Free books and book bags for Kildare kids starting primary school

KILDARE libraries are offering free books and a book bag to kids starting primary school this year.

Children leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a book bag and take the opportunity to join the library as part of the My Little Library initiative.

The book bags are available to pick up in libraries now and for the summer months.

Fine Gael Kildare South TD and Minister Martin Heydon welcomed the news and is a father of a child soon to be heading to big school.

“This is great news for families with young children in Kildare, who want to take the time over the summer to prepare their children to transition to primary school. In my house, our youngest is getting ready to start primary school in September so I know the excitement and preparation that goes along with that.

“The bags will be available throughout the summer, and I encourage all families to join their local library in Kildare if they aren’t already members. The children can join their library along with their families, and choose their own books to borrow, all for free. For many children in Kildare, this could be the start of a lifelong love of reading. These books and stories will help each child prepare for this big step. Books are a great way of helping parents support their children with their early language and literacy development.” He added: “The books and resources in the book bag can support parents and their children in the transition to primary school. 110,000 free books will be available nationally and books are available in both English and Irish.”