Our libraries are a fun and stimulating place for young people to enjoy. As well as holding extensive collections dedicated to children and young adults, we run regular children's events in all our branches, and support the popular national annual Summer Reading Challenge. There's always something new to discover!
For younger children
No child is too young to join the library. The library offers a large range of board books, picture books and younger reader books that are perfect to share with young children and emerging readers.
Our libraries host regular Rhymetime and Storytime sessions for children under 5. These are free drop-in sessions, and we offer these sessions in libraries and online via our Facebook page.
We run a dynamic events programme throughout the year. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all of our events and activities. You can also find digital activities, old and new, on our blog.
Story Sacks, Bag Books and Large Format Picture Books
We provide a range of story books, picture books and activity resources to share with younger children:
- Story Sacks are fun, interactive storytelling resources, including activities designed to stimulate literacy skills.
- Bag Books are specially designed sensory storytelling boxes for readers with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Large Format Picture Books are ideal for sharing stories with large groups, the text is large and the pictures easier to explore.
These resources are only available to educational and early years settings and Rainbow Resource Card holders.
Bookstart
We work in partnership with the BookTrust to deliver the Bookstart scheme. The Bookstart scheme helps families to access libraries, have books at home and support literacy and language development. The packs also offer guidance for parents to build their confidence as storytellers and readers at home.
To deliver this programme, we work with a range of partners, including health visitors, children’s centres and early years settings.
You can access Bookstart Baby packs via the health visitors.
You can access Bookstart Treasure packs via participating nurseries and early years settings.
You can find out more about the Bookstart programme by visiting the BookTrust website.
For older children
We have stories suitable for children and young adults of all ages and abilities. If you enjoy listening to stories, or need to access literature in an alternative format, why not try our audiobooks for children and young adults? School students will find a wide range of factual and non-fiction books covering a variety of subjects to help with homework and coursework. For your free time, children's DVDs of all sorts are available to hire in all our branches.
Facilities for digital learning
Our libraries offer a safe and quiet place for children to learn and do their homework: we have computers that children can use free of charge, and many also have printing facilities and free wifi. Members can access a huge variety of children’s e-books, audiobooks and e-magazines on the LibrariesWest website, or via our free mobile app.
Reservations and renewals of all items are free on an Under 18s library card. If you can't see what you're looking for, we may be able to find it for you.
How to join
It's free to join the library and we encourage children and young people to become members. You can join online or by calling in to any library branch in person. If you are under the age of 16, then you must have the permission of a parent or guardian who is willing to act as your guarantor and sign your membership card on your first visit. We look forward to welcoming you.