Learn how to create a seasonal home library for children along with helpful ideas for fostering family reading rhythms. Anna Harpe is the Marketing Director here at The Artful Parent and is the talent behind KidLitCrafts.
Updated August 2024
There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to turn inward. Our Midwest air blows with extra bite and the days shorten, leaning into darkness earlier and earlier. It makes me wish I had a fireplace to stoke and knitting to complete. I don’t have either, but I try to create spots of cozy warmth in our home whenever I can!
Of course, in our house, books play a huge part in our seasonal rhythms. And as my kids grow, familiar favorites are as cozy as hand-me-down blankets, becoming well-worn touchstones reminding us of years past.
I find that pulling out fresh books every season helps to anchor and refresh, not just the kids, but also myself. It gives me a moment to pause and mark the passage of time – something that’s not always easy in the rush of family life!
Are you interested in creating a seasonal library for your own home? Here are some tips that will help you get started.
How to Create a Seasonal Home Library
1. Think ahead
The best seasonal books fly off the library shelves. Plan ahead a few weeks (and take advantage of your library’s “hold” program!) so you can make sure you’ll have a copy of your favorites when you want them.
Easier said than done, right? I mean, how is it even Fall already?!?
I finally smartened up and let my phone do the remembering for me! So, pause right now and set annual seasonal reminders to check out those library books early!
2. Less is more
This one is hard for me. All too often, our bookshelves are stuffed to the brim.
But as soon as I clean them out and place a few beautiful books on display, voila! Books are pulled off the shelves and read instead of fading into the background “noise” of our everyday life.
Every family is different, of course, but I find that displaying 5-10 enticing books works best for us.
3. Build your personal collection
Do you check out the same fall book every single year? Maybe it’s time to invest in your own copy! Support your favorite independent bookstore locally or through https://www.bookshop.org.
Thrift stores and library book sales are also great places to find seasonal favorites. Just be ready to buy them out of season – I’ve found some really lovely winter books at great prices in July!
4. Make them disappear
I know, I know…. Your five-year-old just loves that Halloween pop-up book. I promise, though, she will love it even more next year if it quietly slips away after Halloween. My family adores our Christmas tree, but it would definitely lose some magic if it stayed around for 12 months.
Embrace the fleeting seasons and make those books disappear. Return them to the library, pack them away in bins, and delight in the cyclical rhythms of our lives.
5. Connect creatively
Okay, I’m admittedly a little biased about connecting creativity with picture books, but what an opportunity! It can sometimes be difficult to know how to incorporate art into your everyday life.
Let the picture books you’re reading act as a source of inspiration! This serves to center both creativity and literacy in your home. As you pull out those seasonal picture books, take a moment to think about how you can bring some seasonal creativity into your family life as well.
Of course, I love posting about our favorite seasonal books and activities over at KidLitCrafts, so make sure you’re following me on Instagram for even more ideas!
My Favorite Fall Arts and Crafts for Kids
The Artful Parent is a treasure trove of ideas! Here are some of my favorite fall projects from the archives:
- 13 November Crafts and Activities for Family Connection & Celebration
- Autumn Suncatchers :: Kids Crafts with Fall Leaves
- Fall Leaf Art with the Scratch Art Technique
- Thanksgiving Garlands for Kids with Finger Painted Thankful Hands
- 30+ Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
I believe we all can benefit from adding a little more rhythm, reading, and creativity to our lives. I hope you find these tips helpful as you work to build your own seasonal home library for children!
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