A NEW drive to encourage more parents across Scotland to enroll and introduce their children to the benefits of reading and library membership has been launched today).
The Every Child a Library Member (ECALM) campaign is being led by the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), with backing from the Scottish Government.
It aims to highlight the benefits of library use from as early an age as possible to support improved language, literacy and social skills across the country.
ECALM looks to promote the benefits of library membership at key stages from birth through to primary school with the aim of building a love of reading for life.
The campaign will focus on the fact that the building blocks for learning to read start early and it will embed a delivery pathway for library membership at three key stages throughout early childhood – birth registration, Nursery, and Primary enrolment.
Every Scottish public library service across all 32 local authorities has committed to delivering ECALM to ensure high levels of childhood library membership across the country.
Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “It’s never too early to introduce a child to the joy reading, and library use from an early age supports language, literacy and well-being.
“Every Child a Library Member is a fantastic initiative which will take children on a learning journey which will last for a lifetime.”
There are over 500 libraries across Scotland which attract more than 40 million visitors annually.
Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) chief executive, Pamela Tulloch, said: “Your local library is your gateway to a world of opportunity and learning.
“We know Every Child a Library Member plays an important role in closing the attainment gap, reducing social exclusion, and promoting equality of opportunity and reading. Books can inspire wonder and adventure and encourage a lifetime of imagination for children.
“We would encourage parents to give their children the present of a library card, encourage them to develop the library habit and access the wonderful range of services which Scotland’s public libraries offer.
“I would encourage everyone who can, to start your little one’s library journey today at EveryChild.scot.”
