What we offer: babies and toddlers

Our libraries are great places for babies and toddlers. As well as a vast catalogue of books for all ages, we also run activities and events for all ages.

Our activities

Rhymetime 

Singing rhymes with your baby is fun and educational. It can help childrens' speech and language development and introduce literacy and numeracy. Babies will learn and repeat words from rhymes. This increases vocabulary and develops their imagination. We run regular Rhymetime sessions at all our libraries.

Storytime

Inspire a child's love of books by listening to fun interactive stories at the library. Storytime sessions run at all our libraries.

Storysacks

Storysacks include a children's picture book along with fun interactive resources and activities. They are a perfect way to allow children to be more hands on during story time by bringing the book to life. You can borrow these with any adult library card and keep them for three weeks.

Books to support you

Our catalogue offers a wide range of books covering all aspects of parenthood:

Parenting books

We have books to help with a healthy pregnancy, from diet and exercise to week-by-week guides. Post-birth books cover baby naming, sleep, feeding and weaning, baby's first year, the 'terrible twos' and potty training.

Significant event books

Starting school, a first visit to the dentist or becoming a big brother or sister can be daunting for a child. Our special picture books can help introduce new concepts and tackle fears.

Bookstart Baby pack

Two board books for babies aged 0 to 12 months. Delivered by your health visitor before your child's first birthday.

Bookstart Bookshine

For children who are deaf, include a signing babies place mat. Contains two books and guidance around sharing books.

Bookstart Booktouch

For children who are blind or partially-sighted. includes two touch and feel books and guidance around sharing books.

Bookstart Star

For children with conditions affecting their fine motor skills. Contain two books, a finger puppet and guidance around sharing books.

Looking for inspiration?

Booktrust is the UK's largest children's reading charity.

To find out more

Look out for sessions advertised in our libraries. Contact us if you would like to find out when our next session is running: libraries@gateshead.gov.uk