Exciting reading initiative launched for children starting primary school in Tipperary

All children in Tipperary 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.

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., have announced the launch of this year’s My Little Library free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school.

Each year, every child leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.

READ NEXT: Borrisoleigh Historical Society announce exciting event with 20 keynote speakers

The My Little Library initiative 2025 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joined their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 4–5-year-olds have joined their local libraries annually.

The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, support children and their parents in the transition to primary school.

From 9th of May 2025, all children in Tipperary completing the universal pre-school programme Early Childhood Care and Education 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 are welcomed to join the library if they are not already members.