Early years activities in libraries – and of course library books – can play a huge role in supporting babies’ and young children's learning and development. This chapter will consider that role and identify effective library activities and book promotion for under-fives.

The benefits of library activities for early childhood learning and development

The acronym SPICE is a very useful reminder of early childhood developmental needs:

Social

Physical

Intellectual

Creative

Emotional.

Libraries are well placed to nurture all of these. Many readers will have witnessed young children learning how to take turns in rhyme times, just one example of the ways libraries help social development. Successful rhyme times incorporate plenty of movement – evidence of support for physical development. Anyone who has given or watched a library story time for young children and listened to their questions and comments will be well aware of its value for intellectual development. Craft activities foster children's creativity. Lots of picture books are wonderful for emotional development, helping children's understanding of their own and others’ feelings.

Many countries define the areas of learning and development that should be supported in early years establishments. Libraries can and should bear these in mind when planning activities. This way they usefully complement what is happening in preschool settings and in the first years at school, so reinforcing children's learning. In addition, libraries can demonstrate their relevance to young children's education, making library visits more attractive to preschools and schools. In England the areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (DfE, 2012) have much in common with those of other countries. The EYFS prime areas of learning are:

There can be no question that libraries help communication and language. Rhyme and story times develop babies’ and young children's listening and attention skills, help them to understand the spoken word and communicate with others and increase their vocabulary. Such activities also play a valuable role in terms of personal, social and emotional development. We have already seen some examples, to which could be added the fact that regular attendance at library sessions helps young children learn to manage their feelings and behaviour, and begin to share.