For parents

Children can become a member and have their own library card from birth. Our libraries have a great range of items to borrow, including books, magazines and DVDs. 

Find out how to get a library card for your child and borrow from our libraries.

What's on for children?

From regular weekly programs to school holiday activities, there's always something happening for children and families. To find out more, visit your local library or go to Eventbrite. 

Books for children

We have books for children of all ages. Visit your nearest library to browse or explore kids' reading online​. Our friendly staff can help you choose books to suit your child's age, ability and interests:

• Baby Book Packs​ make it quick and easy for parents to choose books for their baby or toddler
  
• Picture books for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
  
• Beginning reads and Easy reads are great for kids aged 4-9 years, or who are just learning to read by themselves
  
• Junior fiction for kids aged 8-12 years
  
• Non-fiction for children up to 12 years
  
• eBooks to borrow and download to your device
  
• New arrivals for kids
  

Reading suggestions and activities for children

• ​Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)
  
• First Five Forever has reading and learning tips for parents and carers of children from birth to 5 years
• Good Reading Magazine has a Just For Kids page for children aged 1-12+ years
  
• Health on a Shelf is a partnership with Libraries Tasmania to bring you books for children aged from birth to 12 years that explore ideas about healthy living
  
• Hungry Little Minds has simple, fun activities for children from birth to 5 years
• Let's Read promotes reading with young children from birth to 5 years
• LiteracyPlanet has over 10,000 online literacy activities for children of all ages and abilities. Activities focus on pre-reading skills, phonics, reading, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and comprehension in a fun, exciting and safe online environment. Note: choose 'Libraries Tasmania' as your library when registering.
• The Little Big Book Club has programs to develop and encourage a love of reading in children
• Nature Play SA has simple and creative ideas and activities for outside play with children
• Playgroup Victoria has ideas for at home play

Parenting books and information

We have a wide range of items about parenting to borrow. Search our catalogue at the top of this page, or choose one of these popular topics:

• Babies
  
• Child development
  
• Nutrition for children
  
• Parenting
  
• Sleep
  
• To​ddlers
  

Useful websites:

• The Basics Tasmania has tips for parents and carers of babies and toddlers from birth to 3 years
  
• ABC Parenting provides information on parenting children from birth to 8 years
  
• Raising Children Network is an Australian parenting website for children from birth to teens
  
• Little Parachutes suggests picture books to help children cope with illness, worries and new experiences

Staying safe online

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has lots of useful information to help families have safe, positive experiences online.

Unattended or lost children

Parents and carers are responsible for supervising their child when visiting their local library. If a child is lost or left unattended, our staff will try to contact the parent or carer. If staff are unable to contact or find the parent or carer, the police will be notified.  A staff member will stay with the child until collected by a parent, carer or police.

Allergy awareness

If your child suffers from severe allergic reactions and is attending one of our events, please talk with our friendly staff before the event. We can ask others not to offer or share food. Note library staff cannot monitor this, parents and carers are responsible for supervising their children.