Libraries for Children & Young People
Books for Children and Young Adults
We have an extensive children’s book collection – board books, picture books, fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels, with new books arriving daily in all of our libraries. Children can request books for free and we love to have book suggestions from children
and young adults. We also have dyslexia friendly, large print, e-books and e-audio books. We are actively working on having our stock reflect diversity and inclusiveness.
Reading Well Collection
Reading Well for children
recommends reading to help deal with worries, to feel better and boost mood. The books in the Reading Well for children collection have been selected by children; health experts; librarians and health professionals including NHS England and Mind. Many
of the books on the list cover topics that children and families may be experiencing at this time, including
worry, loss and bereavement and dealing with
troubling world events. You can see the full list of titles by clicking the link and here are a few highlighted titles. We have a full collection in all our libraries and we have collections available for loan by schools.
SHELF HELP for Young People from 13 to 18 years
Shelf Help is a collection of books about mental health and wellbeing for young people with advice and information about issues like anxiety, stress
and OCD and difficult experiences. The books have all been recommended by young people, health experts, libraries and health professionals including NHS England and Young Minds. Here are a few highlighted titles and you can see the full list of titles by clicking
the Shelf Help link. We have collections available in a number of our libraries.
Children and Young People Library Tickets
Children and Young People have their own library ticket and children under 16 don’t pay fines on overdue books. They can borrow up to 20 items and can renew books online as well as in person or over the telephone.
Library Tickets for Teachers, Schools and Nursery Settings
We offer Bradford schools and nurseries individual school and nursery tickets which allow a loan of 50 books for 6 weeks (per half term) with no fines. In addition, we also offer Teacher tickets for 12 books. Both tickets can be used for project work or
reading group books. Teachers, schools and nurseries can select books from any Bradford library.
Bradford Libraries also work with teachers to organise library tickets for children in individual classes. This can be useful for reading initiatives schools may be involved with or developing with their school environment.
Summer Reading Challenge
This is an annual national scheme to encourage children from 4 to 11 years to read for enjoyment throughout the summer holidays. It offers incentives to collect and on completion the child receives and certificate and medal to recognise their achievement.
All our libraries offer the Summer Reading Challenge from mid-July to mid-September and we have an extensive number of free activities and events over the summer to support the challenge. We can support schools; children’s homes and care homes to participate
in the challenge.
Information about the challenge and all our summer events can be found on
www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries as well as in our Summer Reading Challenge events booklet, available in all our libraries, City Hall, Information Shops and other public services. It is also available to download from our website.
Summer Reading Challenge Young Ambassadors
We offer young people between 13 and 21yrs the chance to volunteer as a Young Ambassador, to support the Summer Reading Challenge and summer activities. The scheme offers the opportunity to develop confidence, skills and social-interaction with other young
people, families participating and the library staff. For further information, contact the Development Officer for Young People.
Story Sacks & SEND resources
Bradford Libraries offer Bradford Schools and nurseries the chance to borrow up to 3 story sacks and 3 sensory story boxes (with script) for three weeks. Contact the Development Officer for Early Years for further information.
Holiday Activities
We offer a variety of free school holiday events and activities aimed at all ages. These include author and poet visits, art and themed workshops, theatre and storytelling performances and craft activities. Information on forthcoming events can be found
on our website
www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries, at your local library, BSO and the local press.
Home Educated Reading Group
Open to all families or those who are home schooling. The group meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month from 11am - 12noon at Shipley Library. All welcome and caters from 5 to 16 years.
Class Visits
All our libraries welcome class visits. We can offer your school or nursery a standard class visit which includes library tour and story time or we can tailor your class visit to your needs. Look out for our special National Curriculum linked events offered
to schools. For class visits contact your local library or the relevant Development Officer. We are happy to tailor visits by children’s homes or care homes or specific groups.
School Events
We offer a variety of events open to schools and nurseries throughout term time. These include author visits, art & themed workshops, theatre and storytelling performances as well as supporting reading initiatives. Information on forthcoming events is usually
sent directly to Schools and listed on Bradford Schools Online. We also host events for specific groups and would be happy to cater for children’s home and care homes if appropriate.
Primary School Librarians Group
If you are responsible for your school library in any way, come along and join the group. The group:
- Supports and connects primary school librarians (staff member tasked with school library) with colleagues around the district.
- Share ideas, events, initiatives, resources, opportunities and link with public library service.
- Helps you to communicate the library message to School Leadership Team and other colleagues within your school.
Bradford Libraries Rhyme Challenge
The Bradford Libraries Rhyme Challenge is offered each year during March – June and encourages teachers to work with parents/carers to learn rhymes with their children to support children’s speech, language and communication. Great rhymers make great readers!
All Bradford School Nursery and Reception classes can take part in The Rhyme Challenge. Children learn five rhymes along with their parent/carers and receive a certificate. The challenge can be taken in sessions at school with parent/carers or sent home
for family learning. Packs can be ordered from the Development Officer for Early Years and contain enough resources for 30 children.
Contact details:
Development Officer Early Years – Susan Brewster-Craig
susan.brewster-craig@bradford.gov.uk
Development Officer Children & Young People – Christinea Donnelly
christinea.donnelly@bradford.gov.uk