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Babies in Libraries

Introduce your baby to the wonderful world of Inspire libraries, with events to encourage their development, relaxed spaces to spend quality time, and opportunities to mingle with other families.

Join us!

There are no age restrictions to be a library member! Whether your baby is one day, one month, or one year old - head to your local library to start making the most of what we can offer. With free membership, books aplenty and welcoming spaces to spend time, your library can become a sanctuary for you and your little one. Plus we're accredited Breastfeeding Friendly, so you can feel comfortable visiting us at any time of day.

Worried about fees? No problem! There are no overdue charges, no charges for damages, and no charges for lost items either. We know things happen, so  if your little one ripped a page or two, had a good chew on a corner, or literally fed it to the dog (trust us, it's happened) that's absolutely fine. Bring the item to a member of staff and we'll happily remove it from your account so you can keep enjoying the library together.

No shushing allowed! We know some parents and carers can worry about their baby being quiet in the library. We have spaces in all our libraries just for children and love to see them getting excited about books and reading. That's why you'll never hear our staff asking for quiet - we love noise! Take a look at our Rattle, Rhyme and Roll sessions where your child can enjoy singing and rhymes with their new-found pals.

Click through below to find out what's in store at a library near you.

It’s never too early to start sharing books together with your baby. Even if your baby doesn’t understand the words you say yet – they will love cuddling up, hearing your voice, and looking at the pictures. Sharing books and rhymes can help can help your baby’s development and the bond between you both.  

Our libraries support future readers right from the start, with books to suit them as they grow. Check out our board books for easy-turn pages and sensory experiences, picture books for bright colours and fun stories, then let your child discover new worlds with beginning to read, younger readers, and children's fiction collections.

Plus, let us help you through parenthood with our Parents Collection. Stuffed with titles to help with sleep, weaning and more this collection is a not-so-hidden gem in our libraries. Can't find what you're after? Just ask a member of staff for assistance!


Come along to weekly Rattle, Rhyme and Roll sessions and let your little one find their voice as you enjoy popular songs and rhymes together. The sessions are informal, led by library staff, and last around 30 minutes. They take place in our safe children's areas, and you're more than welcome to stick around afterwards to read, play, or chat with other parents from the group. Find your nearest session here.

Bookstart is national programme which gifts free books babies to support all children to develop a love of reading that can give children a flying start in life.   Every child in England and Wales is entitled to their free Bookstart pack before they are 12 months old. 

In Nottinghamshire we work with health professionals to ensure every child receives their pack.  Not had yours yet?  Ask your health visitor or pick one up from one of our libraries.  Find out more about the packs at www.inspireculture.org.uk/bookstart 

There are specially designed packs for children who have additional needs and we have dual language books available for families who have English as an additional language.

Three images, 1 A parent sits singing with a baby in her lap, 2 a child looks up at the parachute above her head with static hair, 3 a parent with a baby and a young child sings and makes bunny ears with her hands

Looking for more guidance and advice? Head over to Notts Help Yourself for support for 0-4 years here.