All of our libraries have areas designed especially for children, to help them explore our wide range of children’s books and resources.
We have lots of books available to encourage children to read, including board books for babies, illustrated picture books, audiobooks and series of books for children who are learning to read.
There is no charge for books damaged by children under five years old, but if items are lost then you will have to pay to replace them.
Bookstart is a free, national programme to help families to read together every day and inspire a love of reading.
Usually your child will receive the Bookstart baby pack from your health visitor at their six to eight week check and the Bookstart treasure pack from their nursery or pre-school in the year before they start school.
There are also dual language packs available if you speak English as a second language, and additional needs packs.
This year, supply of the packs to families may have been disrupted by lockdown. If you think you have missed out on receiving a Bookstart pack email our Bookstart Co-ordinator at bookstart@n-somerset.gov.uk. Please include your name, contact details and the name of the library you wish to collect the Bookstart baby pack from. You can also contact any North Somerset library who will then forward your details onto our Bookstart Co-ordinator.
We usually hold regular Bookstart rhymetimes and story times for children under five. During these events our experienced staff bring stories and rhyme to life through action rhymes, picture books, songs and music.
Following government advice, we have suspended our regular Bookstart rhymetimes and story times in libraries and are instead posting these sessions on our Facebook and YouTube channels every Wednesday at 11am. Previous videos remain available on our YouTube channel.
We have collections of eBooks, eAudiobooks, online comics and graphic novels, and more. Find out more about what’s available online at the LibrariesWest website.