Parents, Children, Libraries, and Reading- Mining Pew

Miller, C., Zickuhr, K., Rainie, L., & Purcell, K. (2013, May 1). Parents, Children, Libraries and Reading. . Retrieved June 8, 2014, from http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/05/01/parents-children-libraries-and-reading/



What is a library? A place to learn, locate information and resources, or just to find a book?

Parents and children may find the library to be a place of infinite information, a place to share their love of reading and a place to make new memories. 
The Pew Research Center surveyed parents and adults over the age of 16.  Their findings included facts on how mothers and fathers differed on their opinions of the best way to use the library and how frequent they should visit the library. Mothers were more likely to feel that the library was important to their children's overall reading experience.  Mothers expressed how they thought the library encouraged the love of reading and provided a great resource of information that children would not be able to receive at home.  Although fathers did not value reading as highly as mothers they still liked the physical presence of books over the use of an electronic device to encourage reading. I agree with the father's logic behind using a book that the user can hold, highlight, flip through and physically touch to enhance a child's perspective on reading. I think that when children see their parents using an e-reader or any other electric device, they may view it as  a tool used to play games or check their social network status, not to read.  I strongly believe holding a book invokes a physical bond to its reader.

According to the survey,  a family's income played a significant role in children's reading experiences. Parents with a lower income were less likely to read to their children and less likely to visit the library.   Households with a lower income were more inclined to use the library for classes, borrowing devices and books ,as well as, accessing free internet. My experience as a teacher in a lower income school district has shown that holding events like Family Literacy Night does encourage parents to become more involved with their child's education, improves reading habits and increases library visits.
According to the survey, the majority of parents reported they visited the library to borrow books, complete school work and borrow DVDs or cds.  Less than half of parents reported that their children used the library for other events or to socialize with friends.   Most parents and adults regardless of income, had positive recollections of  visiting a library as children.   As a teacher, parent and future librarian I strive to make my own library a place where children, parents, staff and the community can feel comfortable asking for information, resources and recommended book titles.  I want them to be inspired, encouraged and informed.




(92 pages)