Children's Library Services

Joining the Library

Highland Libraries are FREE to join, all children and young people are welcome. To join please complete an 'Under-16s membership form' and make sure your parent or carer signs it. N.B. We will also need to see proof of your address. Take the form and suitable ID to your local library and you can start borrowing straight away.

To use the computers in the library please make sure your parent or carer gives their permission on your membership form. We encourage online safety and responsibile use at all times, please visit the online safety page for more details.

If you are at secondary school you may wish to use your Young Scot card as a library card. N.B. You will still need a parent or carer's signature for this.

Borrowing Charges

While most of our services and resources are free, some will incur a small charege.

DVDs and videos in the 'pocket money' collection, specifically aimed at young children will be £1 for 2 weeks. Check your local library for details.
Books - free
Children's audio books - free
Junior story tapes - free

You can keep books or story tapes for up to 21 days , but if you haven't finished with them you may be able to extend your loan period. You can renew library items online here or by contacting your local library.

You can keep videos or DVDs for up to 14 days. You will be charged if you are late returning these. If you haven't finished with them you may be able to extend your loan period. You can renew library items online here or by contacting your local library.

If your items become overdue we will send you a letter to remind you to return them.

Computer Use

Children can use the computers and access the internet as long as parents have given permission and completed the membership form. It is FREE to use the computers though you will be asked to pay for any printouts. Children aged under 8 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For further information about internet safety, please see our leaflet Your Guide to Staying Safe on the Internet and the Cyberbullying Guidance document produced by Highland E-Safety strategy group.

Activities and Events

All libraries take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. This is a national scheme with a different theme every year. Children can take part in a range of fun activities, and join the challenge to read at least 6 books during the summer holidays. Contact your local library for more information.

Your local library may also offer Bookbug sessions, these are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families to enjoy together. Sessions are usually around 30- 40 minutes and include songs, stories and rhymes. Sessions are relaxed and are a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your little one.

In addition your library may offer Story times for under 5s, Chatterbooks sessions, Book Groups, Seasonal Competitions, Craft sessions and Author visits . For further details contact your local library.

Class and Group Visits

Teachers and group leaders can arrange to take classes and groups of children to the library for formal and informal activities. Class and Group Sessions can be organised to introduce children to the library, promote reading for fun and to help them find information to assist with research. For more details see Class visits to libraries.

Bookbug

All Highland Libraries welcome babies, toddlers and young children. In partnership with Scottish Book Trust Highland libraries deliver the Bookbug Programme - gifting Bookbug Packs, offering Bookbug Sessions and encouraging chidlrden to participate in Bookbug's Library Challenge. To find out more contact your local library or visit the Highland Bookbug page.

Parents/Carers and Families
Highland Libraries' recognise that raising a family is not always plain sailing. We have therefore developed a collection of books to help you navigate your way through life's important milestones.

Every Highland Library has a collection of books called the 'Family Shelf', covering the following topics:

Pregnancy
Childbirth
Childcare
Family health
Special needs
Teenagers
Difficult times

We have also added books to share with your child on First Experiences , e.g. going to the hospital, new baby, etc.

Useful links and resources

Ready steady toddler
National advice 13mths - 3years

Play talk read
Practical ideas, including videoclips for 0-3s

Talk to your baby
National Literacy Trust (Includes good section for fathers)

Words for life
For parents of 0-11s: milestones, activities, tips

Parenting across Scotland
National site, including weblinks to trusted sites

Hands on Scotland
Tools and information to encourage emotional wellbeing and advice on tackling problems

Parent channel.tv
Video clips of parents & experts on range of topics/ages

Education Scotland Parent zone
Information and ideas about supporting your child’s learning

Netmums
Offering local information for parents