Read all about it as free library scheme launches

Pupils at Broadfield Primary School celebrate the launch of the library card for every child scheme, with children's champion Erin Buckley, teachers and Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for libraries

Rochdale Borough Council’s library service has branched out again after its popular ‘library card for every child’ initiative was given the stamp of approval.

All four and five-year-olds will receive a free card, which can be used to borrow books at the borough’s 17 libraries.

The novel idea encourages reading, raises standards and promotes the range of popular events run children’s events that run from local libraries.

The ‘library card for every child’ scheme follows a successful fit, feed and read programme, which saw 600 children pack into local libraries to enjoy exercise, healthy eating and reading.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for libraries, said: “This excellent scheme underlines our commitment to improving literacy levels and promoting the joy of reading among young people. We want to encourage children to develop a passion for books and learning.

"In my opinion, we have one of the best library services in the country and, on the back of another successful fit, feed and read scheme, this is another successful chapter for our library service.

"A huge thank you to staff for bringing reading alive for children of all ages.”

Rachel D’Ardis, head teacher of Broadfield Community Primary School, said: “This is an excellent scheme, which we are proud to be supporting and working in partnership with the council to promote.

“It’s really important that children get the best possible start in life and encouraging a love of books, through this brilliant scheme, is one of the many ways we promote reading and learning across the school. The free library cards are popular with pupils and parents, so many thanks to the council’s library services for their visionary idea and for working so well with local schools.”

Further information on Rochdale Borough Council's library service can be found at www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries