To Celebrate National Library Week, we have partnered with Emily Ogle from the Children’s Department at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library to bring you her top 5 book picks.

Whether your children can read independently, you read to them, or you’re looking for books with activities that even the youngest kids can enjoy, there’s something for everyone.

Emily Ogle - Assistant for the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library’s Children’s Department

I have always valued being invested in one’s local community, but the best part of my job is the kids, hands down.

What does your job consist of? I run the Discovery Center, which is a tween STEM space open Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6 p.m. during the school year.

What do you love about the library? They are knowledge centers, that provide community resources, educational opportunities, free and fun social events and a safe space for all to exist whether you’re using our services or not.

What do you wish people knew about the library? Aside from physical books, we offer digital resources, streaming services, movies, music, games, museum passes, experience kits and much more, all free with your library card.

Celebrate National Library Week by visiting your local library, checking out materials and showing your support for libraries on social media.

‘Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré’

Written by: Anika Aldamuy Denise
Illustrations by: Paola Escobar

“Planting Stories” is a bilingual biography picture book based on the life of Pura Belpré, a storyteller and librarian from Puerto Rico. In this book, Pura moves to New York City in the 1920s, where she begins her career at the New York Public Library. “Planting Seeds” explores the magic of storytelling and passing down generations of folktales.

‘A Library’

Written by: Nikki Giovanni
Illustrations by: Erin K Robinson

“A Library” is a lyrical picture book celebrating libraries and the power of stories. The story follows a young reader who is inspired by the versions of herself she discovers through the different books she reads. Giovanni commemorates the feelings of safety and belonging a library provides to its users. It’s perfect for story time and is sure to grab attention with its vibrant imagery.

‘Book Uncle and Me’

Written by: Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrations by: Juliana Swaney

“Book Uncle and Me” is an early chapter book following avid reader Yasmin and her first instance with community activism. Yasmin befriends a retired teacher who has set up a free lending library. When other community members try to remove the little library, Yasmin uses an idea from one of her recent reads to fight for the book stand and the man who runs it. “Book Uncle and Me” is a great choice for early elementary readers or anyone looking for a sweet story about friendship, community and the love of books.

‘Richard Wright and the Library Card’

Written by: William Miller
Illustrations by: Gregory Christie

Older reader picture books like “Richard Wright and the Library Card” are a great way to revitalize a passion for reading in late elementary and middle-grade students. “Richard Wright and the Library Card” is a fictionalized account of the life of Richard Wright, a famous writer of the early 20th century. Wright appreciated books and the knowledge they held, but he was limited in his access to them due to the color of his skin. When working in Memphis, he befriended a coworker who let Wright borrow his library card. This book teaches about overcoming barriers and the importance of intellectual freedom.

‘The Lost Library’

Written by: Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

Ghosts, cats and books, oh my! “The Lost Library” is a juvenile novel following Evan as he uncovers the secrets of a mysterious little library and the stories inside it. Perfect for your late elementary or middle-grade students who love a mystery, talking cats or the spirits of libraries past. Stead and Mass use “The Lost Library” to teach about owning your truth, choosing the life you want and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).

We’re encouraging you to get to the library this week and celebrate what this organization does for our community and check out one of these books to experience as a family.

Did any of your favorites make the list? Do you have a personal favorite that didn’t make the list? Share it with us in the comment section below.

5 Children’s Books to Read to Celebrate National Library Week