Dumfries and Galloway Council is delighted to launch a new initiative ‘Every Child a Member’ which directly offers every child in the region a library membership when a parent registers the birth of a new baby.
‘Every Child a Member’ is a national initiative led by the Scottish Library and Information Council which aims to enrol every child in the library as early as possible.
All babies and families will be offered a library membership when they come to register the birth of a new baby. Their new library card comes in a specially designed presentation card. On the first visit to the library to borrow books or join in a Bookbug Session the presentation card can be exchanged for a brand new board book to keep and enjoy as a welcome present from the library. All babies under one who join the library will also be given a gift of a new board book.
Laura and Adam Scott, owners of La Dolce Vita Restaurant in Dumfries, were amongst the first parents to take part when they joined new baby Giorgia as a library member when they registered her birth this week, Laura commented “this is a great idea. We visit the library with our older daughter Alexa so we were delighted that Giorgia has joined and look forward to bringing her along to the library”.
Councillor Tom McAughtrie, chairman of the customer and community services committee said “one of our Council Priorities is to provide the best start in life for all children. Becoming a member of the library as soon as you are born is the earliest start possible! We are now encouraging young babies to learn in early years. Mothers can come along to our sessions for babies in their local library. We are continuing to engage with families to encourage more children to use and enjoy their local library and enjoy books.”
Details of all Bookbug Sessions for babies and summer activities for older children can be found at www.dumgal.gov.uk/lia
