Cork County Council Library and Arts Service - My Little Library Book Bag

Cork County Council Library and Arts Service has announced the return of its "My Little Library Book Bag" initiative, with free book bags available to all children starting primary school this autumn.

From 15 May 2026, families are invited to visit their local library to collect a bag and take the first step on their child's library membership journey.

Each bag contains a selection of books in Irish and English, covering themes such as starting school, making friends, and building confidence. Children also receive free library membership and a specially designed library card wallet to mark the occasion.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said:

"I'm delighted to see the My Little Library Book Bag initiative return this year. Starting school is such an important milestone, and these book bags offer families a gentle way to prepare for that big step. By giving every child access to stories that build confidence, spark curiosity, and celebrate the adventure of learning, our libraries are helping to make those first days of primary school even more exciting. I'd encourage every family with a child starting school this autumn to drop into their local library and pick up their free bag."

The bags will be available throughout the summer while stocks last. Families who are not yet library members are encouraged to sign up when collecting the bag.

The initiative is a collaborative project between libraries, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, delivered as part of the First 5 Strategy.