Automatic Library Cards Proposed for Scottish Kids

“Pilot projects have been launched in every council area of Scotland to provide all children with automatic library membership, BBC News reported, noting that kids “will be given library cards either at birth, age three or four–or in P1.” In addition, libraries will be working with schools and communities to promote the services they offer to families.

“Our libraries are often the hub of a local community–providing vital access to information and resources that people would otherwise not have,” said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. “Now, thanks to £80,000 [about $125,520] Scottish government funding, every local authority in Scotland will trial methods to give children automatic membership to their local library. Libraries can empower communities–often in our most deprived areas where we know that young people can have lower levels of literacy and numeracy. Access to books and learning materials will help us to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get excited about reading.”

http://www.shelf-awareness.com/issue.html?issue=2579#m29586