Library services for under fives
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In line with government guidance we are gradually re-opening libraries and re-introducing library services over the coming weeks and months.
You will not be charged fines for any outstanding loans for the period of the closure of library buildings.
Discover your library newsletter for children and families
Join our mailing list to receive our newsletter providing information about activities, events and library services relevant to children and parents.
Newsletters are normally sent weekly.
Read our privacy notice before joining
Activities and events for under-fives
We are now running an online programme of live interactive events for babies and toddlers. For the latest information on our activities please visit our Library Events webpage
To receive regular updates on events directly to your inbox, you can join our mailing list to receive our library newsletter for children and families.
We also have a large number of activity sessions for under-fives available on our YouTube channel
Library resources for under-fives
To borrow resources from Barnet Libraries, you will need a library card. If you are not already a member, you can join the library online and become a member straight away.
You can request items through our Select and Collect service which is now available from all our libraries. We will put together a collection of suitable books for your child, which you will be able to collect and keep for up to six weeks.
We have increased our stock of eBooks and eAudiobooks suitable for young children and these are available for you to borrow.
To support children's reading and life in general, we are developing a series of booklists.
Bookstart
Bookstart is a national scheme bringing books and small children together.
Baby Bookstart packs
Every baby born to a family who live in Barnet is entitled to a free Baby Bookstart pack.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Baby Bookstart packs could be collected from libraries or were distributed by health visitors and nursery nurses working in baby clinics.
Currently, we are unable to offer the same service. In the meantime you can arrange to collect a pack from one of our libraries. To arrange your collection complete the Bookstart Pack Request Form
It will be several days before your pack is available for collection. We have to follow government guidelines and quarantine your pack so that it is safe for you to collect. We will contact you to arrange collection.
Our short videos will help you get started with your Bookstart pack:
You may want to think about arranging a Select and Collect package of books for your baby at the same time. We can put together a lovely collection of board books suitable for your baby.
Bookstart treasure packs
Treasure packs are normally distributed by pre-school settings and nursery classes. Children in their pre-reception year will receive a pack during the academic year 2020/2021.
If your child missed out on their pack because of COVID-19 restrictions, you can now arrange to collect a pack from one of our libraries.
It will be several days before your pack is available for collection. We have to follow government guidelines and quarantine your pack so that it is safe for you to collect. We will contact you to arrange collection.
Do not come to the library until you have arranged a collection date. This is so that we can keep you and our staff safe by reducing contact and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Special Bookstart packs are available for children with additional needs
Contact Bookstart@barnet.gov.uk if you have a child who is deaf, has a visual impairment or has disabilities which impact on or delay the development of their fine motor skills.
Nurseries, pre-schools and schools
Our specialist early years team normally offer a rhyme and story based activity service to nurseries, pre-schools and schools in Barnet. This is a professionally delivered service and charges do apply.
At present we are unable to offer this service but check our online events to see if there is something useful.
Training
Our specialist early years team normally runs training courses for teachers, early years practitioners and library staff. This service is currently suspended, but contact us to ask any questions at Bookstart@barnet.gov.uk
Contacts
Early Years and Bookstart Coordinator
