I have an older child and we have all the books already, why should I register again for my other child/children?
Every year we change around 60% of the books in the book selection so although you may get the odd duplicated book, you will not receive a complete duplicate set of books.
I have lots of books – I don’t need any more, do I?
You can never have too many books! Books can be read anywhere at any time in any place. If you have lots of books, make sure you take some out and about with you. Give some to grandparents or other relatives to keep at their house for when you visit. Have some in the pram, some in the car, some upstairs and some downstairs.
Plus, many families tell us what they love about Imagination Library is that it introduces them to new authors and to different types of books that they may not have chosen themselves.
I have twins, do I just register once?
If you have twins, or even triplets we still want you to register each child. Yes, they will each receive the same book, but we know that the first books can get damaged as babies love to explore the world around them with their mouths. Little fingers need practice at lifting flaps and turning pages so the first books will get double the wear and tear! Plus, book ownership has so many proven benefits and as the children get a little older, they will be aware of the books coming in the post with their name on it. How can you choose which child has their name on the envelope and which one doesn’t!
I don’t receive any benefits or financial support, if I sign up will I stop someone else getting the books that may not be able to afford to buy books of their own?
North Lincolnshire’s Imagination Library is available to all children living in North Lincolnshire from birth to their fifth birthday. Every single child is entitled to receive the books – it is NOT means tested. This is because we know that sharing books with children in the early years has a lifelong positive impact and wide-ranging benefits. It can impact on health, wellbeing, progress made at school and creativity. Shared reading brings immediate benefits to families too. It is great for bonding, boosting positivity and can also improve children’s sleep.
Babies can’t read and look at books, why bother registering them when they are born?
It is never too early to start sharing books. Your baby will love to hear your voice and snuggle up with you for a story as soon as they are born.
The books are divided into 6 groups based on the year your little one is born. This means the books that come to you will all be carefully selected to be suitable for just the right age. The first books are usually board books, often with flaps or black and white images which are developmentally perfect for babies.
Imagination LIBRARY – am I borrowing the books? Do they need to be returned somewhere?
No – the books are yours to keep forever. If you register your little one with the scheme at birth you will receive 60 books to create your own library at home.
I don’t live in North Lincolnshire but have family that do, can I register my child at their address?
No, unfortunately the scheme is only available through North Lincolnshire Council for children that are resident in North Lincolnshire. Imagination Library is available in other areas so it may be worth checking locally if the scheme is funded in your area by your own council or by another organisation, such as the Rotary Club or through a school academy.
I signed my child up straight away – why haven’t I received my first book yet?
It takes about 8 weeks for your first book to arrive but can take up to ten weeks at particularly busy times. The books can arrive any time within a calendar month, and this may not always be the same. If you have not received a book by the last day of the month, please contact us at earlyyears@northlincs.gov.uk or on 01724 296652.
I am moving house, how can I let you know my address is changing?
If you are moving house or changing address you can let us know by visiting our web page Imagination Library – North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) or by contacting us at earlyyears@northlincs.gov.uk or on 01724 296652. Please note, it can take up to 8 weeks for a change of address to register on our system. If any books are returned to us in this time and you have already registered a change of address, we will send them out to you directly.
How can I get the most out of my Imagination Library Books?
Have you signed up to our e-newsletter?
Each month we will send you an email full of ideas and activities that can be used alongside your book. With links to top tips and songs and rhymes that are all designed to support your child’s development and make the most of the Imagination Library book you have received that month.
Sign up now at Imagination Library – North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk)
What shall I do with all the books once my child is five?
We really encourage you to keep hold of your Imagination Library books. As children’s reading ability improves, they will often like to go back and read for themselves the books they got when they were younger. Even if you think your child has grown out of one of their books, it’s a good idea to keep it. They’ll probably love to rediscover it for themselves in a few months – or even years. If you really do run out of space or have duplicates that you don’t want to keep, we would ask that you offer the books as a donation to your local nursery or school so the books can continue to be enjoyed by other children.
