Clare children offered FREE Little Library Bags before they start primary school

Children from across Clare who are due to start primary school later this year are being invited to collect a free Little Library Bag from their local library in Clare.

The Little Library Bag contains a selection of three picture books about starting school, information leaflets and about reading to children. The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and Irish, support parents and their children in the transition to primary school.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh, said: “We hope that this initiative will introduce children to a lifelong love of books and reading and prepare them for a positive transition to school.”

An average of 20,000 children around Ireland join their local library every year thanks to the My Little Library initiative.

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Children’s Services Librarian, Clare Libraries, Niamh O’Donovan, added: “Starting school can be a difficult time for both children and their caregivers. The Little Library initiative helps children to be school-ready and confident in themselves.”

The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families are welcomed to join the library if they are not already members. Adults must bring photo ID and proof of address to open a membership for their child or themselves.

My Little Library is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency and 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.