Take Your Child To The Library Day

Take Your Child To The Library Day is observed on the first Saturday in February. In 2026, it falls on February 7. This international initiative encourages families to visit their local libraries and explore the vast array of free resources available to children. While many people associate libraries solely with printed books, this day highlights modern offerings such as digital media, community workshops, and interactive play spaces. By establishing a routine of library visits early in life, the holiday aims to develop a lifelong foundation for literacy and curiosity.

History of Take Your Child To The Library Day

The holiday was founded in 2011 by Nadine Lipman, a retired children’s librarian from the Waterford Public Library in Connecticut. Lipman noticed that while many families utilized the library for specific school projects, many others were unaware of the daily programs and resources designed specifically for early childhood development. She collaborated with Caitlin Augusta of the Stratford Library and the Connecticut Library Consortium to launch the first official day of celebration. Their goal was to create a low-pressure, high-fun entry point for families who might not be regular library users.

What began as a regional event in Connecticut quickly gained traction through professional library networks. Within a few years, the movement expanded across the United States, Canada, and eventually reached international libraries. The observance is now a cornerstone event for thousands of institutions, supported by national organizations like EveryLibrary. Over the past fifteen years, the day has evolved to include elaborate themes, author visits, and collaborative community projects, proving that physical libraries remain essential social hubs in a digital age.

Why is Take Your Child To The Library Day important?

Early exposure to a wide variety of reading materials is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success. This day is important because it introduces children to the concept of a “community resource”—a place where knowledge is shared and accessible to everyone regardless of their economic background. By providing free access to high-speed internet, specialized research tools, and diverse literature, libraries help close the “digital divide” and ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to learn. It also teaches children about civic responsibility through the process of borrowing and returning shared items.

Beyond academics, the library serves as a critical third space for social development. Many children’s sections are designed with sensory play areas and communal tables where kids can interact with peers outside of a school environment. This holiday highlights the library as a sanctuary for mental health, offering a quiet, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for families to escape the distractions of home life. It also empowers children by giving them the autonomy to choose their own books based on their personal interests, which builds confidence and a sense of ownership over their own learning journey.

• It fosters early literacy skills through storytelling and reading programs.
• The day promotes equal access to technology and learning materials.
• It introduces families to the specialized expertise of children’s librarians.
• Libraries offer a safe, free community space for social interaction.
• Regular visits help children develop a sense of responsibility and organization.

How to Celebrate Take Your Child To The Library Day

The most effective way to celebrate is to simply walk through the doors of your local branch and let your child explore. Many libraries prepare special activities for the day, such as scavenger hunts, craft stations, or “behind-the-scenes” tours of the book stacks. If your child doesn’t already have one, use this visit to sign them up for their very own library card. This small piece of plastic serves as a powerful symbol of their independence and access to the world’s information. Take the time to meet the children’s librarian, who can provide personalized book recommendations based on your child’s current hobbies or reading level.

You can also make the visit an interactive experience by playing simple games like “I Spy” among the bookshelves or challenging your child to find a book about a topic they know nothing about. Many libraries host guest performers like magicians or local authors specifically for this holiday, so checking the online calendar in advance can help you plan your visit around a specific event. After picking out a few books, spend some time in the reading nook together. This reinforces the idea that the library is a destination for enjoyment and relaxation, rather than just a place to finish homework assignments.

• Visit the library and sign up for a free library card.
• Participate in a scavenger hunt to find specific genres or authors.
• Attend a scheduled storytime or live performance at the branch.
• Let your child choose five books on any topic that interests them.
• Check out a “discovery kit” or board game to enjoy at home.

Take Your Child To The Library Day Dates Table