Children's Services
Children are never too young to join the library –and they have access to a wide range of books, DVDs, music CDs, and audiobooks with their library card. Just like an adult, a child can borrow up to 12 books at a time and keep them for three weeks (with option to renew if nobody else is looking for them).
When you walk through the doors of your local library, you are giving your child access to unlimited other worlds.
Reading encourages children to use their imagination, boosts their language skills, gives them empathy for people in difficult situations, and helps them learn more about themselves and the world around them. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the gift that keeps on giving: a (free) library card.
These are just some of the services for children in Mayo Library branches:
Summer Stars Reading Initiative
Summer Stars is the national reading programme for children taking place in all 330 public libraries throughout the country from the June until the end of August. Summer Stars is a completely free programme and open to all children. How does it work?
- The child chooses the book they’d like to read
- A special review sheet (a short written review and/or a picture) is submitted to the library for each book read
- Each review given back to the library earns a stamp on the reading card
- At the end of the summer, the reading card and any outstanding reviews are returned to the library
- Those who complete the challenge are invited to a special presentation evening at their local library and receive a certificate and medal
Story Time
There are weekly story time sessions in the following library branches:
Ballina - Thursdays at 4.00pm
Ballyhaunis - Tuesdays at 11.30am
Castlebar - Wednesday at 4.00pm / Thursday at 11.00am (toddlers)
Westport - Tuesdays at 3.00pm
Swinford - Occasional story time sessions –ask in branch for details.
Spring into Story Time
During the month of April, at least one story time session is held in all library branches. Check our events page for upcoming story time sessions, or have a look at up-to-date information on our Facebook page.
Children’s Book Festival
October is the magic month in Mayo Library – the month when our calendar is full to bursting with exciting and entertaining events for children. Authors, puppet shows, workshops, readings, quizzes – there’s something for everyone. Check our events page for upcoming Children’s Book Festival events (these are generally posted around September), or have a look at up-to-date information on our Facebook page.