This week has been National Storytelling Week, and stories and reading are vital for sharing knowledge and developing. The National Literacy Trust have described "National Storytelling Week 2026 is a celebration of oral storytelling, reading and writing for pleasure". This year, Birmingham Local Conservatives are announcing that, should the Local Conservatives win control of Birmingham City Council in May’s local elections, every child in the city will be automatically issued a library card; furthermore, all children registered within the City Council area will also be issued a library card at birth going forward.
Automatically enrolling every child into the library service will help make it easier and simpler for children and families to use and benefit from our wonderful libraries. This will also break down barriers where some people still feel libraries are not for them.
Birmingham contains some of the most deprived communities in the country, and literacy rates among children fall short of the national average, with over 30% of children in the City Council area behind the expected level of literacy. We can improve the life chances of these children, and start to turn the tide on the levels of deprivation in the City by increasing literacy, attainment and attracting the benefits this would bring. Children who use libraries are twice as likely to become above-average readers, according to the National Literacy Trust. Additionally, children who read for pleasure display stronger performances in English, Maths and Science, as well as improved emotional well-being.
This will also help increase access to Libraries across the City.
Cllr Adam Higgs (Con, Highters Heath), Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families, said,
In the era of digital-first education, it is vital that our understanding of why libraries matter evolves, as opposed to atrophying. Access to education improves life chances for individuals and empowers communities. These local institutions are often at the heart of social activity for families, but can also ensure access to digital education that isn't available in some communities and households within the City. That’s why it’s so important to foster an early relationship between children and their local library, to anchor a love of reading and literature in the early years, to promote recognition of the importance of local institutions and the role they play socially, and to encourage greater engagement with a variety of educational opportunities and support. Automatically issuing library cards at birth is an investment in both the City’s children as individuals and in the long-term prosperity of Birmingham.
Cllr Robert Alden (Con, Erdington), Leader of the Opposition and Birmingham Local Conservatives, said,
We live in a world where so much learning happens on screens, but libraries are still magical places. They’re free, they’re full of stories, and they’re right on our doorsteps. In parts of Birmingham, not every family has easy access to books or the internet at home, so these local libraries really matter. They’re the centre of our communities where families come together, kids discover new worlds, and everyone gets a fair shot at learning.
That’s why we want to make sure every newborn starts life already connected to their local library. Under the Local Conservatives, right from day one, that little card will be waiting for them, ready to spark a love of reading that could last a lifetime. It’s a small step that could make a huge difference for each child, for their families, and for the whole future of our city. We’re hopeful this can help turn things around and give every Birmingham kid the best possible start.
Library cards not only enable people to borrow books but also allow people to gain access to CDs, DVDs, talking books and other digital materials.
