Libraries to give babies a head start

Barnsley is thought to be one of only “very few” local authorities in the country to offer the scheme, which is run as a partnership between the registration service and Barnsley Libraries.

Since the project began in autumn last year, the births of more than 3,500 babies have been registered in Barnsley and a third of these were joined to the library at the same time.

More than 400 parents and older siblings who were not already library members themselves have also taken the opportunity to join when registering the baby.

A spokesman for Barnsley Council added: “Free library membership from birth is an entitlement for all children but not many people are aware of this.

“Being able to join through the registrars’ service saves parents time and reduces the need for form-filling as the membership form is completed online and the baby’s card posted out within a week.

“From the new year, enclosed with the library card will also be a voucher for a free gift, which can be claimed at the child’s first library visit.”

Coun Jenny Platts, Barnsley Council’s cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “Early library use has been shown to help give children a head start, something all parents want for their child, and joining their child to the library is one thing parents can do to support their learning and development from their very earliest months.

“This great initiative is raising awareness of the tremendous benefits of library membership, even for the very young, and is an excellent example of services working in partnership to provide a better service to the public.

The service is provided at the main registry office, which is situated at Berneslai Close while renovation work is carried out at the Town Hall.