Schools and nurseries get a warm welcome at the library. Read on to find out how your local library can assist you and your class with library visits, borrowing, eResources and more.

Can I bring my class to the library?

Yes you can. Please get in touch with your local library to organise a class visit.

We will always do our best to accommodate you, but please do give us notice. We need to make sure we have sufficient staff and preparation time to ensure your pupils have the best possible experience.

What benefits does a library visit bring?

A library visit opens a door to a range of different stories and experiences. Reading a book, or hearing a story that’s told through another’s eyes, promotes empathy and offers insight into different lives and points of view. The chance to browse library shelves encourages independence and gives young people a chance to explore their own interests.

What activities can the library help with?

• Setting up class library cards
• Talks about how the library works
• Storytimes
• Regular visits to borrow and return books
• Support for the First Minister's Reading Challenge (https://www.readingchallenge.scot/)
• Family talks for parent-accompanied visits
• Bookbug primary 1 or explorer bag presentations

We can also visit schools to participate in events such as reading days and parent information sessions.

Can my class borrow books from the library?

Yes. We can organise a class ticket for you, which can be easier to manage, with all the books in one place. We ask only that the books remain in school for class use and that they are returned before the end of the school year, at the very latest.

If any of your pupils are already library members, and you are able to notify parents in advance, the young person can bring their own library card to check out books that they can then take home with them.

What physical resources do libraries have?

Your library has a range of fiction and non-fiction titles for all ages and abilities. We have a stock of dyslexia friendly titles and books for reluctant readers.

There are books that can help with class projects, that cover difficult subjects and our Reading Well range of mental health and wellbeing titles.

• Visit our catalogue to browse our collection

As we aim for a broad selection of books, individual libraries do not stock multiple copies of a title. If you require class sets, we advise you contact Falkirk Council’s Learning Resource Service, who have wonderful class packs and resource boxes.

If you are visiting to research a class project, let us know well in advance and we will do our best to gather books on a particular topic for you.

Can I join the library personally?

Even if you don’t live in the local area, staff at local educational establishments can join our libraries with a personal library account. This enables you to borrow up to 30 items and you’ll also get access to our Libby app that has hundreds of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines for adults, teens and children.

Can pupils visit the library independently?

We hope young people will visit us outside of class.

• Anyone can come into the library to read or study, you don’t need to be a library member
• Libraries have a full range of exam and study guides, information books and local history resources for school projects
• For borrowing books, under 16s can join the library, but they need a parent or guardian to co-sign their membership form
• Library PCs can be used by any member over the age of 12. Under 12s need an adult with them
• Children over 8 can visit the library themselves unsupervised.

Does the library have eBooks and digital resources?

Yes! Our Libby app has hundreds of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines for adults and children. Download the app from your app store and enter your library card and PIN to start borrowing immediately!

Our selection of eMagazines, in particular, is great for class time. Check out Storytime National Geographic (Kids and Adults versions), The Week and New Scientist.

• Find out more about Libby on our library catalogue
• See the range of titles on the Libby Overdrive website https://falkirkuk.overdrive.com/

NOTE: This resource is separate to Borrowbox which is offered by Falkirk Council’s Learning Resource Service and available through GLOW. If you have questions about Borrowbox, please contact the Learning Resource Service.

Are there other library activities schools can get involved with?

Yes! There’s lots happening in libraries throughout the year and there are some great events you can encourage your pupils to engage with.

The Writing Rammy is our annual creative writing competition that’s open to everyone. We have prizes for different age categories and hold a celebration during Book Week Scotland. The competition begins in September. You can see some of the previous entries on our Library Love Blog.

The Summer Reading Challenge helps youngsters to keep up the reading habit during the summer break. Primary age children read six books over at least three visits to the library and claim rewards along the way. We always send information to schools about the Challenge just before school finishes up, so you can help by spreading the word. We also encourage you to ask your class if they took part and to bring in their finisher’s medals and certificates to show their class.

Book Week Scotland is the annual celebration of books and reading in Scotland and includes library visits, author events and more. Keep your eyes peeled in November for this.

Regular library clubs take place throughout the school year in evenings and at weekends. These include Chatterbooks, Lego Club and Code Club. Check our Groups and Activities page.

Contact us

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please email libraries@falkirk.gov.uk
If your question is about a specific library or visit, please contact that library directly. See a list of our libraries.