It's never too early to start reading. Reading together increases literacy skills and helps to build a strong and loving relationship between you and your child.
Research proves that children who enjoy reading do better at school in all subjects.
Sharing books with children
- Our library staff can provide recommendations for age-appropriate books and tips on sharing books - ask at your local branch.
- The National Literacy Trust's Words for Life offers ideas for themed book activities to help you and your child engage with reading.
- If you're stuck for what to read next, visit Ziptales - an online literacy library, which is designed for school, library and home use and helps make reading fun with interactive stories for children.
Please note: You will need a library membership to access. Ask staff in our branches for more details. - The BookTrust has lots of support for parents, carers and families to get reading with their children from their earliest days.
Books for young readers
Bookstart Baby Pack. Contents may vary.
BookTrust is the UK's largest reading charity.
Through its universal book gifting programme, every child should receive a Bookstart Baby Pack in their 1st year. These are available at family hubs, children’s centres and libraries.
Find out more about BookStart Baby Packs
Hillingdon libraries
All of our libraries have a dedicated families book collection that cover a range of parenting subjects, from weaning and tantrums to teenagers.
Our library branches also run a storytime session during the week.
View upcoming storytime sessions
Settings, nurseries and centres
Visits can be arranged for Hillingdon Libraries to attend early years settings to gift free Bookstart packs and run a story session.
We also welcome visits from settings to our libraries, where the children can explore the library and borrow our books.
Contact your local library to arrange a visit.