Hundreds of babies in Stoke-on-Trent have been given their own free library membership, helping families bring books into childrenโs lives from the very beginning.
My First Library Card has signed up 776 babies during its first year. The scheme invites parents to join their local library when they register a newborn, making access to books part of those first weeks and months.
Free books from birth
Library members can borrow books, e-books and audiobooks without charge. That gives families a simple way to share stories and nursery rhymes without having to buy every title themselves.
Parents also receive information about services for young children, including library activities designed for babies and toddlers. These sessions use songs, rhymes and movement to support early speech, language and communication skills.
The scheme launched in September 2025 and was supported by a ยฃ3,925 award to Stoke-on-Trent Libraries from Arts Council England and Libraries Connected.
Support for families
My First Library Card forms part of Stoke-on-Trent City Councilโs commitment to giving young people the best start in life. By working with registrars, the scheme reaches families at a point when they are already registering a new arrival.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member Sarah Hill said the number of memberships issued in the first year showed how many families had taken up the opportunity. She also highlighted the role of reading together in developing babiesโ language and communication skills.
Alongside the card scheme, Stoke-on-Trent libraries run activities for babies and toddlers, encouraging families to enjoy stories, songs and movement together.
Why this is good news for Britain
The scheme gives local families free access to books and digital reading, while supporting early language development in Stoke-on-Trent. It also shows how libraries, registrars and funded community programmes can work together to reach families from a childโs earliest days.
