Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
122. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of book bags that have been distributed under the Little Library Initiative; the learnings that have come back from the scheme; the impact it has had; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36695/22]
View answerUnder the First 5 My Little Library Initiative – a collaboration between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Local Government Management Agency – every child starting primary school this September is invited to collect a free book bag from their local library full of storybooks and resources to support with the transition to primary school. The book bag also includes a My Little Library card wallet and at collection, children and their families are invited to join their local library. Book bags are available in Irish and English.
This Initiative is part of a wider initiative focused on encouraging a love of books and stories among young children and on connecting young children, their families and carers to the network of libraries nationwide.
The great news from Libraries Ireland is that so far this summer 13,000 4 and 5 year olds have become new members of the library because of the First 5 My Little Library Initiative. I hope that this will be the start of a life long relationship with their library and access to books and all the other services our libraries have to offer.
Of course this initiative is about supporting children with the transition to primary school. So far, half of all children starting school in September have benefitted with 30,000 book bags distributed. Libraries throughout the country have now restocked and the First 5 My Little Library Book Bag will be available throughout the summer for other children preparing for the important milestone this September.
This project is being evaluated to identify its impact, to point to the learning from the initiative and how we might continue to ensure every child makes the transition from pre-school to school with books in their home and ready to continue their learning journey.
