A new campaign to encourage parents across Scotland to introduce their children to library membership launched today.
The Every Child A Library Member (ECALM) initiative promotes the benefits of joining the library at key stages from birth through to primary school. It highlights the many benefits of library use from a young age and aims to build a love of reading for life.
The Campaign is being led by the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), with backing from the Scottish Government and drives a delivery pathway for library membership at three key stages throughout early childhood – birth registration, Nursery, and Primary enrolment.
Every Scottish public library service has committed to delivering the initiative to ensure high levels of childhood library membership across the country.
Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “It’s never too early to introduce a child to the joy reading, and library use from an early age supports language, literacy and well-being. Every Child a Library Member is a fantastic initiative which will take children on a learning journey which will last for a lifetime.”
SLIC CEO Pamela Tulloch added: “Your local library is your gateway to a world of opportunity and learning. We know Every Child a Library Member plays an important role in closing the attainment gap, reducing social exclusion and promoting equality of opportunity and reading. Books can inspire wonder and adventure and encourage a lifetime of imagination for children.
“We would encourage parents to give their children the present of a library card, encourage them to develop the library habit and access the wonderful range of services which Scotland’s public libraries offer.
“I would encourage everyone who can, to start your little one’s library journey today at EveryChild.scot.”
