Libraries offer books to help children get ready for school

20 July 2026

Young children are being encouraged to visit their local library with their families to borrow books – free of charge – to help them start school with confidence. 

The new ‘Ready Steady School’ collection is now available from libraries across North Northamptonshire, with parents and carers invited to borrow a specially-selected collection of picture books designed to support children as they begin school. 

Covering topics such as daily routines, emotions, friendships, confidence and early learning experiences, the books help families explore school-related themes together through enjoyable shared reading.

Available with a library card in most local  libraries, the collection aims to give parents and carers practical support in helping their children feel confident, curious and excited about beginning their school journey. 

Library staff will also be on hand to recommend titles suited to individual children and families.

As part of the initiative, Family Hubs North Northamptonshire will be delivering a series of free Ready Steady School sessions in libraries throughout the summer holidays. These interactive sessions will provide children and their families with additional opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed for a positive start at school.

Starting school is a significant milestone for children and their families, and we want every child in North Northamptonshire to have the best possible start. Reading together is one of the simplest and most effective ways parents and carers can support their child’s development, confidence and communication skills. The new School Readiness Collection offers families access to high-quality books that help children explore what starting school might be like, while the Ready Steady School sessions provide an additional opportunity to build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. I would encourage families to visit their local library, borrow some of these wonderful books and take advantage of the activities available this summer.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Education and Families at North Northamptonshire Council

Regular reading with young children not only supports language and literacy development, but also helps build positive routines and a lifelong love of books. The School Readiness Collection has been created to make it easy for families to access engaging stories that can spark conversations, answer questions and help children feel ready for their next big adventure.

Families can borrow books from the School Readiness Collection at participating libraries and are invited to attend the following free Ready Steady School sessions:

Wellingborough Library

• Wednesday 23 July, 1.30pm-2.30pm
• Wednesday 19 August, 10am-11am

Rushden Library

• Tuesday 18 August, 1.30pm-2.30pm

Irthlingborough Library

• Friday 24 July, 10am-11am

Oundle Library

• Wednesday 22 July, 10am-11am

Corby Library

• Monday 17 August, 1pm-2pm

Kettering Library

• Friday 28 August, 10am-11am

To book a place on a Ready Steady School session, visit the Courses, Events and Things to Do section of the Family Hubs North Northamptonshire website.