Did you know that children in Wilmette have already voted many times?
They voted for their favorite animals and snacks during previous elections. And they helped suggest many names for our library mascots, and then voted for the names “Minty and Marshmallow” in overwhelming numbers. As we shared when we announced our library beasties’ names, voting is a way for a group of people to make a choice. Everyone votes for their favorite choice and whichever choice gets the most votes, wins.
But how can we help make big events like the upcoming national election understandable for young people and find tools to discuss it with them? As a center for civic life in our community, inspiring lifelong curiosity, exploration, and discovery, look to your library for resources for civic engagement and important conversations.
Here are just 5 ways we can support you this election season - and beyond.
1. Attend I Hate Politics: How to Explain to Kids Why Civic Engagement Matters on Friday, October 18 from 4:30-5:30pm. This program is part of Let’s Learn Together, an initiative that takes an in-depth look at specific topics relevant to our society.
How do we foster a respectful approach to talking to kids about politics? How do we help our kids become active, caring community members? Wilmette Public Library, in collaboration with D39 PTAs/PTOs, invites parents and caregivers to connect through this interactive discussion on civic engagement. Learn how local systems work, and how you and your family can make a difference in your community. Panelists include Village Board President Senta Plunkett, Library Board Secretary Maria Di Lorenzo, and civics teacher Michael Pond. Children 4 and older can enjoy a civics themed Storytime and craft in the Youth Program Room while adults attend the program. Teens and tweens are welcome to join the discussion. Also, there will be snacks.
2. Let the books do the work.
Check out books about voting, civics, raising your voice, and caring for the community from our book display in the Youth Services hallway. There are so many wonderful, engaging, and informative children’s books that offer insights that center children’s experiences and questions about our world. Use reading aloud (or reading together) as a catalyst to explore your children’s questions, build on their previous knowledge, and deepen their understanding of democracy. You can also check out our book list here.
These stories also offer many ways for children to raise their voices and participate in change in their communities. As Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Engagement 2022 report states, “Social connections and a sense of belonging are foundational to civic engagement.” And for teens who are preparing to vote in their first election, there are incredible resources to dive deeper into the topic of democracy and civics from the rest of our collections.
3. Participate in our children’s voting booth.
Children will have a chance to raise their voices again and express themselves; this time about their favorite magical creatures. Visit the library to help them research the candidates, cast their ballot, get their “I Voted” sticker, and explore the variety of activity pages we’ve provided. We’ll share the results at the end of October. These kinds of civics experiences have huge impacts. But you don’t have to take my word for it.
Research on young voters from Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Engagement shows that weaving civic engagement throughout childhood experiences increases participation in voting. Recently, the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute found that civic engagement has both a trickle down and trickle up effect. Parents who vote tend to raise children who vote, but interestingly, civic engagement programs for children have been found to result in an increased level of parent voter participation.
If you can, take your children with you to vote. They’ll get their own “future voter” stickers! These experiences can become foundational memories, associating voting with a special experience with their caregiver.
4. Explore our library’s dedicated Voting page. Find the information you need to cast your ballot, from registering to vote, researching your ballot, finding your polling place, and important dates.
5. Take a break. Election season can be stressful and it’s important to take care of yourself. The library offers many resources for exploring your other interests. Visit The Studio to make something cool. Check out a new item from our Library of Things. Borrow that book on your to-read list you’ve been meaning to try. Get outside and explore our new Storywalk at Vattman Park.
What suggestions do you have to engage young people in conversations around civic engagement?