The Role of the Family in Fostering Creativity and Developing the Child’s Imaginative Thinking through Reading and the Library

Abstract

This study examines the role of the family in shaping the child reader and in developing creativity and imaginative thinking through early engagement with reading, books, and the library. It begins by discussing the characteristics of pre-school child development and the child’s psychological, linguistic, and social needs, then links reading readiness to the family environment that provides encouragement, role modeling, appropriate reading materials, and a supportive cultural atmosphere. The study argues that reading in childhood is not merely a language exercise, but a gateway to cognitive growth, imaginative expansion, personality development, self-confidence, and expressive ability.

The article further explores the practical means through which the family can foster creativity, including the selection of suitable books, the provision of a home library, the organization of the child’s relationship with books, and the follow-up of reading interests. It also discusses the role of the school library, its services, and its activities in supporting linguistic, cognitive, and social development. In addition, it highlights the importance of children’s literature, cultural activities, competitions, and free reading in discovering inclinations and nurturing talent. The study concludes that forming a creative child requires an integrated partnership among the family, the library, and the school, supported by conscious educational and cultural planning that makes reading a core element of the child’s intellectual and emotional formation.