Join the library
Children are never too young to join the library. Parents or carers only need to take proof of identity along to any library in Aberdeen when they wish to join their children. Borrowing is free and there are no charges for late return of children's items borrowed on a child's card. Reservations made on a child's card are also free of charge. Please note you can register your child online which gives access to our digital services. There are ebooks and eaudio books suitable for all ages.
Online resources
Online resources - A wide range of e-books and e-audiobooks for children are available for download.
Busy Things - Try out a free, fun online resource to help little ones learn to read and count.
Parent Club - Parent Club is a brand new site from the Scottish Government full of all the help advice and information any new parent could need. You’ll find tried and tested tips from other parents on a wide range of topics.
Book Trust Home Time - a terrific resource with stories, quizzes and activities to help keep children occupied.
Tiny Happy People - activities and play ideas to help you develop you child's communication skills.
Hungry Little Minds - a UK government campaign to encourage parents/carers to adopt positive activities and behaviours to support children's communication, language and literacy development.
Aberdeen City Libraries is a member of British Library's Living Knowledge Network which holds book related events (online at the moment) and which are available to watch alter via the archive.
Events and Activities
Pop Up Peep
The Peep Learning Together programme supports parents and carers to value and build on the home learning environment by making the most of everyday learning opportunities. We're delighted to be working in partnership with Peep Aberdeen and will hold a pop up Peep/Bookbug session at
- Bridge of Don Library on Tuesday 10 September at 10.30am -11.30am - suitable for children aged 6-18 months
Visit our events page to book your place
Toy Library
A wide range of toys to encourage learning through play is available for loan at Kincorth, Mastrick and Tillydrone libraries. All resources can be found and reserved via the online catalogue
Bookbug
Bookbug is Scotland's early years book gifting programme, managed nationally by Scottish Book Trust which aims to encourage parents and children to share and enjoy books together. Aberdeen City Libraries works with health and early years partners to ensure children aged 0 to 5 receive free book bags.
Bookbug sessions are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers, and their families to enjoy together. There is a session at least once per month at each library in the City. We also hope to hold occasional sessions on Saturdays for parents/carers who cannot attend during the week. Information on dates, times and locations is here and follow us on social media for updates. You can also join our digital session via YouTube or Facebook.
Bookbug in Aberdeen City now has it's own Facebook Group - join now
Read Write Count
Is a Scottish Government initiative to encourage parents and families to include reading, writing and counting in their everyday activities. Aberdeen City Libraries have a range of resources which can support reading and numeracy - why not try Busy Things which is a fantastic, fun online resource. The Read Write Count website also has some great tips and ideas to help you help your child.
Support for parents and carers
Information for parents and carers on a wide range of topics from pregnancy to weaning, potty training, starting school to dealing with teenagers is available in each library. For ideas and advice on supporting your child learning to talk and read .