Parents invited to sign their babies up for free library card

Parents registering their new born babies for the first time will soon be able to get their hands on a free library card for their little one.

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries have been awarded £3,925 from Arts Council England and Libraries Connected for the My First Library Card initiative.

The scheme will see registrars invite families to sign their babies up to their local library from birth.

Those who are signed up will receive a special My First Library Card – in a 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.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “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. 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.

“Buying books for babies, toddlers and children can get expensive and that’s where our libraries can help. A library membership is completely free and allows you to borrow up to 20 books at one time. You’ll also get access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks and e-magazines, so we’re hoping to see more people than ever before joining their local library.”

Libraries already offer sessions especially aimed at babies and toddlers – free Singing Dragons and Bouncing Dragons sessions take place in all Stoke-on-Trent libraries where families are encouraged to use songs, rhymes, movement and instruments to help babies learn vital speech, language and communication skills.

The My First Library Card initiative launches on Monday 8 September 2025. Families who missed out on being offered a library card when they registered the birth of their baby will still be able to receive a My First Library Card by contacting their local Stoke-on-Trent library directly.