Children aged five and under
Children aged under five and their families are very welcome in our libraries - we have lots of books suitable for them and many of our libraries offer free activities such as rhyme times. There is no minimum age to join the library, the younger the better, sharing books with a very young child can have huge benefits for them.
Many of our libraries offer free weekly activities for under fives such as rhyme times. These fun, friendly, free sessions (which last about 30 minutes), include a mix of songs, rhymes and movement to help with your child's language and motor skills, they are also a lovely opportunity for you and your baby or toddler to meet other families.
Numbers at these sessions are limited and often in high demand, so please contact your local library for more information about booking a place. If you book a place and are unable to attend, please remember to cancel your booking as soon as possible.
Keep an eye on our Library news and social media for updates.
Do not forget - you can also watch our recorded rhyme times any time via our Wiltshire libraries YouTube channel (opens new window).
Library | Day and time | Suitable for | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amesbury | Tuesday and Friday 11am (term time only) | Babies and toddlers | Book in library or by telephone: 01980 623491 |
| Bradford on Avon | Wednesday 10.30am | Toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Bradford on Avon | Thursday 10.30am | Babies (non walkers) | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Calne | Thursday 11am | Babies and toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Calne | Friday 11am | Babies | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Calne | Saturday 11am | Toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Chippenham | Monday 2.15pm | Babies | Book in the library on the day. |
| Chippenham | Wednesday 11am | Toddlers | Book in the library on the day. |
| Chippenham | Friday 11am | Babies and toddlers | Book in the library on the day. |
| Corsham | Wednesday 10am | Babies | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required) |
| Corsham | Wednesday 11am | Toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Corsham | Friday 10am | Babies | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Corsham | Friday 11am | Toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Devizes | Monday 10.30am | Toddlers | Book in library or by telephone 01380 826190. |
| Devizes | Monday 11.30am | Babies | Book in library or by telephone 01380 826190. |
| Devizes | Friday 11am | Babies and toddlers (under 5s) | Book in library or by telephone 01380 826190. |
| Downton | Friday 9.30am to 10am (every two weeks), check Eventbrite: Downton Library (opens new window) for specific dates | Babies and toddlers | Booking (and more information) via Eventbrite: Rhyme Time at Downton Library (opens new window) (can book next session shortly after previous one). |
| Malmesbury | Tuesday 11am | Babies | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Malmesbury | Friday 11am | Toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Marlborough | Wednesday 11am | Babies and Toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Marlborough | Friday 11am | Babies and Toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Market Lavington | 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 10.15am | Under 5s | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Melksham | Tuesday 11am | Babies | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Melksham | Thursday 11am | Toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Mere | Thursday 11am | Babies and Toddler | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Pewsey | Tuesday 11am | Babies and toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Royal Wootton Bassett | Wednesday 10am | Toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Royal Wootton Bassett | Wednesday 11am | Toddlers | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Royal Wootton Bassett | Friday 10am | Babies (non walkers) | Sign in at counter (no prior booking required). |
| Salisbury | Monday 9.30am | Babies | Book in the library or telephone: 01722 324145 |
| Salisbury | Wednesday 11am | Toddlers | Book in the library or telephone: 01722 324145 |
| Salisbury | Friday 10am | Babies and Toddlers | Book in the library or telephone: 01722 324145 |
| Tidworth | Wednesday 11am | Under fives | Book in library or by telephone: 01980 843460 |
| Trowbridge | Monday 10am | Babies | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Trowbridge | Monday 11am | Toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Trowbridge | Friday 2pm | Babies and toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Warminster | Monday 2.15pm | Babies and toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Warminster | Wednesday 10.15am | Babies | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Warminster | Thursday 10.15am | Babies and toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Westbury | Tuesday 10am | Babies and toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Westbury | Friday 10am | Babies and toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
| Wilton | Thursday 9.30am (Term time only) | Babies and toddlers | Drop-in, no booking required. |
Looking for rhymes to share at home?
See 'Downloads' for some of our favourites.
The National Literacy Trust also has a great selection as part of their Words for Life (opens new window) activities and BookTrust has a lovely selection of rhymes (opens new window) too.
Unable to read stories to your grandchildren at the moment or hear them read? Email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) for our tips on story reading and/or listening to children read during a video call.
Bookstart is a national programme managed by the independent charity BookTrust dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to engage with books.
Bookstart (opens new window) helps you to enjoy books with your child from an early age by inspiring a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life. The campaign offers free books for babies, as well as free packs for children with additional needs, tips and guidance on reading together, resources and activities, and much more.
You will get your free Bookstart baby pack at your baby's six to eight week health check with your health visitor or at some point in your child's first year.
For children with additional needs they can receive a BookTrust: Packs for children with additional needs (opens new window).
For more information about Bookstart in Wiltshire please email the Wiltshire Bookstart Co-ordinator via libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).
Finding the right book for your child can sometimes be difficult. See 'Links' at the top, right-hand side of the page, for some recommended websites with booklists and information for all ages and abilities.
Talk it over are picture books to help with new and sensitive situations such as family break-ups, bereavement or starting school.
Many of our libraries have collections of "Talk it over" books, which can be identified by the teddy bear sticker on the spine, or ask for a hard copy of our Talk it Over leaflet (available under 'Downloads' on this page).
If your local library does not hold a copy of the title you are looking for it can be requested free of charge.
Little Parachutes books (opens new window) website is also very useful.
We have compiled a booklist of picture books which help parents and carers discuss with younger children their emotions and feelings following the death (or terminal diagnosis) of a loved one. The books sensitively approach the subject, helping children to understand their feelings and offer suggestions to help them deal with their grief. Contact libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) to be emailed a copy.
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