Building a Love of Reading at Home

Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library

or children, some of the most powerful learning happens at home. While schools and libraries play an important role in supporting literacy, families and caregivers are a child’s first and most influential teachers. Creating a home environment where reading is encouraged, enjoyed, and shared can have lasting benefits for a child’s development and lifelong love of learning.

Reading at home does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even a few minutes each day can make a meaningful difference. Studies consistently show that children who are read to regularly develop stronger language skills, larger vocabularies, and better comprehension. Just as importantly, reading together builds positive emotional connections and helps children associate books with comfort, curiosity, and joy.

Some of my most treasured childhood memories center around reading at home. When my sister and I were young, our dad would read Winnie-the-Pooh to us before bed. Night after night, we would listen to the adventures of Pooh, Piglet, and their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

As we grew older, the tradition continued in a different way—my sister began reading the Little House on the Prairie books aloud to us before bed. Those quiet moments at the end of the day became something we all looked forward to. They weren’t just about the stories themselves. They were about spending time together, laughing, imagining new worlds, and ending the day as a family.

Now that tradition has come full circle in my own home. Reading before bed is part of my nightly routine with my son. Just like when I was a child, the end of the day becomes a time to slow down, share a story, and spend a few quiet moments together.

Sometimes, we read favorite books again and again, and other nights we discover something new. No matter what the book is, those moments of reading together create connection, comfort, and memories that I hope he will carry with him as he grows. It’s a reminder that the simple act of reading together can shape a child’s love of books for a lifetime.

One of the simplest ways families can encourage reading is by making it part of the daily routine. Reading before bedtime is a classic example because it provides a quiet moment to wind down while sharing a story together. But reading can happen anytime—during breakfast, after school, or even while waiting for an appointment. The goal is to make books a natural part of everyday life rather than something that feels like homework.

Caregivers can also support reading by allowing children to choose what interests them. When kids are excited about a topic—whether it’s dinosaurs, trucks, space, or animals—they are much more motivated to engage with books. Graphic novels, picture books, magazines, and audiobooks all count as reading experiences. What matters most is that children are interacting with stories, information, and language in ways that spark their curiosity.

Another helpful strategy is to model reading at home. Children notice when the adults in their lives read for enjoyment. Seeing a parent, grandparent, or caregiver reading a book, newspaper, or magazine sends a powerful message that reading is valuable and worthwhile. Talking about what you are reading and sharing interesting facts or stories can also spark conversations and interest.

Creating a small, inviting reading space can make a big difference as well. A basket of books in the living room, a cozy chair with a blanket, or a small shelf in a child’s bedroom helps make books easily accessible. When books are visible and within reach, children are more likely to pick them up and explore them on their own.

For families with younger children, reading aloud is especially important. Hearing stories helps develop listening skills and builds the foundation for learning to read independently. Don’t worry about reading perfectly—using different voices, asking questions about the pictures, or letting children turn the pages makes the experience interactive and fun.

Libraries are also a great partner for families working to build reading habits at home. Visiting the library allows children to discover new books, participate in storytimes, and explore a wide variety of topics and genres. Library staff are always happy to recommend books for different ages and interests, making it easier for families to find something everyone will enjoy.

Encouraging reading at home doesn’t require special training or expensive resources. What matters most is time, attention, and the willingness to share stories together. By making reading a regular part of family life, caregivers help children build skills, confidence, and imagination that will support them for years to come.

And perhaps most importantly, those shared reading moments often become the memories families treasure most.