For Children

Bookstart
Bookstart is the very first step in lifelong learning. It introduces babies and their families to the world of books and libraries to give them a head start in life. Research has proven that children who are introduced to books from an early age make better progress when they get to school. Every baby in Denbighshire receives free bags of books at 8 months and 2 years old and the family is encouraged to join their local library. Regular Bookstart rhymetimes in libraries and community venues in areas of need build up parents' confidence in sharing books and rhymes with their children, and make a positive impact on children's early language and social development.

Activities to stimulate learning and reading for pleasure
As well as providing a wide range of high quality books and audiobooks, libraries also run activities to encourage new and experienced young readers. Over 3,000 children participate in the annual Summer Reading Challenge which sustains and develops children's reading skills and motivation over the summer holiday break from school. Denbighshire's Writing Squads offer the most talented young creative writers in the county the opportunity to work with top children's authors and poets to develop their skills. Children's Book Week each autumn sees the best children's authors and illustrators visiting libraries to inspire children to read and write. Storytimes for pre-school children and reading groups for older readers offer an added dimension to borrowing library books. Libraries also offer space, books and IT resources, and staff help to support children and young people with their homework, projects and coursework studies.