10-03-2008

Libraries on children’s premises

Four out of five Danish children visit libraries on a regular basis, but the intervals between the visits become longer and longer, whereas the visits tend to become shorter. Therefore, the libraries should adopt a new way of thinking, the report suggests. It presents 10 recommendations on how the library could meet children half way in the future.

The report emphasises that the library should provide children with the possibility of choosing from a broad range of media, that covers various subjects, genres and processes, and that includes books, new media, games and learning. The things offered by the library should satisfy children’s need for active participation, and they should present an attractive physical framework that would allow children to show what they can do.

Some of the main recommendations in the report suggest a substantially closer co-operation between public libraries and school libraries, more itinerant activities, such as, e.g. kindergarten libraries, and services offered to clubs and organisations. Libraries should also offer more games and educational services to children.

Edited by Signe Thomsen sth@boernekultur.dk

Read more about the report here. (in Danish)