Free book bag for every child starting school

Westmeath Libraries are hosting the My Little Library initiative for the third time this coming September, where children are invited to their local library to pick up their book bags.

Following a successful pilot year in 2023, the My Little Library Book Bag was officially launched in 2024.

This year, Westmeath Libraries have made a Little Library Book Bag available for every child starting school in September, and are inviting them to drop in to pick one up. There are book bags in both Irish and English, and parents are encouraged to take the opportunity to join the library if they haven’t already done so.

The books included all have stories about starting school, making friends, and being happy in yourself.

Organisers of the initiative, First 5, said: “We hope this small gift will lead your child to a lifelong love of books and reading, a love you will get to share with them.

“We look forward to meeting you, and we hope you all enjoy the books.”