My Little Library Initiative Benefits Nearly 40,000 Children Across Ireland in 2025

Significant Participation in National Literacy Program

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, announced on November 24, 2025, that nearly 40,000 young children across Ireland have actively participated in the My Little Library initiative this year. The program, designed to support children transitioning from pre-school to primary school, aims to foster a love for reading and connect families with their local libraries.

The initiative invites approximately 50,000 to 60,000 children annually who are leaving pre-school and starting primary school to visit their local library. There, they receive a free 'My Little Library Book Bag'.

Contents of the My Little Library Book Bag

Each specially curated book bag is available in both English and 'as Gaeilge' (Irish) and contains a variety of resources to aid in a child's early educational journey.

• A book focused on starting school.
• A second book, often addressing themes like making friends or embracing individuality.
• A personal library card and a unique 'My Little Library' cardholder.
• Additional resources for parents and children, including guidance for the transition to primary school, information from Dyslexia Ireland, and the Rufus Handwashing Storybook.

The book bags were made available for collection at public libraries nationwide starting from May 9, 2025, and remained accessible throughout the summer.

Promoting Lifelong Reading and Community Engagement

A key objective of the My Little Library initiative is to encourage library membership and build strong connections between young children, their families, and their local libraries. Minister Foley highlighted the program's impact, noting that nearly 20,000 children across Ireland are expected to join a library for the first time this year as a direct result of the initiative.

Minister Foley emphasized the profound benefits of early reading, stating, 'The gift of reading to and with children on a regular basis cannot be overestimated. It not only supports 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.'

Collaborative Effort for Child Development

The My Little Library initiative is a collaborative undertaking, involving the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Local Government Ireland. It is delivered by local authorities and supported by the Local Government Management Agency, aligning with the broader First 5 Strategy, a ten-year whole-of-government strategy for babies, young children, and their families.

While a significant number of children have already benefited, a small quantity of book bags remains available in libraries for any five- and six-year-olds who have yet to collect theirs.