Child Choices

Libraries

Children are welcome to join at any age and all libraries offer a wide selection of fiction books and story cassettes for children. There are also information books for helping with homework and hobbies plus study space at most libraries.

Barking and Valence libraries have videos for hire, including children's films. Most libraries have Parents' Collections which include books on such subjects as going into hospital and having a baby.

Libraries also provide reading related activities including a year round reading club called the Reading Zone and during the Summer holidays there will be the Reading Carnival where children can read 6 books to receive a certificate and medal. Details are available at all libraries.

All libraries offer free public internet access via the National Grid For Learning network (filtered), available for both adults and children. Playgroups, Parent and Toddler Groups and childminders can borrow collections of library books to use with their children.

The Schools Library Service provides schools with the loan of books and audio-visual materials as well as advice on library use and organisation.

Barking and Dagenham Bookstart

Barking and Dagenham Bookstart is a partnership between libraries, education, the Health Authority, and a sponsor.

Through the scheme all babies receive free books from their health visitor when they attend their 7-9 month health check. Similarly, when children attend their 2 year health check they receive a nursery rhyme book (given by the borough).

The aim is to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to share and enjoy books from an early age and understand what fun they can be. Information and advice is available to parents about how to introduce books to their children as well as details about joining their local library.

For more information on Barking and Dagenham Bookstart please talk to your Health Visitor or local library.

There is also a free national helpline for parents/carers to find out more about introducing their child to books and reading, please telephone Learning Direct (BBC Education Centre) on 0800 100 900.

List of libraries|

Contact

Zoinul Abidin

Group Manager - Libraries

Library Services Headquarters

Unit 18

Muirhead Quay

Fresh Wharf

Highbridge Road

Barking

IG11 7BG

Tel: 020 8724 8725

Fax: 020 8594 8489

Email: zoinul.abidin@lbbd.gov.uk or libraries@lbbd.gov.uk|