Newborns to receive library membership from birth

Monday 22 July 2024

Newborn babies will now receive a library membership from birth as part of a new initiative that aims to promote early literacy and learning.

Jersey Library and the Office of the Superintendent Registrar have jointly launched the ‘My First Book Bag’ scheme which aims to ensure all families have access to library resources.

From today, parents and carers visiting the Superintendent Registrar to register their newborns will receive a bag including a Jersey Library card, two age-appropriate board books, activity ideas for under-fives, and information on supporting infant speech, language, and communication development.

The packs also include information about Jersey Library's regular Baby Bounce, Rhyme and Play and Toddler Time sessions.

Pictured: Jersey Library, in conjunction with the Office of the Superintendent Registrar, has launched a new initiative called 'My First Book Bag'. 

Chief Librarian Ed Jewell said: "It has been proven that sharing books early with children helps significantly boost the development of speech, language, and communication skills.

"My First Book Bag will form the cornerstone of a framework we are working to create, to ensure our libraries support literacy and learning for everyone in our community."

Superintendent Registrar Claire Follain added: "We are really pleased to be part of this important initiative for new parents and their babies and to be working closely with our colleagues at Jersey Library.

"Fostering a love of reading and books in young people is something we, in this traditional registration service, fully support and are excited to encourage."