- All children who are due to start primary school this year are entitled to their free book bag, with books in English or ‘as Gaeilge.’
- An average of 20,000 children around Ireland join their local library every year thanks to the My Little Library initiative.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, today announced the launch of this year’s My Little Library free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school.
Each year, every one of the almost 60,000 children leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.
The My Little Library initiative 2025 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joined their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 4-5 year olds have joined their local libraries annually.
The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, support parents and their children in the transition to primary school.
From 9th of May 2025, all children completing the free universal pre-school Early Childhood Care and Education Programme and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families are welcomed to join the library if they are not already members.
Childcare Providers or Parents can download the invites for children attending Primary School for the first time this September 2025.
Please download the Invite below and bring along to your local library to receive you Little Library bag of books.
