Free Library Book Bags for all children starting school in Fingal this year

Every child starting school in 2023 can now collect a free bag of books from their local library in Fingal. 

The ‘My Little Library Book Bag’ initiative in Fingal Libraries was launched in Rush Library on 9th June 2023 by Joe O’Brien, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Department of Social Protection, and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Minister was joined in Rush Library by Ethna Felten, Director of Service, Fingal County Council, and Betty Boardman, County Librarian.

County Librarian Betty Boardman said: “Fingal Libraries are delighted to offer a free book bag with storybooks for children starting school this September. Having storybooks at home and becoming members of their local library, helps each child prepare for this big step.  Once children call into the library with their families to collect their book bags, we hope they will keep coming back to borrow books and take part in all the events and activities we have on offer at the library this summer”.

The ‘My Little Library Book Bag’ national initiative, now in its second year, is a collaboration between libraries, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and is funded through Dormant Accounts Funding.

Each My Little Library Book Bag contains: 

• Three books on starting school, making friends and being comfortable to be yourself
• A story card on going to the library
• A postcard the child can write or draw on and send to their new teacher, or bring to give to the teacher on their first day at school
• Their very own library card and ‘My Little Library’ cardholder 

Book bags are available in both Irish and English.

Fingal Libraries look forward to welcoming all the 4- and 5-year-old children collecting their book bags and beginning their library membership journey.