What we have for children in libraries

Children of any age can join the library starting from the day they are born.

Books are free to borrow and there are no overdue charges for children.

Share a story

Babies love bright, colourful pictures and the sound of your voice, so what better way to spend time together than sharing a story? Libraries have lots of stories to choose from. Don't worry about enthusiastic little fingers or dribble. Library staff understand. We just want you and your baby to have fun with books.

The library has all sorts of items such as:

• board books for babies
• picture books for all ages
• nursery rhyme books
• stories for beginners learning to read
• caring for children collections. Offering support in helping children or their carers cope with new or worrying situations or experiences
• books, rhymes and songs to borrow from our e-library including e-audiobooks

Free fun at the library

We have lots of free activities on offer for young children at your local library. such as:

• Rhyme times: fun, free and interactive 30-minute sessions for babies and toddlers. Clap, tap, sing, wiggle and jiggle together
• Story times: a great way to support attention and listening skills as well as speech and language development
• Library gets lively: lively sessions of stories, rhymes and a quick craft or colouring and much much more.

Bookstart packs

Has your child had a Bookstart baby pack?

Dorset Library Service works with Bookstart gifting free books to young children.

Bookstart Baby Pack

Bookstart is a universal book gifting programme for all babies. Each Bookstart pack contains books, resources, tips and guidance to help families enjoy sharing stories together.

In Dorset, babies usually receive a Bookstart pack at their 4-month development check from their health visitor. If your child was registered elsewhere or you have not received a pack, you can collect one from your local Dorset library.

Bookstart for children with additional needs

Bookstart is for every child. Families are entitled to any of these packs in addition to the standard Bookstart packs. You can request packs through your:

• health visitor
• health centre
• early years setting
• local library

Packs include:

• Booktouch: for children who are blind or partially sighted. Specially created for babies and children aged 1 to 4. Packs contain two specially chosen touch-and-feel books
• Bookshine: for children who are deaf. Specially created for babies and young children aged 1 to 4. Packs contain two specially chosen books designed to stimulate children's senses, including a touch-and-feel book and a nursery rhyme book featuring British Sign Language (BSL) signs
• Bookstart Star: for children whose conditions affect their fine motor skills. Created for children aged 3 to 5. Packs contain two books with tactile pages, finger puppets for interactive storytelling and guidance sheets

Dual languages

If English is your second language, dual language books may be available for you to share with your pre-school child. Ask your health visitor or early years setting to check about availability.

For more information about Bookstart’s resources and the different packs available please visit the Bookstart Website.

The library has a range of information and resources for children, including:

• stories for beginners learning to read
• short chapter books for more confident readers
• children’s fiction
• children’s information books
• caring for children collections. Offering support in helping children or their carers cope with new or worrying situations or experiences
• e-books and e-audio books
• e-magazines
• homework help with our Homework help from your local library

Free fun at the library

There are lots of fun, free activities on offer at the library, including:

• Lego clubs
• code clubs
• Dungeons & Dragons clubs

Libraries are more than just books, you can:

• use free WiFi
• renew and request books from home
• download e-books and audio books for free
• access online magazines
• homework help with our Homework help from your local library

Volunteer at Dorset Libraries

Find out about opportunities to volunteer at a library in Dorset.

Self help books in your local library

Reading Well promotes the benefits of reading for health and wellbeing.

Reading Well for young people recommends expert endorsed books about mental health, providing 13 to 18 year-olds with advice and information and support on issues such as anxiety, stress and OCD, as well as difficult experiences including bullying and exams.

The books have all been recommended by young people and health professionals, and are available to borrow for free from public libraries.

The Dorset Award and Dorset Award plus

These awards are available free to young people attending school in Dorset who are:

• year 7 or over for the Dorset Award
• in year 9 or over for the Dorset Award plus

These awards recognise the achievements of young people during their involvement with a youth project, such as:

• personal development, such as a change in behaviour, building self-esteem or leadership skills
• making a positive contribution to their local community
• learning a new skill
• organising an activity or event

Dorset Library Service has free information, activities, books and resources to support children with additional needs. All our libraries provide a welcoming space for everyone. 

Accessing books

The library offers a range of sensory and tactile books, including books with different textures, lift-the-flap features and finger trails to help engage children.

Examples include:

• That’s Not My… by Fiona Watt
• Sign and Singalong by Annie Kubler
• Finger trail books (various authors)

If you cannot find the book you want, search the library catalogue. Enter the title or series and place a request. Ask a member of staff if you need help finding a book.

Visiting your local library

SENsational Story and Play

SENsational Story and Play sessions are free sensory play, stories and rhyme sessions for families with young children who have additional needs.

Come and explore your local library, share stories, play with sensory toys and connect with other families and carers. You can also borrow books to enjoy at home. Siblings are welcome. 

Sessions take place at libraries across Dorset. For details, see Library clubs and activities in Dorset.

Ear Defenders

Ear defenders are available to use. Ask a member of staff.

Autism-friendly rooms

Autism-friendly rooms are available to book at Gillingham Library and Dorchester Library. These spaces can help provide calm, comfort and focus for people with sensory processing differences.

Picture journeys

Picture journeys help families understand what to expect when visiting a library for the first time. 

For more information and book recommendations, see how libraries can help support children with autism.

All our library events are inclusive and everyone is welcome.

Bookstart for children with additional needs

Bookstart is for every child. Families can receive any of these packs in addition to the standard Bookstart pack. 

You can request a pack through your:

• health visitor
• health centre
• early years setting
• local library

Packs include:

• Booktouch: for children who are blind or partially sighted. Suitable for babies and children aged 1 to 4. Packs contain two specially selected touch-and-feel books
• Bookshine: for children who are deaf. Suitable for babies and young children aged 1 to 4. Packs contain two specially chosen books designed to stimulate children's senses, including a touch-and-feel book and a nursery rhyme book featuring British Sign Language (BSL) signs
• Bookstart Star: for children who have conditions that impact on their fine motor skills. Created for children aged 3 to 5 years old. Packs contain two books with tactile pages and finger puppets for playing along with the stories and guidance sheets