Connect with your kids @ your library: Authors Share Their Experiences with Family at the Library

Spending quality time with our kids and teens is critical to their growth and development—and it fosters strong bonds and relationships. But, in our fast-paced lives, finding opportunities for quality time together can be a daily challenge.

Fortunately, there are a variety of things to do, new adventures to begin and amazing things to learn—right at your library.

In this video, three authors (Julie James, William Joyce and Andrea Davis Pinkney) discuss ways in which they connect with their kids at the library.

After graduating from law school, Julie James clerked for the United States Court of Appeals in Jacksonville, Fla. She then practiced law with one of the nation’s largest law firms for several years until she began writing screenplays. After Hollywood producers optioned two of her scripts, she decided to leave the practice of law to write full-time. Her books have been translated into 12 languages and Julie’s most recent novel, A Lot Like Love, is a national bestseller.

The prolific William Joyce has reached a huge audience as an author and illustrator of such children's books as Rolie Polie Olie and George Shrinks. And film buffs also know his work, which includes creating characters for Toy Story and A Bug's Life.

His books have been adapted for both film and television, and Joyce has received three Emmys for "Rolie Polie Olie," an animated series on the Disney Channel. 

Award-winning author Andrea Davis Pinkney was the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and his Orchestra. Her many works are geared toward children and teach them about the achievements of such African-Americans as Ellington and cowboy Bill Pickett.

Visit the Connect with your kids @ your library Family Activity Guide to discover a wealth of ideas for spending quality family time with your kids at the library.