Children under five
About the library
All Warwickshire Libraries provide a safe, family-friendly environment. Joining the library is free and children can join from birth.
What can a child borrow?
- Up to ten books
- Children’s CDs
- A wide range of information books.
- Spoken word CDs and talking books including stories, songs and nursery rhymes.
- eBooks and eAudio
Library Catalogue - children's collections
Babies Love books
Even tiny babies will love to hear you read to them. Sharing books with your child is not only a special time together but also the important start to your child’s reading journey. We have lots of ideas of how to get started and what to borrow next.
Gifts from Bookstart
During one of the first visits from your health visitor, you should receive a free Bookstart Baby pack. Pack contents may vary, but each has everything you need to start sharing stories, rhymes and songs with your baby every day.
Contact the Bookstart team: bookstart@warwickshire.gov.uk
Alternative ways to contact the Library service: Contact Us
Tips for reading with your child
- Sharing books is a vital part of learning to read and talk.
- You can share at any time – not just at bedtime.
- Encourage your child to choose his or her own books.
- Don’t worry if they keep choosing the same favourites.
- Find a quiet, comfortable place with no distractions. You can’t compete with the television!
- Reading at bedtime is a really pleasant way to end the day.
- Take five minutes to read a book or magazine yourself! This sets a great example to your children.
Free activities in your local library
"My 8-month daughter and I attend Rhyme time at Coleshill Library every week and have great fun learning new songs, meeting others and playing instruments. We love our library!"
Rhyme Time
Most of our libraries hold weekly Rhyme Time sessions for children under the age of two years old and their carers. Join us for half an hour of singing and rhymes. A great opportunity to choose books to take home and enjoy.
Story stomp
Free, fun sessions for two- to four-year-olds and their parents and carers, following on from Rhyme Time. Stories and rhymes to help children’s speech and language development.
Recommended websites
- BookTrust - Early years – for ways to develop a love of reading
- UK Children’s Books – a guide to the online world of children’s books
- Reading Zone - Families – helping young people, parents & adults and teachers to find out about children’s books
- Warwickshire’s Family Information Service – free information to support families with children and young people aged nought to 25
- Words for Life – communication milestones your baby and child might reach as they grow. Fun activities you can do together to help your children develop their skills
- Smart Start – give your child the best start in life