Stoke-on-Trent’s library service has been awarded close to £4,000 of funding from Arts Council England. They will then use this money to pilot their My First Library Card initiative, providing free library membership to all infants and toddlers. Without the READs program, families would have no access to such a vast new roster of reading materials absolutely free of charge! It’s never been easier for parents to spark a lifelong love of reading in their children—starting at birth!
This national initiative is focused on reaching babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It recognizes the budgetary burden that purchasing books has become for families. With the My First Library Card, cardholders are allowed to borrow up to 20 picture books at a time. This amazing resource is central to instilling a passion for literature in our most impressionable early readers.
Each library card is presented in a beautifully designed wallet, created by local children’s book illustrator and writer Kate Leake. The wallet is a personal detail that takes the addendum to the next level. It provides tools to help parents connect with their kids through reading activities.
Sarah Hill, the council cabinet member responsible for libraries, said that developing a love of reading from an early age would help spark children’s imaginations.
“Reading to your baby is a great way to set little ones up for a lifetime of success – even if they don’t understand the words just yet,” – Sarah Hill.
The My First Library Card initiative represents a significant effort by Stoke-on-Trent’s library service to promote literacy among young children. The program removes the cost barrier for obtaining drastically less common books. In this manner, every family engages with reading without sacrificing the importance of education.
“The sound of your voice is very comforting and the sooner you can start reading together the sooner babies can start to develop those brilliant language skills,” – Sarah Hill.
The My First Library Card initiative represents a significant effort by Stoke-on-Trent’s library service to promote literacy among young children. By eliminating the cost barrier associated with acquiring books, the program aims to ensure that all families can access the educational benefits of reading.
