Libraries go beyond just being a place to check out books; they’re magical places where children’s imaginations can soar and adventures can begin! These 10 picture books celebrate the joy of library visits, story time, and making friends in unexpected places that all start with a simple library card!
1. Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg and Illustrated by Tom Booth
Releasing on October 21st comes a new rhyming picture book from author Erin Sandberg and illustrator Tom Booth. Never Give a Baby a Library Card is a fun, read along story that is a perfect first introduction of the library to young readers. When babies become loose in the library, they learn that books can teach them anything they want to know!
2. Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn and Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Lola at the Library is a gentle picture book that introduces children to the library in a way that’s both joyful and informative. Every Tuesday, Lola heads to the library with her mom to search for new books to read, a fun story time with the librarian, and treats perfect for children! This short and easy picture book is a great way to show young readers just how amazing a library visit can be!
3. D.W.’s Library Card by Marc Brown
D.W.’s Library Card goes beyond simply teaching children about a library card, it’s a story about patience, persistence, and the excitement of earning something by working hard. D.W. really wants a library card, but she has to learn to write her name before she can get one. Once she finally gets her card, she then has to learn the responsibility that comes with borrowing books and shows young readers that even though the library can be fun, it also comes with learning responsibility!
4. Pete the Cat Checks Out the Library by Kimberly Dean and Illustrated by James Dean
Pete the Cat Checks Out the Library is a cool and groovy introduction to showing young readers just how fun a library can be! On Pete’s first visit, he takes a tour of the library, explores new stories, and discovers that with a library card and his imagination, the adventures never end!
5. Library Babies by Puck and Illustrated by Violet Lemay
Library Babies is a cheerful board book that gives young readers a tour through the wonders and magic of the library. From story time to getting your very first library card, these eccentric babies show young readers how books can open up endless possibilities. Filled with fun activities and helpful tips for parents, Library Babies is a perfect first introduction to the magic of libraries.
6. A Love Letter To My Library by Lisa Katzenberger and Illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.
A Love Letter To My Library is a celebration of all the things that make libraries such a magical place for people of all ages. From getting cozy in a favorite chair during story time to finding that perfect book, this picture book is a heartwarming tribute to the adventures and memories that await in the library.
7. A Big Surprise For Little Card by Charise Mericle Harper and Illustrated by Anna Raff
A Big Surprise For Little Card is a playful and heartwarming story about what it means to find happiness and adventure in unexpected places. Little Card loves joining kids at their birthday parties to help them celebrate, but when Little Card is accidentally set to the library instead of a birthday party, he quickly learns about books, story time, and how new friends can be just as fun as cake and presents! A Big Surprise For Little Card is a fun and endearing celebration of all the magic that libraries hold!
8.The Library Fish by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Illustrated by Gladys Jose
The Library Fish follows the story of a little fish who finds her forever home in the library with vivid illustrations and fun language. Young readers read about Library Fish’s love for every part of her book-filled world from story time to bookmobiles! But when a snowy day keeps the library’s visitors away, she is forced to be brave and explore the library beyond her bowl!
9. A Library by Nikki Giovanni and Illustrated by Erin K. Robinson
A Library is a gentle picture book from celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni that is both a lyrical tribute to the magic of libraries and a showcase of how adventure comes from imagination. With beautiful illustrations and poetic language, A Library invites young readers to dream, explore, and imagine all the amazing places that a library card can take them.
10. The Twilight Library by Carmen Oliver and Illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora
The Twilight Library is a picture book that features dream-like illustrations and shows young readers the magic of a library card using lyrical language. Young readers follow the Night Librarian as she gathers all the woodland creatures under the twilight stars and sweep them and your child into a sensory journey that is full of twinkling words, luscious imagery, and the endless power of imagination.
From groovy cats to heartfelt love letters, these 10 books show just how magical a library card and library can be to a child! They’re perfect for bedtime snuggle reads, just for fun, or when teaching children the value of the library.
Looking for more library book recommendations? Check out our article, 9 Books That Celebrate the Wonderful World of the Library!
Find these books and more on our Bookshop Mini Bookworms Delightful Recommendations bookshelf!
