Newborns to be given their first library cards

H&F Council is giving all newborns their very own library card to help inspire the love of reading.

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Chanelle Bartholomew with twin daughters Shilah (left) and Gabrielle

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is giving all newborns their very own library card to help inspire the love of reading.

The new ‘My First Library Card’ scheme will see H&F parents automatically given a library card when they register their baby’s birth.

“Reading is one of the most important things that parents can do for their children right from birth and we want to do everything we can to encourage families to use our libraries,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport & Residents’ Services.

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Cllr Sue Macmillan (centre right) at the First Library Card launch

Benefits of regular reading

Newborns are calmed by the rhythmic sounds of lullabies and nursery rhymes and, as babies grow, they delight in turning the pages of books and looking at the pictures.

Regular reading also:

  • Increases vocabulary, curiosity and memory
  • Creates positive associations with books and reading
  • Builds listening skills
  • Improves academic achievement at school
  • Helps babies bond with parents and carers.

Baby bounce and rhyme time sessions

It’s never too early to bring your baby along to a library and new mums and dads are encouraged to come along to our free weekly rhyme time and baby bounce sessions. For more information on the range of services on offer for children and adults, visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/libraries.

Check out our children’s centres

Our children’s centres support families with children aged five or under. Services include stay and play sessions, baby massage, sleep workshops and much more. For more details, visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/childrenscentres

“We are committed to protecting and enhancing the library service and children’s centres in H&F. Both are an important part of the community and regular reading benefits people of all ages,” said Cllr Sue Macmillan, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education.

Become a library member

Remember, becoming a library member is free and easy to do. You can join online or in person. There are events and activities for people of all ages and a wide selection of online resources including e-books, e-magazines and e-audiobooks.

For more details, visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/libraries.

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Cllr Sue Macmillan (centre left) and Cllr Wesley Harcourt (centre right)

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