Free book bag available to Meath children starting primary school in September
All children in County Meath who are starting primary school in September are being invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.
The My Little Library initiative 2026 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joining their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 4–5-year-olds have joined their local libraries annually.
From 11th of May 2026, all children completing the universal Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) pre-school programme and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families will be invited to join the library if they are not already members.
A collection of resources and information are also provided in each bag, including a library social story card, as well as First 5, which is a ten-year Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, T.D., together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, T.D., today announced the launch of this year’s My Little Library free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school.
Minister Foley said she was pleased to announce the 2026 My Little Library initiative.
“I’m really pleased to announce the launch of the free My Little Library book bags for all children in County Meath who will be starting primary school later this year. I really do encourage all their families to pick up their child's free book bag in their local library.
The books are available in both English and Irish so there really is something for everyone. This is also a great opportunity for young people to join their local library and indeed enjoy the wonder and the gift of reading.”
Minister Buttimer said:
“I’ve visited so many libraries around the country in the last year, and I know that our public library staff nationwide share my enthusiasm for connecting young children and their families with our excellent national library service.
I must acknowledge their hard work in delivering this initiative. We are very lucky in Ireland that every child has access to books and stories through their local library.”
Chair of The Public Library Reading and Literacy Working Group and County Librarian, Maedbh Rogan McGann said:
“It’s a lovely opportunity for young children to discover the joy of reading, feel at ease in their local library and begin a positive relationship with books from an early age. Our libraries are friendly, welcoming spaces, and we encourage families to pop in over the summer, explore what’s on offer and enjoy reading together.”