Babies gifted books to encourage early reading

Babies were gifted books and special edition centenary library cards to spark a love of reading

Newborn babies have been gifted story books to celebrate 100 years of local lending libraries.

Babies registered in Bath and North East Somerset in July have been given their own copy of the 1926 book Winnie the Pooh to encourage avid readers from birth.

Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) has given the books to nearly 300 babies at special events held in the region's three main libraries.

Councllor Tim Ball said: "We wanted to give the gift of loving and reading books to our youngest members to mark the libraries’ centenary year."

The ground floor of Victoria Art Gallery was occupied by Bath's lending library till 1990

The first public lending library in the area opened in Bath in July 1924, in the print room of the Victoria Art Gallery.

The library started out with 9,200 books, but borrowers today now have access to more than two million items through the Libraries West Consortium.

As well as receiving a book, babies were invited to play sessions at Bath Central Library on 19 September, Keynsham Library on 25 September, and Midsomer Norton Library on 26 September.

The events provided an opportunity to join the free library and meet other families in the area.

'Crucial years'

Mr Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “A child’s earliest years are crucial to their development and life chances.

"Of course, the libraries offer books in all formats, but they are also a safe and welcoming space where people can find information and advice from local partners as well as take part in creative events and use our sensory spaces.

“Congratulations to all the families on their new additions," he added.