Free book bag initiative for children starting school

Children in Offaly who are starting primary school in September are being invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.

It is part of the My Little Library 2025 initiative launched on Friday by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer.

The scheme will see a My Little Library free book bag made available for almost 60,000 children starting primary school.

Each year, every child leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.

The My Little Library initiative 2025 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joined their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 4–5-year-olds have joined their local libraries annually.

The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, support children and their parents in the transition to primary school.

The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families are welcomed to join the library if they are not already members.