Our youth program and outreach coordinator shares three tips to encourage reading habits, paired with book recommendations across every genre from our senior collections development librarian.
Set a 20-minute daily reading goal
It can feel like setting a longer daily goal is the way to go, however just 20 minutes of reading a day is very impactful. This consistent time supports language development, focus, and comprehension without overwhelming kids, especially those who don’t naturally choose reading as a favorite activity. Some days it will be easier to stick to the routine than others and that’s okay. What matters most is building the daily reading habit now to set the stage for longer, more confident reading over time.
Remember that all reading is valuable
Building a love of reading starts with honoring what kids are genuinely interested in, whether that’s graphic novels, nonfiction, magazines, or rereading a favorite book again and again. When children are allowed to choose what they read, they tend to engage more deeply and confidently.
Lean into your child’s interests when choosing books
Connecting books to kids’ interests helps spark excitement and motivation, which are key to long-term reading success. Whether they love animals, sports, crafts, or fantasy worlds, there are books to match every curiosity.
Our staff are happy to help you and your child find books to match their interests. We’ll even create custom booklists or pull a stack of books for you through our Reading Suggestions and Library Sampler services. Stop by your local branch to find out more!
Find Your Next Great Read
We asked our senior collection development librarian to choose a variety of genres that are great reads for kids of all ages. To find more titles that inspire reading, you can narrow your search online or stop into one of our locations to ask a librarian for a recommendation.
Earlier Learners
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
Kids
What If ... Every Volcano Erupted at Once?
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