Making the most of your local library

Libraries are warm, welcoming places where you and your wee one can explore picture books and games together – and despite what you see in the movies, no one will tell you to ‘ssssh!’ 

They’re also breastfeeding-friendly places, so you can feed your baby in peace. Some even host breastfeeding support groups.

Not sure where to start? Staff at your library are on hand with advice on how sharing books can help you and your baby to bond, and how it helps them develop vital early literacy and communication skills. And they can recommend books your child will love, from baby board books through to teen romantasy.

Being a new parent can sometimes feel overwhelming and lonely, especially when your child is little. But did you know you can connect with other parents through Bookbug sessions and other free activities at your local library? These sessions are also great for building children’s social skills and supporting their speech and language development. 

You can find out more about Bookbug Sessions and where they’re held on the Scottish Book Trust website and Bookbug app. 

As your child grows up, your library will be there for them, offering them the chance to discover new worlds in books, magazines, comics and graphic novels. 

And if they need a bit of help with their homework they’ll find resources for lots of different topics covered in their lessons.

As well as books and special areas for children, libraries offer all sorts of sessions for kids to have fun and learn. From craft to coding, story time to Lego building, your library is the perfect place to take them on a dreich day. Check your local council’s website to see what’s on offer in your area.

Whether you want to lose yourself in a romance, investigate true crime, study for a course, check out a cookbook or get advice on anything from parenting to DIY to wellbeing, you’ll find books and other resources to suit you in your local library. And if there’s something you need that isn’t on the shelves, your library may be able to order it in for you. 

Prefer to read online or to listen to books read aloud? Your library can also offer access to lots of different online resources to entertain and inform, like e-books, e-audio and e-magazines. See what’s on offer by checking your local council’s library page.

You may also be able to borrow CDs, DVDs and games, although there may be a small charge for this. 

With so much admin needing to be done online these days, it’s good to know that you can access PCs and Wi-Fi for free in your local library – or just charge your phone! You may be able to get help with using the computers, making the most of your tech devices or filling in online forms. Check your local council’s library page to see what’s on offer in your area.

Some libraries also offer access to websites that you’d otherwise have to pay for, like family history and driving theory test resources.

Many libraries offer mobile services, so if it isn’t handy to get to your local library this could be a helpful option. And don’t forget libraries also offer lots of online resources, like PressReader (an app that lets you read magazines from all around the world – great if you’ve moved here from somewhere else and want to keep reading your favourite mags), or the Libby or Borrowbox app, which lets you borrow e-books and audiobooks for free. So you don’t even need to leave your home to borrow a good book to read or listen to, or browse an e-magazine. See what’s on offer by checking your local council’s library page.

If you’re housebound, your library may have a delivery service or offer transport to use mobile libraries.

Many libraries host events for adults, from book groups, quiz nights and sing-a-longs to craft sessions, support groups and advice clinics. A great way to relax, learn new skills and meet other people.

Your library may also have a ‘lend and mend’ service, offering free access to equipment to repair, reuse, and upcycle everyday items. You can find out more about lend and mend on the SLIC (Scottish Libraries and Information Council) website.

Some libraries even offer seeds and loan out gardening tools so you can get green-fingered at home!

All libraries are accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Many offer resources for children with additional learning needs – this could be items like ear defenders or fidget toys to help them keep calm, touch and feel sensory resources or books to help reluctant readers or dyslexic children. Ask your local library what’s available or check your local council’s website. 

Libraries also have lots to offer disabled adults too, like books in large print and Braille and accessible features on the public access PCs.

Did we mention that joining your local library is absolutely free? Most libraries don’t even fine you any more for returning books late.