Parents across Stoke-on-Trent registering their newborn babies have also been receiving free library cards thanks to an initiative.
What’s new: My First Library Card has given 776 babies free library access in its first year.
Why it matters: Families can borrow books, e-books and audiobooks for free from birth.
Worth knowing: Parents are invited to sign up when they register their newborn babies.
My First Library Card, which launched in September 2025, has given 776 babies free library access in the last year.
The scheme works with registrars and sees families invited to sign their babies up to their local library from birth.
Parents also receive information about services for young children, which forms part of the city council’s commitment to giving all young people the best start in life in Stoke-on-Trent.
Stoke-on-Trent Libraries were awarded £3,925 from Arts Council England and Libraries Connected for the initiative.
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty, governance and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is brilliant to see that so many babies have been given library memberships in just one year of the My First Library Card scheme.
“Reading to your baby and enjoying books together helps them in the development of their language and communication skills. With library membership, it means parents can access books for free, as well as e-books and audiobooks and don’t have to worry about the costs.”
Aside from My First Library Card, Stoke-on-Trent libraries offer sessions aimed at babies and toddlers, where families are encouraging to use songs, rhymes and movement to help babies develop their speech, language and communication skills.
To find out more, visit the website: Stoke-on-Trent Libraries - Children's Activities
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