Picture: A young reader collects their My Little Library Bag at Dundalk Library
Louth County Council Library Service is inviting families across the county to pick up free My Little Library Bags for children who are due to start primary school in 2026.
The national initiative is aimed at children aged between four and six and encourages young families to engage with their local library while helping children prepare for starting school.
Families with children beginning primary school in September 2026 can visit their local library branch to collect a free bag containing books and resources designed to support early reading and the transition into school life.
Parents and guardians will also receive information and supports to help encourage reading at home.
Children collecting a My Little Library Bag are also encouraged to sign up for free library membership as part of the initiative, helping to support literacy development and build a lifelong love of reading.
The My Little Library Initiative 2026 was officially launched on May 8 by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley alongside Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer.
The initiative is funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and delivered through local libraries nationwide in partnership with the Local Government Management Agency.
Organisers say the programme aims to strengthen the connection between young children, their families and local libraries while supporting children as they move from pre school into primary education.
Each My Little Library Bag contains:
- A book on starting school and a second book on making friends or being comfortable being yourself
- Book bags available in both Irish and English, with a glossary included in the Irish-language bags
- A personal library card and a special My Little Library cardholder
- A collection of resources and information, including:
- A library social story card
- A My Little Library colouring sheet
- First 5 guidance for parents of children moving from pre-school to primary school
- Dyslexia and the Younger Child by Dyslexia Ireland
- Information on Bookshare Ireland by Vision Ireland
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
“Our library service is an invaluable and completely free resource for families across County Louth. Initiatives like My Little Library help children become familiar with their local library from an early age, building confidence and comfort in a welcoming space where they can explore, learn and enjoy reading. We want every child to see the library as a place they belong, and this programme is a wonderful way to begin that journey.”
Amanda Branigan, Louth County Librarian said:
“Library staff are looking forward to welcoming all the 4, 5 and 6-year-old children into their local branch to collect their book bags and begin their library membership journey. We hope that once they visit the library to pick up their book bag, our new library members and their families will come back regularly to borrow and to take part in story-times, classes and all the other events we have to offer at the library.”
My Little Library Bag can be collected from Library Service branches in Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee, Carlingford and Dunleer. For more information, email: libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie.
