Children starting Primary School this September can pick up a free book bag, full of great reads and activities to help them ease into their school days at local libraries now.
My Little Library Book Bags are available in English and Irish throughout the summer. The books and resources in the book bag support parents and children in the transition to 'big school'.
The bag contains books for the children to keep, with topics such as starting school, making friends and big emotions. It also has some very useful information for parents on supporting that start in Primary School and what's on offer at each local library.
All families are warmly welcomed to join the library if they aren't already members and a special My Little Library wallet is available for the children to keep their library card in.
Click here to find your local library.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley together with Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer launched the 2026 initiative alongside Dr Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency.
Minister Foley said: "The gift of reading to and with children on a regular basis cannot be overestimated. It not only supports connections between parents and their children but also promotes early language and literacy development which is crucial for children's success in their continuing education journey."
Dr Stuart Hamilton said the initiative "introduces young children to the joy of reading, supports early language and literacy development, and helps them feel at home in their library from an early age.
"Libraries are welcoming, community spaces, and this initiative is a wonderful first step in building a lifelong relationship with reading and learning."
Since the initiative was rolled out for the first time in 2022, tens of thousands of young children have picked up their book bags and joined their local library. Last year alone, 20,000 young children benefited from the initiative and became library members.
My Little Library is a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and Local Government Ireland.
For great reading recommendations for children visit the RTÉ KIDS Book Club website.
