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Reading for children and young people in libraries

Last updated: 1 May 2026

An image promoting National Year of Reading 2026. It features a collage of popular children's book covers, including Dog Man, Bunny vs Monkey, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, with the bold slogan "GO ALL IN."
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Libraries are a great place to immerse children in the wonder of stories. Image: LibraryOn

Free books for children of all ages

The library is a free space for everyone to discover and enjoy reading.

That includes children and young people: from toddlers to teenagers, everyone can find a story to inspire them. And they get their own free library card, too.

Many libraries even have their own dedicated area for younger visitors. They’re free spaces to explore and enjoy.

An adult and three children are having fun around a small, low table in a bright and welcoming children's library area.

Idea Store Bow in Tower Hamlets

A young girl sits at a blue table in a library, intently reading a "Trolls" movie storybook.

Leigh Library in Southend-on-Sea

An adult kneels beside a young child in a colorful children's library section. They are looking at a book together near low bookshelves and a bright red reading nook.

Crawley Library in West Sussex

An adult and a young child sit together on a library bench, reading a large picture book titled Yellow Lorry, Red Lorry. The child is holding a pink plush monkey.

Nottingham Central Library in Nottingham

An adult and child laugh together while reading a book about transport inside a unique, circular blue reading nook in Jersey Library.

Jersey Library in Jersey

An adult and three children are having fun around a small, low table in a bright and welcoming children's library area.
A young girl sits at a blue table in a library, intently reading a "Trolls" movie storybook.
An adult kneels beside a young child in a colorful children's library section. They are looking at a book together near low bookshelves and a bright red reading nook.
An adult and a young child sit together on a library bench, reading a large picture book titled Yellow Lorry, Red Lorry. The child is holding a pink plush monkey.
An adult and child laugh together while reading a book about transport inside a unique, circular blue reading nook in Jersey Library.

Did you know?

Children and teens can often find book groups especially for them at the library.

For example, Chatterbooks reading groups are aimed at 7-to-11 year-olds. They help kids develop the skill of talking about what they’ve read in a group setting.

Ask for more information at your nearest library.

Even more than books...

Libraries are a great way to get involved with the National Year of Reading.

But they also offer so much more than books.

During weekends and holidays they’re hives of activity for younger customers.

You might find crafting, colouring or even coding sessions to stoke your child’s curiosity.

And over summer holidays you’ll find themed seasons like the yearly Summer Reading Challenge.

Kids can enjoy a range of free activities and earn rewards for reading books.


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As young readers mature they can explore whatever genres they like for free at the library. Image: LibraryOn

Free digital content for young people

Young readers can find digital books, magazines and audiobooks at the library. From comics to novels, from sport to hobbies: it’s all available for free, even on devices. Below are some examples of things you might find through library e-lending.

Non-fiction

Read into hobbies and interests

Depending on your library authority’s subscriptions, you might be able to get digital versions of:

  • The Week Junior
  • National Geographic Kids
  • Match
  • Rebel Girls
  • Horrible Histories

Comics & graphic novels

Enjoy comic book capers

You can find digital versions of popular titles from illustrated series like:

  • Bunny vs Monkey
  • Minecraft
  • Dog Man
  • Teen Titans
  • The Baby-Sitters Club

Gaming

Go deeper on gaming

You can find digital content through libraries on popular topics including:

  • Roblox
  • PlayStation & Xbox
  • Minecraft
  • Pokemon
  • Tabletop Gaming

Fiction

Get lost in stories

Young fiction fans can find e-books and audiobooks from popular series such as:

  • The Vampire Diaries
  • Enola Holmes
  • The Book of Dust
  • Harry Potter
  • A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Find comics and graphic novels at the library

Graphic novels and comics are a great way to encourage reading in youngsters.

You might not realise that libraries stock them – and of course they're all free to borrow.

They’re increasingly available digitally, but you can get printed versions as well.

Plus, library craft sessions for kids often provide a chance for them to try and make their own comics!

Whether you’re after titles for younger children or teens, it’s worth checking out what your local library has to offer.

Questions about using libraries

Have more questions?

Let us know what questions and answers you'd like to see here.

Email us
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More reading in libraries

A close-up of a person's hand removing a book entitled 'Monica' from a shelf full of books.

Reading for adults in libraries

Whether it’s a bestseller, e-book or magazine, libraries have something for every interest.

A young woman is sitting beneath a tree reading a digital magazine on a smartphone.

E-lending in libraries

Libraries let you borrow books, newspapers and magazines digitally – and for free.

More to discover in libraries

People talk with a business advisor in a public library business support session. In the background other library users use computers.

Work & skills in libraries

Get free business support and a quiet space to work. Find tools and resources to help you learn new skills at any time of life.

Banner animation: Footage from UK libraries shot by LibraryOn.