Do you know it’s never too early to start the reading habit? Westmeath Libraries is committed to supporting families in building their reading confidence and instilling a love of reading for fun. A new Reading to your Baby guide has been launched with partners from Westmeath County Childcare Committee, Westmeath Community Development’s Empowering Communities Programme and local Public Health Nurses. The guide has plenty of tips to empower parents and encourage reading to your baby, supporting their literacy from birth onwards. The guide forms part of the overall national Right to Read Programme which promotes literacy and reading development for people of all ages and backgrounds. It can picked up for free in any Westmeath Library
The leaflet coincides with the launch of the First 5 Little Book at Bedtime initiative, a collaboration with public libraries and the Local Government Management Agency supported by Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman and by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys. Free bedtime story books and library card wallets are available at the library for all children of 4 years and under. This exciting initiative aims to engage all parents and guardians of young children to read stories with them at bedtime. Remember, membership of the library is free to all and there are no fines or fees for late books! You can even join up online before your visit at https://westmeath.spydus.ie/
Check out your local library for other family friendly events. Did you know that Mullingar Library hosts a weekly Baby Book Club? All are welcome to attend this fun event on Friday mornings from 10.00-10.30 and from October 20th onwards we will be hosting a Public Health Nurse led Breastfeeding Support Group at 11.00 in Mullingar library. There’s so much to do at your local library, why not pop in for a visit, you never know what you might discover!
