Children's library services

Libraries offer a huge range of books for children and young people from board books for babies to teenage fiction and graphic novels . To encourage parents to read to their children there are Baby Bounce and Tickle sessions on a regular basis and most libraries hold Storytimes for the under-fives. Computer access is free and available in all libraries.

There is a wide range of books, talking books, CD, DVD and CD-ROMs for all ages from babies to young children and teenagers.

 

Many libraries have after school clubs, kids clubs and reading groups available, ask at your local library for details.

Libraries also work together with local schools to arrange class visits and to enjoy visits from famous children's authors and illustrators.

 

Bookstart in West Lothian

 

Bookstart in Scotland is part of the UK wide Bookstart programme, supported by the Scottish Executive and 25 children's publishers and is administered by Booktrust, where book packs are gifted to babies by their Health Visitor.

 

Bookstart works with libraries, health professionals, Sure Start and early years workers.

 

This hugely successful scheme has also been extended in many authorities by the introduction of Bookstart Plus packs for toddlers 15 to 30 months, issued by Health Visitors at the MMR Immunisation Clinic.

 

My Bookstart Treasure Chest is given to three year olds in early years settings or in libraries, further reinforcing the message about the importance of book-sharing with young children.

 

If you have not yet received any of the above then please contact your Health Visitor, local library or Bookstart Coordinator for West Lothian

 

 

Bounce and Tickle

 

Regular Bounce and Tickle sessions are held at various libraries across West Lothian by the Bookstart Coordinator.  The sessions last about 30 minutes and are on offer to parents/carers of babies to preschool children where songs, rhymes and stories are enjoyed.