Over 1,000 Kerry children benefit from library scheme

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Over 1,000 Kerry children have benefitted from a library borrowing scheme, promoting ‘crucial’ literacy education for young people.

The ‘My Little Library’ scheme allows children to collect book bags which contain books and resources available in both English and Gaelic.

Children, Disability and Equality Minister Norma Foley said 1,003 young children in Kerry have collected bags and joined the library if they weren’t already a member.

She encouraged Kerry parents to visit any of the nine libraries in the county and pick up free book bags, emphasising the importance of reading to children’s educational success.

“I am really proud to support the My Little Library scheme, and it is so positive to see that over 1,000 children in Kerry have picked up their free book bags in their local library,” said Minister Foley.

“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."

Each bag includes a library social story card, guidance for Parents of children moving to Primary School and Bookshare Ireland by Vision Ireland.

“There are still a small number of Little Library book bags in libraries for any five and six-year-olds who have still to collect their bag. I encourage all remaining families to avail of this initiative and to join the library in the process,” said Minister Foley.

Nearly 20,00 children will join Ireland’s libraries this year due to the initiative.