Book Ahead

A free book loan service for pre-school organisations

A Book Ahead card is available from any Southampton library for pre-schools, nurseries and parent and toddler groups. With it, you can borrow 30 children’s books, and stories or rhymes on tape or CD, which you can change as often as you like.

There are no charges for damage to books or for books not returned on time. Books are borrowed for six weeks, but you can keep them longer without charge.

It’s easy to join
Just ask at any Southampton library. We will need the following information:

• The name and address of your setting
• The name of the person who will be responsible for the books and a contact telephone number,
unless that person is already a library member, we will need some proof of their name and address (an official letter, driving licence or something similar).

You can use your card and return your books to any Southampton library.

There is a free re-usable Book Ahead jute bag for every Early Years setting that uses the service

Ask for yours when you ask for your card.

The Book Ahead card replaces the old Playgroup card

If you are still using an old Playgroup card, you do not need to get a new card. We will automatically update your old card and you can collect your free Book Ahead jute bag when you next visit the library.

Don’t forget:

• You can request books free of charge
• You can order books in advance to support children’s interests
• We can arrange for your pre-school to visit the library or for BooksPlus (the Book Bus) to visit you.
• A children’s librarian can visit your setting to share stories and rhymes with the children.

Look out for the Southampton Favourite Book to Share Award

Every year, we invite pre-schools to join us in choosing a favourite book to share from a shortlist of six of the best picture books published in the previous year. It’s a great opportunity to share new books and promote them to children and parents.

For more information please contact Clive Barnes on 023 8083 2163