Posted with permission of Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. A home
library doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to provide
rich reading experiences. Fancy books aren’t necessarily the
best way to capture a child’s fancy. But a good family library
does involve time and space—time to find materials that will
interest all the readers in our family, and space to keep and
enjoy them. Here are some questions that might come to mind as
you plan a family library: Where is the best place to set up our
library? Many families have found that setting aside a spot in
the home for a family library helps them make reading a part of
family life. You don’t need much space; a corner of a room with
a bookshelf, comfortable furniture, and adequate lighting is
just fine. How large should our library be? It’s variety that
counts, not size. Instead of focusing on the number of books,
keep in mind the special interests and preferences of each
member of the family. Ask your children what they like to read,
and try to stock up on thei