Nearly 3,000 Cork Children Benefit from Free Book Bag Initiative
Nearly 3,000 Cork children have received free book bags through the My Little Library initiative to help prepare for starting primary school.
Almost 3,000 young children across Cork have received free book bags as part of a national scheme helping youngsters prepare for their first day of primary school.
The My Little Library initiative, funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, invites every child leaving pre-school to visit their local library and collect a free book bag. The scheme also encourages families to sign up for library membership.
Figures released today by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley reveal that 2,932 children in Cork have benefited from the programme this year, contributing to a national total of almost 40,000.
Each year, all 50,000 children making the transition from pre-school to primary school are invited to participate. Nearly 20,000 children across Ireland will become library members for the first time this year as a direct result of the initiative.
The book bags, available in both English and Irish, contain books and resources designed to support families during what can be a significant milestone for young children.
Senator Eileen Lynch, Fine Gael, Cork North West:
"I'm delighted to see so many children in County Cork benefit from the My Little Library initiative. The scheme seeks to build strong links between young children, their families and their local library."
Minister Norma Foley:
"The gift of reading to and with children on a regular basis cannot be overestimated. It not only supports connection between parents and their children but also promotes early language and literacy development which is crucial for children's success in their education journey."
Each bag includes a library social story card, guidance for parents on the pre-school to primary school transition, and resources from Dyslexia Ireland and Vision Ireland.
Ireland has 330 public libraries managed by local authorities. A small number of book bags remain available for collection by five and six-year-olds who have not yet picked theirs up.
