By Stacey Zwald Costello, Library Director
With students midway through the school year, many families are managing nightly reading requirements and Accelerated Reader goals. Most schools encourage about 20 minutes of reading each evening, which means parents and caregivers are often looking for books that spark interest while also matching a child’s reading level. The public library is a helpful partner in that search.
The library website offers tools on the homepage that make finding just right books simple and low stress. One of the most popular is AR BookFinder, a searchable database that shows which titles have Accelerated Reader quizzes. Families can quickly confirm that a book supports school reading goals before checking it out.
The website also provides a Quick Link to the Lexile Locator, another easy way to connect readers with appropriate books. Families can enter a child’s Lexile measure if one has been provided by the school, or search by grade level and interest. The tool then suggests a wide range of engaging fiction and nonfiction titles that are developmentally appropriate.
For families who prefer a quick, hands-on approach, the Five Finger Rule is a useful strategy. Have a child open to any page and begin reading. Each time they come to a word they do not know; they raise a finger. One or two fingers may mean the book is too easy, three fingers usually indicate a good fit, and four or five fingers suggests the book may be too challenging.
This method helps children choose books independently while building confidence.
Browsing is also easier thanks to a new shelving system in the Easy Reader section at all seven branch libraries. Each “I Can Read” title has a numbered sticker from 1 to 5 on the spine to indicate reading difficulty. This visual system allows families to quickly find books that match a child’s current skills, from early sight word readers to longer early chapter books.
Library staff at every branch are always available to help families use these tools and find books that make nightly reading not just a requirement, but something to look forward to.