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 LoveReading 4 Kids, which is one of the best recommendation websites for children's books.
- The BookTrust has produced some handy tips and advice to help you get the most out of reading together.
Books for young readers
BookTrust is the UK's largest reading charity.
Through its universal book gifting programme, every child should receive a Bookstart Baby bag in their 1st year and a Bookstart Treasure pack when they are 3 to 4-years-old.
Find out more about BookStart baby bags
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
Hillingdon Libraries offer visits to early years settings to give out 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.
We have a special early years card available at our branches. The card allows up to 25 books to be borrowed at a time. There is no fee for this card, and no charges for overdue books.
To request a visit or for more information, contact your local library directly.