Last July we gifted all babies born in July a special copy of Winnie the Pooh, a title from our Centenary book list, so that they could celebrate 100 years of our public libraries with us.
Click here to see where the journey started
We hope those books will be part of those baby’s reading journey and each time the book is picked up, whenever that is, your family will remember that the library service is here for you at every life stage.
Turning one is a massive milestone – your baby might be starting to walk independently, saying a few words and starting to understand your instructions. Their world is expanding every day and by reading to them, even for five minutes a day, you can share words, emotion and a bond that will build their thoughts, sense of security and understanding of what’s around them.
And we can help…
- We have board book and picture book collections suitable for under 5s in every library. Free access to audiobooks that include stories and rhymes for under 5s via BorrowBox.
- Not sure what to read to your newborn? Or what to read for yourself? We’ve made a babies and parents booklist.
- We work with BookTrust to gift books where they are needed most including Early Years, additional needs and dual language packs. We also take part in the annual BookTrust Storytime programme at our libraries, showcasing five of the best stories for under-fives each year.
- We run regular, free Baby Bounce and Rhyme Sessions in our core libraries. Visit our Library Events pages to find out when and where!
- We have videos of our baby bounce and rhyme sessions that you can watch from home.
What are the benefits of reading to your bump and babies?
Creating a bond through shared reading isn’t just something we think is important. Research carried out by neuroscientists shows that, “when a book is shared, extraordinary things happen in both the baby’s brain and the adult’s…. Reading to a child and sharing a book together can be a deeply bonding experience for both the adult and baby, building emotional closeness and connection from the first days after birth.” BookTrust Reading Rights Report, Spring 2025.
We know that time can be a massive barrier to an adult and child reading together* but its important to remember:
You don’t just have to read children’s books; other things you already have at home would be suitable. E.g. Magazines, coffee table style books.
If you don’t have time to sit down and read with your kids at home, why not take a book with you to the park, or restaurant, on the bus, or read to them while they are having a bath.
If you don’t have anything to read why not tell a story? Most people know fairytales such as Red Riding Hood, or the story of the three bears – maybe make up a story about your day, or your family?
Read Booktrust Scotland’s Article ‘Sharing songs, rhymes and stories before birth’
* 38% don’t read with their child due to lack of time, Reading Rights Report, Spring 2025