Minister Foley announces 827 Mayo children benefited from library initiative

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has released new figures today revealing that 827 young children in Mayo have benefited from the Little Library initiative this year.

Each year, children leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and join their local library as part of the initiative. The focus of the My Little Library initiative is to build strong links between young children, their families and their local library. 

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

Minister Foley expressed her pride in the My Little Library initiative and welcomed the high levels of participation. 

“The gift of reading to and with children on a regular basis cannot be overestimated. It not only supports the connection between parents and their children but also promotes early language and literacy development, which is crucial for children’s success in their education journey.

“There is still a small number of Little Library book bags in libraries around the country for any five- and six-year-olds who have yet to collect their bag. I encourage all remaining families to avail of this initiative and to join the library in the process.” She added.

Books in the My Little Library initiative are available in Irish and English. A glossary of the language in the Irish books is included.

A collection of resources and information is also provided in each bag. This includes a library social story card, First 5 Guidance for Parents of Children Moving from Pre-School to Primary School, Dyslexia and the Younger Child by Dyslexia Ireland and Bookshare Ireland by Vision Ireland.