Babies and young children love books. Cuddling up and sharing a book is a wonderful way to spend time together and gives your child a head start.
Children can join the library for free at any age – either join online or simply visit your local library.
Find out more about joining Cambridgeshire libraries. Remember under-fives can have their own special library card.
We have a fantastic range of books for babies and young children. You can borrow up to 12 for three weeks at a time, all for free.
Please don’t worry about your little one being noisy in the library or damaging any of our library books. We want you to enjoy coming to the library and sharing books at home with your children. We do understand that accidents happen, and we have a policy of not charging for any books damaged by 0-4 year olds.
Books for 0 to 4 year olds
- Board books: sturdy books for little hands.
- Picture books: beautifully illustrated stories to share.
- Stories in other languages: board books and picture books for families whose first language is not English.
- New Experience collections: comforting books to help your child face new situations such as going to the doctor’s, starting playgroup or the arrival of a new baby.
- Parenting Collection: books to help you as a parent, offering advice on things such as weaning, feeding, potty training and coping with toddlers!
We are also able to order a Bookstart Baby pack if you haven’t received one from your Health Visitor. See our Bookstart page for more details.
First Steps library club
Ask library staff about joining our reward scheme for 0-4 years olds.
Collect a stamp each time your child borrows a book or visits the library.
Once they’ve collected six stamps, they will receive a colourful certificate. There are 10 certificates to collect.
Events and activities
Libraries offer Rhymetimes and Storytimes as well as other activities. For more information visit 50 Things to Do | Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.
Rhymetime and Storytime
Bring your little ones to the library to enjoy stories and songs. Staff will read fun books and sing well-known rhymes. It’s a great way to help your child learn language and social skills while you meet other parents and carers. Most events are free but donations are welcome. Parents and carers to stay with their children at all times.
For dates, times, and booking information find your local Rhymetime and Storytime online here. You can also visit your local library for details of these and other activities.
Keep up to date
Alternatively you can use the links below to keep up to date with library activities:
Starting school
Your library can help you to get your child ready to start school:
- Sign your child up for the First Steps Library Club and the annual Summer Reading Challenge. We'll reward them with stamps, stickers, and certificates to encourage them to choose and share books with you.
- We have a programme of free or low-cost activities that takes place throughout the year. The activities will get them used to interacting with a mixed-age group of children they don’t know.
- We have picture book stories about starting school. These stories help children get used to the idea and help them explore any anxieties they may have.
For more information and support visit Starting Reception.
