Our First Journey to the Library

Last Thursday, the children enjoyed their first visit of the year to the library. Nestled on the ground floor of Kawaiaha‘o Hall at the far opposite end of the greater Mid-Pacific campus, the children experienced a different part of our campus where older students abound. Some children recognized familiar faces of middle school students as they passed by, and others knew that some of their high school acquaintances were probably somewhere nearby.

s they approached Kawaiaha’o Hall, the children’s anticipation seemed to grow in tandem with the increasing incline of our path. They entered the library through the glass double doors and continued past the circulation desk, past the computer stations, and then they turned the corner at the library lab. There, at the end of the hallway, the children found a cozy alcove that is the story room. They were greeted by our librarian, and they settled down for a storytime read aloud.

After receiving their library cards, the children set off to explore the shelves of books and enjoyed the indecisions of which ones to borrow. Some knew exactly what books they were looking for, and they had no hesitation asking for help from the librarians!

When it was time to leave, they reluctantly lined up with their books, and they said goodbye until our next visit to the library.

In a world where digital resources abound, the library gives the children a chance to experience the magic of a plethora of physical books – what a hard cover and soft cover book feels like, what the pages feel like, and even what books smell like. Physical books give children a slower, more tactile experience with the material beyond simply viewing the print on a device. The freedom to choose their own books helps to develop their motivation to read. The privilege of borrowing books helps to reinforce the idea of consequence for books not returned and gives the children a sense of responsibility. Our library days also give the children the experience of the greater school campus and the thrill of knowing that one day, they will be the big kids in that part of the campus.

Who knew a trip to the library could mean so much.