An Irvine mum and her toddler are starring in videos that encourage parents to sign up to North Ayrshire’s libraries.

Jen and her two-year-old daughter are at the forefront of the ‘Every Child A Library Member’ initiative which promotes the area’s library services and urges parents to sign their children up for a free membership.

Showcasing the libraries’ extensive physical and audio book collections and their BookBug events for toddlers, the videos will be shared via social media and the NHS Health Visitor app over the next few months.

Jen said: “Recently, I moved back to Irvine having lived in Glasgow for the last 10 years and had a baby during the pandemic.

“My daughter is now two and we are frequent visitors to the local library.

“It’s great, there’s such a huge choice and there’s a brilliant play kitchen area and drawing table for the little ones.

“I’ve noticed such a big difference in my daughter’s language skills since joining.

“It’s great as everything is completely free so it’s a nice way to spend some time out the house without having to spend unnecessarily.”

Libraries can also point parents towards North Ayrshire’s community food larder network, employability support and other free community groups.

Wi-Fi access is also available within each of the 15 libraries in the area.

Councillor Alan Hill said: “During life in lockdown, many young children didn’t have the chance to get involved in all the great things happening at their local library.

“Our library services across North Ayrshire are one of the best ways that we can support children and families in their earliest years.

“They are a brilliant community resource for developing a love of books, accessing information, and reducing social isolation while also providing a safe and inclusive place to meet others and make new friends.

“Our experienced library staff can help identify books, digital learning and creative play resources for infants to develop their speech, language and communications skills from even just a few months old.”

Memberships for people of all ages in North Ayrshire libraries and access to events and clubs in North Ayrshire libraries is also free.

To join one of North Ayrshire’s libraries visit: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/libraries/join-the-library.aspx.