Babies to be offered library cards from birth

Library bosses say reading to young children is a good way to help with their development

Parents of newborn babies will soon be able to register a free library card for their little ones.

Stoke-on-Trent's library service has been awarded almost £4,000 from Arts Council England for the My First Library Card initiative.

The cards have been produced with a special presentation wallet, which has been designed by local illustrator and author Kate Leake.

Parents will also receive information about services which are relevant to families with very young children.

"Reading to your baby is a great way to set little ones up for a lifetime of success - even if they don't understand the words just yet," said council cabinet member Sarah Hill.

"The sound of your voice is very comforting and the sooner you can start reading together the sooner babies can start to develop those brilliant language skills."

She said buying books for babies, toddlers and children could be expensive, but that library membership was free of charge and enabled 20 books to be borrowed at a time.

Libraries also offer sessions aimed at babies and toddlers - where families are encouraged to use songs, rhymes, movement and instruments to help babies learn language and communication skills.

The My First Library Card initiative launches on Monday 8 September 2025.