All children who are due to start primary school this year are entitled to receive a free book bag, with books available in English or ‘as Gaeilge’, as the popular My Little Library initiative returns for 2025.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, announced the launch of this year’s programme on Friday, which will provide almost 60,000 children starting primary school with their own book bag.
The initiative, which began several years ago, has proven highly successful in encouraging families to engage with local libraries. Statistics show an average of 20,000 children around Ireland join their local library every year thanks to the My Little Library initiative.
From 9th 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 to collect their free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer months, giving families plenty of time to collect them before the new school year begins in September.
The initiative aims to support parents and their children during the important transition to primary school. The book bags, which are available in both English and Irish, contain carefully selected books and resources designed to foster early literacy skills.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Foley expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, stating:
“Reading is a magical gift and it is great to give children the opportunity to develop a love of reading from a young age. Many parents may not be aware that every child about to enter primary school is eligible for their free My Little Library book bag. That’s why I am urging every family with a child starting primary school this September to pick up their Little Library book bag from their local library.”
She added that the transition from pre-school to primary school represents a significant milestone for children across Ireland, and highlighted how books and stories support connection between parents and their children while promoting crucial early language and literacy development.
Minister Buttimer also voiced his support for the initiative, saying:
“I warmly welcome the launch of the 2025 My Little Library Initiative. I know that the library staff across the country share my enthusiasm for connecting young families with our excellent national library service. Books and stories are a lovely way of helping parents support their children with their learning journey and becoming a library member gives lifelong access to the joy of books and reading.”
Families who are not already library members are encouraged to join when collecting their book bag, opening up access to the wealth of resources available through the public library system.
The My Little Library initiative is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency and delivered by local authorities. It represents a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Local Government Ireland.