The public library offers literacy support to children aged 0 - 15 years.

Librarians work with all age groups both in local libraries and in school.

At the library, membership is free and we provide:

• books to borrow
• computers to use
• help with homework research
• other occasional sessions and school holiday activities, out-of-school hours, for all age groups. See libraries news and information for dates each month
• chatterbooks club for keen readers 8-11 yrs old, at Darwen Library
• reading games
• support for schools
• Bookstart packs

Bookstart

Bookstart is a national government funded scheme co-ordinated by the independent charity, Booktrust. This initiative gifts free books to babies and there are two packs:

• The Bookstart Baby pack is usually given out by health visitors and nursery nurses, when the babies attend their 7 – 10 month development check.
• The Bookstart Treasure packs are distributed through all local nurseries – state, private, voluntary and school based (nursery units).

A limited number of packs are available with dual language books on request, as well as Booktouch packs for children with a visual impairment, Bookshine packs for children with a hearing impairment, and Bookstart Star packs for children with a disability that affects the development of fine motor skills.

If you have not received your pack, you may collect one from your local library.​