Reading well is a key skill that that unlocks opportunities throughout life, we’re here to help everyone grow up loving books!
What can young people borrow?
You can borrow up to 30 items on a library card, no matter what age you are. Everyone under 16 needs their parent to act as a guarantor.
Once a parent or guardian has shown ID at the joining library and filled in a form, a young person can start borrowing immediately.
Your library card also gives access to our Libby app, which has digital magazines, books and audiobooks (we recommend younger children are supervised when using this as it contains content for adults).
What type of books do libraries have?
You’ll find helpful lists and reading suggestions on our library catalogue. If your local library doesn’t have a book, request it on the library catalogue, or ask a member of staff.
Our specialist staff chooses a wide range of engaging reading material for all ages and abilities. :
- Board and picture books for young children
- Easy readers for children starting to read by themselves and growing confidence
- Audiobooks and read-along stories
- Junior fiction
- Young adult fiction
- Non-fiction books which great for school projects, or satisfying curious minds!
- Past-papers and exam guides
- Dyslexia-friendly titles for all ages and stages
- Books about difficult subjects such as family separation or bereavement
Read online with our libby app
Reading online with our Libby app couldn’t be easier. The app is available for Android and Apple devices. You can also access it online from your laptop.
Choose from a wide selection of genres and authors for adults and kids. You'll find the Harry Potter series, David Walliams, Marcus Rashford and more.
Why not try an audiobook for your next family car journey, or use one alongside a print book to help a reluctant reader?
There are a huge selection of magazines for youngsters too including Minecraft, Star Wars, National Geographic Kids, The Week Kids and Storytime.
- Find out how to get started with Libby
- Take a peek at our range on the Libby website
Get the Bookzilla app for reading recommendations
Not sure what to read? Bookzilla is Scottish Book Trust’s free app for upper primary and early secondary school students in Scotland, designed by young people, for young people. Download the Bookzilla app.
Other useful information
More places to find support for your child’s reading and learning:
Barrington Stoke makes super-readable fiction for all ages and abilities.
Parent Club is packed with useful advice, ideas for play, reading, writing and counting
Scottish Book Trust has activities, author videos, advice and book lists galore!
Literacy Trust has milestones, tips and fun resources to help parents support their children’s literacy development
