of a child.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah lovely! She looks utterly absorbed. A bookworm in the making perhaps 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
She’d jolly well better be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anaïs is adorable!!
The vibrant colours of the book are perfect for this little angel. 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
She chose her reading matter well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Get them early! She’s a natural. My only worry is will there still be public libraries when she’s a teenager.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so. Use ’em or lose ’em people! Get in there and borrow, borrow, borrow (You don’t actually need to read all of them.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and make requests from other libraries in your county too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do. But it costs £1 a throw, and it’s bankrupting me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear, pity. Within Suffolk still free, we only get charged (£5) for interlibrary loans at the mo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Don’t even ask the price of inter-library loans here. (OK. £10)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jeepers, that’s steep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much better than a tablet or mobile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. Nobody will ever convince me that e-readers will catch on!
LikeLike
Some things have definitely improved over the years, haven’t they?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so. It’s now a warm and welcoming environment, our library, and the books are in far better condition too.
LikeLike
How lovely! Joining the library is always near the top of the to-do list when we land in a new area. They really are the heart beat of the community. I’m always guilty of borrowing more than I can realistically read and having to renew or return though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re doing your library a favour. Borrowing figures are key to proving that the library is key to the community and must continue to be funded. Well done!
LikeLike
Oh we love libraries. Mine have been going since little. And she is enjoying herself
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t imagine how we’d do without them. But those in smaller communities seem at risk 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like a wonderful library, friendly and accommodating for kids. I like that libraries are used for events and other things than just books. In these days they have to keep up in order to attract new audiences and survive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do, and much of this is excellent. Though I know some older readers long for the older, calmer days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anaïs will remember this moment Margaret, even if she is only one-and-a-bit. What a wonderful gift to give her – starting her reading journey before she can read. I am celebrating on my side of the world this special event.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, she’s been book crazy for months already, and has a quite extensive library in Catalan and English!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to take my 3 year old twin grandsons to the library. Your post just encouraged me too. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great news. Have fun
LikeLike
Love these photos. A great place for young kids start their learning. 🙂
LikeLike
Learning and having fun. What could be better!
LikeLike
It looks so cheerful and entertaining – great that libraries are such encouraging places for pre-schoolers too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a lot to encourage people to bring their pre-schoolers in without embarrassment. All good stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sweet! I’m lucky that I can’t remember a time when there were no books.
LikeLike
Oh, I had books too, though not courtesy of the library, and not ones I could enjoy on my own much – so few pictures. Times have indeed changed.
LikeLike