Entertaining and developing children's skills in the digital age at the main public reading libraries

Abstract

Modern libraries are evolving to enhance their services and innovate in their cultural activities, transforming from mere book repositories to interactive spaces for recreational learning. This research aims to identify the role of the main Algerian public reading libraries in developing social skills among young children. The study questions focused on the nature of these activities and the skills that a child can acquire by participating in those cultural activities programmed by the library. Using field observation and examining the Facebook pages of these libraries, the study found that utilizing library spaces for recreational and play purposes, while implementing various child-oriented cultural activation strategies, increases interactions between activity providers and children. This, in turn, motivates children to read and acquire early social skills.