Library service for children, young people and families

Joining the library for under 16s

If you are under 16 you can join by visiting the library with a parent or guardian. You will need to fill in an application form and your parent or guardian will be asked to show either a current membership card or proof of name and address. Once you have joined you can borrow books and other items from the whole library, not just the children’s section.

Whatever your age, or taste in books and films, you are bound to find something to borrow from the library. We stock everything from board books and picture books, to stories for younger readers, manga and young adult novels.

Our information section is great for researching school topics or hobbies. It contains lots of books to help young people deal with difficult or emotional situations.

We aim to provide books for every reader, interest and situation. You can ask our staff about:

• big books
• graphic novels
• tactile books
• large print
• audiobooks
• and ClearVision braille books.

If you cannot find what you want, let us know and we may be able to borrow it from another library (there is no charge for children’s items). Or even buy it for the library service. You can do this by filling in a form on the LibrariesWest website or in your library.

We also have a wide range of DVDs to hire. We can only lend children films with an appropriate British Board of Film Classification rating.

How teens can use the library

Somerset libraries offer relaxed, welcoming spaces for teenagers to spend time, study and explore their interests.

You can use free computers and Wi‑Fi, find books and resources for school or college, and take part in activities designed just for young people.

Libraries are safe places to meet friends, get support when you need it, and discover opportunities to learn, create and try new things in your local community.

Help your child discover the joy of reading

Books provide hours of entertainment and fun, they feed the imagination and introduce children to size, colour and numbers. Books help children learn about themselves and the world. Evidence shows that introducing children to books at an early age is great for their development.

Libraries have lots of strong board books including simple stories to share, and books with brightly coloured pictures of things to talk about and recognise. These are ideal for babies and toddlers learning how to handle books. There are also many picture books and recorded rhymes and stories for them to enjoy.

Most libraries have free story and rhyme times for young children. There’s usually no need to book for these. Just come along and you will be made welcome. See our Library events page for more information.

Preschool groups can borrow up to 50 children’s books and talking books for 6 weeks. And childminders can apply for a membership card to allow them to borrow up to 40 books for 6 weeks.

Library staff welcome group visits to libraries to listen to stories and talk about what’s in the library, or we can come out and visit your group.

Sensory kits containing ear defenders, fidget devices and sensory toys are available to use for free at the following libraries:

• Bridgwater
• Burnham
• Chard
• Crewkerne
• Frome
• Ilminster
• Martock
• Minehead
• North Petherton
• Taunton
• Watchet
• Wellington
• Wells
• Yeovil

We also have Social Stories to help with your visit. Please email your local library for a copy of their Social Story using the details provided.

Find out more on our Accessibility and autism friendly libraries page.

Children are welcome to use the library computers

The library service uses a filtering system to block inappropriate sites. But, some other sites may have content that may be unsuitable, so we do advise customers to browse with caution.

Children under 10 years can use public computers to access Microsoft Office applications and a range of selected websites. They must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when using the computers in the library.

10 to 15 year olds can use the full internet service if a parent or legal guardian has signed an Internet Consent form in the presence of library staff. Library staff cannot be held responsible for the information accessed by unaccompanied children aged 10 to 15 while using the internet.

See our Library computers and Wi-fi page for more general information on how to access these resources.

We monitor misuse and will act where misuse is identified. Please read our acceptable use policy document (PDF) and discuss it with your child.

You might also want to see these helpful websites for more information about safety online.

• NSPCC – Online safety
• Safer Internet – parents and carers

About the Bookstart national scheme

Bookstart is a national scheme run by the reading charity BookTrust. They encourage all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible. Bookstart aims to give free packs of books to every child in the UK, to inspire and create a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life. Working locally with Libraries, Health Visitors and Early Years staff, Bookstart gives free books to children in their first year. Packs also include leaflets for adults.

Bookstart Baby packs are usually delivered to families by health professionals at health visits before the baby’s first birthday. They are also available from libraries on request.

As well as Bookstart Baby, we also offer the following packs for children with additional needs upon request:

• Bookstart Shine for children who are deaf
• Bookstart Touch for children with a visual impairment
• Bookstart Star for children with conditions affecting their fine motor skills
• Dual language books and leaflets

Find more information and lots of great reading resources on BookTrust.

Relaxed sessions for you and your infant

Make new friends whilst helping your child to develop their reading, language and social skills.

• Baby Boogie is aimed at babies up to 12 months old.
• Rhyme Time is aimed at toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Both are relaxed sessions led by library staff with singing, stories and the chance to meet other families in your area. All are welcome – Mums, Dads, Grandparents, carers and childminders. There is no need to book and sessions are free – just join in. We run regular term-time sessions at many of our libraries. Check our Library events page to see when they are running near you.

Held in Taunton Library

The Glass Box at Taunton library hosts Switch Saturday sessions twice a month for children to play games like Mario Party or Mario Kart on our Nintendo Switch. There is no need to book, just come along and join in.

Our staff are on hand to help explain the games and controllers, and make sure everyone takes turns. We ask that you remain on site while they play, but it’s a great opportunity to grab a drink and a snack from the Library Café, or pick up some new books while they play.