Tiny Little Library launches at Wexford General Hospital Special Care Baby Unit

A new initiative aimed at helping parents bond with their babies through reading, talking and singing has been launched at Wexford General Hospital’s maternity unit.

The Tiny Little Library was officially launched on Friday, July 31st, bringing a collection of books directly to families during the earliest days of their baby’s life.

The project is a partnership between public libraries and hospitals, with the aim of encouraging parents in maternity and neonatal units to begin sharing stories, songs and conversations with their babies from the very beginning.

A dedicated Tiny Little Library trolley, filled with a selection of books, is now available in the maternity unit. Parents can borrow books while in hospital and will receive information about visiting their local library once they return home.

Families will also be able to access a wide range of online resources through the library service, including digital books, magazines and newspapers. A matching collection of books will also be available in local libraries, allowing families to continue the experience at home.

Senior Executive Librarian with Wexford County Council Library Service, Yvonne Smith, said the initiative highlights the importance of early communication and connection between parents and their babies.

Reading, talking and singing to babies from birth can support early bonding, language development and brain development, while also helping babies feel calm, secure and comforted.

The Tiny Little Library project first began at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda before expanding to maternity hospitals in Dublin, including The Coombe and Rotunda Hospital, and has now been introduced in the South East.

The message behind the initiative is simple, it’s never too early to start reading, talking and singing to your baby.

The Tiny Little Library aims to help families create special moments together while encouraging a lifelong love of books and reading from the very first days of life.