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Parenting

Reading materials, associations, and online and community resources to help users as they raise the next generation.

How the Library Serves Parents

father, mother, and two children laugh on a family bedLibrary branches provide parents with programs, activities, themed displays, and authoritative developmental information and insights.

Much of our book material can be found by browsing nonfiction in Dewey Decimal Call Numbers:  649.1 to 649.7.

Aside from the parenting resources in this Guide, you can find more information from our Catalog, from our Ask Your Library service, or by calling your branch.

Find More Options to Explore

Find programs of interest for you and your children on the library's event calendar.

  • Remember that you can filter for event options by branch, by audience, and by category.
  • Even while most programs are all online, library options are there for your enjoyment!

 Watch a video recording of a recent program from the FCPL YouTube Channel.

StoryWalk® are a great way to engage in reading while moving outdoors. 

This self-directed learning opportunity consists of a deconstructed children’s book. Each page of the book is mounted separately, and families walk from one page to the next to read the story. These interactive trails build children’s interest in reading while encouraging healthy outdoor activity for both children and adults.

Burke Centre Library StoryWalk®

Come stroll the grounds at Burke Centre Library while following the pages of "Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom" by Bill Martin, Jr.

Chantilly Regional Library StoryWalk®

Now you can enjoy the summer weather as you read "The Busy Tree" by Jennifer Ward.

Martha Washington Library StoryWalk®

Take a walk through the woods while reading from "Ana Cultiva Manzanas –  Apple Farmer Annie" by Monica Wellington and pick up an apple craft from the library while supplies last.

 

Find book lists for kids from the library.  Lists include Virginia Readers' Choice and themes like adventure, graphic novels and World War II.

Find book reviews and parent-insights from Common Sense Media.

Find Your Next Book reading suggestions.  

Novelist Plus provides book reviews and descriptions, including fiction and nonfiction, for all ages. Have your library card handy and try it out.  

Try out our eMagazines through OverDrive.  Associate your Fairfax County library card number with the Library of Virginia's collection to read many titles, including those from around the world:

  • Baby and Child India (India)
  • Baby and Mother (in Chinese)
  • Eltern (in German)
  • Familie Journal (in Danish)
  • Global Family Monthly (in Chinese)
  • Mindful Mom
  • Nurture Parenting Magazine (Australia)
  • Your Pregnancy Magazine (South Africa)
  • Parents in Biz (UK)
  • Ser Padres -- Spain (in Spanish)
  • Working Mother
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