Clare libraries encourage little readers with free books for children starting school

Children who are due to start school in September are invited to visit their nearest library and collect a free Little Library Book Bag this summer.

The My Little Library Book Bag initiative is a collaboration between libraries, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as part of the First 5 Strategy.

Libraries in Clare are delighted to offer a free book and card holder to all children starting school to celebrate and help them navigate this new experience.

Each bag contains a book for children and parents to read together and a card holder for each child to store their new library card. Each child is encouraged to join the library when they collect their bag.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative Clare County Librarian Helen Walsh said, “We hope that this gift will introduce children to a lifelong love of books and reading, which they can share with their parents.”

Children’s Services Librarian Niamh O’Donovan added, “Starting school can be worrying for both children and parents. The Little Library initiative helps children to be school-ready and confident in themselves.”

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Children and their parents or caregivers are also invited to come to a special Little Library Story Time where library staff will read aloud the Little Library books as part of a story time session.

These special sessions will introduce parents to the joys of reading aloud to their child and provide advice and tips on how to incorporate reading into your daily routine. To find out more about these story times contact your nearest library.

It is free to join the library. Parents must show ID and proof of address when they join their child and themselves.

For more information about Clare Libraries services visit www.clarelibraries.ie.