Children are never too young to join the library –and they have access to a wide range of books, DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks with their library card. Just like an adult, a child can borrow up to 12 books at a time and keep them for three weeks (with option to renew if nobody else is looking for them).
When you walk through the doors of your local library, you are giving your child access to unlimited other worlds.
Reading encourages children to use their imagination, boosts their language skills, gives them empathy for people in difficult situations, and helps them learn more about themselves and the world around them. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the gift that keeps on giving: a (free) library card.
The wonderful thing about Libraries Ireland is that you can go on holidays in Ireland, bring your library card and visit a local library. Have a nice relaxing time on holidays reading your book and then return it to the Ballina library or any library in Ireland. How great is that!
Please note the books which your child has “borrowed” from the library need to be minded and returned to the library after three weeks. If there is a certain book your child would like just ask in the library and it can be ordered in if they don’t have it.
Summer Stars Reading Initiative in Ballina library
Summer Stars is the national reading programme for children taking place in all 330 public libraries throughout the country from the June until the end of August. Summer Stars is a completely free programme and open to all children. How does it work?
- The child chooses the book they’d like to read
- A special review sheet (a short written review and/or a picture) is submitted to the library for each book read
- Each review given back to the library earns a stamp on the reading card
- At the end of the summer, the reading card and any outstanding reviews are returned to the library
- Those who complete the challenge are invited to a special presentation evening at their local library and receive a certificate and medal
There are weekly story time sessions in the Ballina branch on Thursdays at 4.00pm