Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1386. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way that parents can apply to participate in the free books and library membership for first-time enrolment in primary school. [40990/22]
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.
Any child leaving pre-school this summer and starting school can go to their local library with their parents and pick up their book bag. Parents are asked to bring identification so that their children can join the library. Other children in the family might want to join the library at the same time and can immediately borrow books.
So far this summer over 15,000 4 and 5 year olds have joined the library. Over 40,000 bags have been collected. Book bags are available in Irish and English.
