Nurseries get link to libraries
Reading for early years
A project to make sure every child in Scotland has access to a library is now being introduced to nurseries across the Stirling area.
Raploch Nursery is the first to access the memberships as part of the rollout.
Using new library cards, children can borrow books from Raploch Community Campus and also enjoy free comic books and e-books online.
The national project, titled Every Child a Library Member is funded by the Scottish Government and aims to encourage more children to use a library. It’s hoped the project will give the youngsters a love of reading and the best chance to learn in their early years of development.
Until now, libraries across Stirling have worked closely with Stirling Council registrars to make sure every baby born into the area is enrolled into their nearest library.
Libraries staff are now extending the project to include nurseries. In a bid to engage children, their families and community, fines for younger members have also be removed.
Community planning and regeneration convenor Chris Kane said: “Our libraries continue to move with the times and now offer free wi-fi and a number of digital resources, as well as traditional literature. I hope as many young people as possible in the Stirling area are able to take advantage of their new memberships.”
Councillor Jeremy McDonald, Tory member of the committee, added: “We must not forget the valuable role played by our mobile library service which provides access to reading material in those areas without easy access to traditional libraries. I hope the council will be increasing its ability to stop at locations for nursery children to access it.”
The rollout of the Every Child a Library Member scheme will reach nurseries across the Stirling area over the next year.