Clare libraries welcome soon-to-be primary school students with free book bag

All children in Clare who are starting primary school in September are being invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands and Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, announced the launch of this year’s 'My Little Library' free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school.

Each year, every child leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library while they are at it! 

The 'My Little Library' initiative 2025 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families to picking up their book bags and joining their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 4–5-year-olds have joined their local libraries annually.

The books and resources in the book bag, which are available in both English and as Gaeilge, support children and their parents in the transition to primary school.

From May 9, all children in Clare completing the universal pre-school programme 'Early Childhood Care and Education' and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. 

Minister Foley said she was pleased to announce the 2025 'My Little Library' initiative.

Ms Foley said, “Reading is a magical gift, and it is great to give children the opportunity to develop a love of reading from a young age. Many parents may not be aware that every child about to enter primary school is eligible for their free 'My Little Library' book bag. That’s why I am urging every family in Clare with a child starting primary school this September to pick up their Little Library book bag from their local library.

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“The transition from pre-school to primary school is such an important moment for every child in Ireland. Books and stories support connection between parents and their children. They also promote early language and literacy development which is crucial for children’s success in early childhood and beyond," she concluded. 

Also showing his admiration for the scheme was Minister Buttimer, who said, “I warmly welcome the launch of the 2025 'My Little Library' initiative. I know that the library staff in Clare share my enthusiasm for connecting young families with our excellent national library service.

“Books and stories are a lovely way of helping parents support their children with their learning journey and becoming a library member gives lifelong access to the joy of books and reading," he added. 

'My Little Library' is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency and is delivered by local authorities. It is a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Local Government Ireland.

Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency, Dr Stuart Hamilton spoke fondly of the initiative, saying, “Local authority public libraries are delighted to be running the 'My Little Library' bag initiative this year.

“Local libraries across Clare are looking forward to welcoming all children starting school and their families in to collect their 'My Little Library' book bags and discover the fun of being a library member.

“We hope that our Little Library members and their families will come back regularly to refill their book bags and enjoy all the free events and activities libraries hold throughout the year.

“The support of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Rural and Community Development allows us to build annually on the great successes of Little Library over the past few years," he added.