Start National School with a Story

Starting school this year? Pick up your child’s free Book Bag at your local Westmeath library! Two books to keep, parent tips, and a My Little Library wallet — everything to begin their reading journey.

Each bag contains two free books for children to keep, featuring stories about starting school, making friends and big emotions. It also includes helpful guidance for parents on supporting the transition to primary school, along with information about what’s on offer in your local library.

Joining the library is free, and this is a great opportunity to encourage a love of reading from the start. The Book Bag and My Little Library wallet make it easy for children to carry and look after their books and library card.

Families are encouraged to sign up while collecting their bag and return regularly to borrow books, attend story-times, and take part in library activities.

Book Bags are available in Irish and English, with extra supports for those less confident in Irish.

Paula O’Dornan, Senior Executive Librarian,  Westmeath Libraries, said: “Westmeath Libraries is delighted to welcome back the My  Little Library Bag initiative. It reflects our unwavering commitment to the Right to Read strategy which aims to foster family literacy in every home. By inviting families to pick up their bags directly from the library, we’re creating a welcoming pathway into reading, connection, and community. When children bring books home and families share stories together, we’re not just encouraging reading—we’re building confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. This initiative ensures that every child, regardless of background, has access to the joy and opportunity that reading brings.”

Since the initiative was rolled out for the first time in 2022, tens of thousands of young children across the country  have picked up their book bags and joined their local library. Last year alone, 20,000 young children benefited from the initiative and became library members.

My Little Library is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency(LGMA) and delivered by local authorities. It is a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and Local Government Ireland.

Westmeath Libraries is delighted to partner with Westmeath County Childcare Committee in raising awareness of the My Little Library Bag initiative.  In addition, we were especially delighted to have author Nina Carberry visit Mullingar Library recently and lend her support to the initiative—her encouragement reinforces the power of stories to inspire children and families alike.

The free My Little Library Bag is available to pick up in any Westmeath Library. Visit www.westmeathcoco.ie/library for details of all our libraries and their opening hours.

Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 29/05/2026