New babies in Bath and North East Somerset will be gifted free books to mark 100 years of libraries across the district.

Newborns registered in B&NES in July have been given a copy of the 1926 book Winnie the Pooh and have been invited to a special celebratory event to mark this centenary year.

B&NES Council has given the books to nearly 300 babies as part of the celebrations and to encourage a love of reading from birth.

The babies were also invited to a series of special events in the council’s three main lending libraries offering Baby Bounce and Rhyme, craft activities and a chance for families to make new friends.

The first event at Bath Central Library took place last Thursday (19 September), with further events also taking place at Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “A child’s earliest years are crucial to their development and life chances, so we wanted to give the gift of loving and reading books to our youngest members to mark the libraries’ centenary year.

“Some families may not be aware of the breadth of services that are on offer at our fantastic libraries. Of course, the libraries offer books in all formats, but they are also a safe and welcoming space where people can find information and advice from local partners as well as take part in creative events and use our sensory spaces.”

“Not only does our Libraries team do a fantastic job, but so does our Registration Services team who strive to make the special moment of registering your baby’s birth an enjoyable experience. Congratulations to all the families on their new additions.”

The first public lending library in the area opened in Bath in 1924 and the council is running a programme of events throughout the year to celebrate the centenary, which includes a series of events at the libraries, special displays, competitions and limited edition library membership cards.

People are also invited to submit their childhood memories of the libraries by emailing them to [email protected]. These are being collected and captured as part of the ongoing lresearch into the history of libraries.

Visit the Bath and North East Somerset Libraries blog for further updates and details of events: https://baneslibraries.co.uk/centenary/.

Joining a library is free. Find out more about the council’s library and information services here: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/library-and-information-services.