Remember the First Books You Read with Your Kids?

The ones that made them giggle, gasp, or beg for just one more chapter?

For us, one of our early books was Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant. A charming pig who visits the library every Monday.

And Just Like That, a Tradition Was Born

Most Mondays, my boys and I step into our local library—oak beams overhead, shelves lined with well-loved stories, the familiar scent of books wrapping around us. The librarian greets us with a warm smile. It feels like we belong.

More Than Just Borrowing Books

But it’s more than just borrowing books. It’s an adventure. A reset. A way to break free from the routine and explore new worlds—without adding more stuff to our home.

No Clutter, No Cost

Because here’s the best part: reading doesn’t cost a thing, and when you borrow books from the library, they don’t add clutter.

No overflowing bookshelves. No stacks of half-read stories gathering dust. No pricey gadgets. Just a library card and a world of possibilities.

Unexpected Finds at the Library

Last week, I checked out Selfie Culture. My kids? Star Wars Origami. Did we expect those? Nope. But that’s the magic of the library—you never know what will capture your imagination next.

Books That Teach More Than Words

Last year, my 8-year-old and I read The Borrowers—a tiny family living in secret, repurposing human objects to survive. Thimbles as cups. Matchboxes as beds. Tea trays as sleds. Ingenious. Thrilling, full of heart.

Stories like these teach us more than just words on a page. They teach resilience. Creativity. The power of close relationships. They remind us that even the smallest among us can be bold and brave.

How Books Develop Empathy

Books help our kids develop empathy. They introduce them to different perspectives, different lives, different ways of thinking. They offer role models who show courage, kindness, and perseverance. They help our children see beyond themselves and into the hearts of others.

Bonding Through Books

And as parents? We get to experience it with them.

My boys and I have bonded over Pete the Cat, Curious George, The Berenstain Bears, Elephant and Piggie… and this year, Harry Potter.

A Simple Tradition That Lasts

One little book about a pig turned a trip to the library into a Monday tradition. A love of stories. The thrill of discovering new worlds—together.

And we didn’t have to buy a thing.

Your Sign to Start a Library Tradition

So, if you haven’t been to the library in a while, maybe this is your sign.

Who knows what adventure is waiting for you?