The Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway and Galway Public Libraries launch ‘Start Now’ nurturing early literacy from day one

The Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG) in collaboration with Galway Library Services is delighted to announce the launch of “Start Now” a new, parent-focused initiative aimed at promoting early literacy and strengthening the bond between parent and child from the very beginning.

As part of this innovative programme, every expectant mother attending UHG for their booking visit will receive their baby’s first book, along with a resource pack introducing them to a wide range of family-focused library services. At birth, each family will also receive a baby booklet, their child’s first key to joining their local library and exploring the lifelong joy of reading.

The baby booklet will contain simple instructions on how to join the library and highlight the wide variety of services available to support families, from baby story time sessions to parenting resources and digital content.

This joint initiative not only promotes early literacy but also marks the development of a strong working relationship between the Maternity Department and the Galway Library services.

Bookcases with books donated by healthy Ireland are available for adults and children to read in the Maternity Outpatients Department. There will also be a mobile library available between the clinical areas.

Carmel Connolly, Clinical Midwife Manager, Parent Education Services at UHG said, “This initiative is about sowing the seed early in a child’s life to instil a love of reading. We live in an era of technology. Research consistently shows that reading to babies from birth supports Infant mental health by promoting secure attachment, nurturing emotional wellbeing and laying the foundations for social and language development. It’s about “being with” your child. We need to “Start Now” and sow the seed early to instil a love of reading.

"Research indicates that babies in the third trimester can not only hear but also recognize their mother’s voice. The soothing sound of the mother's voice has been shown to lower the fetal heart rate, fostering early auditory bonding that continues after birth. Reading aloud by both parents strengthens these initial connections, while involving other family members supports broader emotional bonding with the baby.

“In 2024, the Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway recorded a total of 2,630 births. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Galway County and City Libraries for their generous partnership in supplying 3,000 ‘Start Now’ resource packs. We are delighted to offer each mother a pack, thoughtfully prepared and available in both Irish and English, to support them during this special time.”

Mary Lee Lally from Gort in attendance at the launch said, "Reading to my baby from the very start has been such a simple way to connect. It’s not just about sharing stories, but about building a foundation for language, imagination and a lifelong love of learning. Starting early means giving my child the gift of curiosity and connection that will shape their future in profound ways. I love that the Maternity department and Galway Libraries are working together to encourage parents to start early, it really matters!”

Elizabeth Keane, Galway County and City Librarian said, “The Start Now programme reflects our deep commitment to supporting families from the very beginning of their parenting journey. By fostering early literacy and connection, we’re helping build a foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.”

‘Start Now’ encourages parents to read aloud to their unborn and young children, supporting early language development, brain growth, and emotional bonding. The initiative also highlights the many free resources available through Galway Public Libraries including:
•    The Healthy Ireland Collection, with over 260 titles on pregnancy, breastfeeding, child nutrition, psychology, and parenting.

•     Family-friendly events such as baby rhyme time, weekly storytimes, and breastfeeding and weaning workshops.

•     Free access to e-books, e-audiobooks, sensory toys, and literacy support tools like TTRS (Touch-type, Read and Spell) and the LOTE (Languages Other Than English) app.

•     Board books and picture books for babies and young children.

Liam Conneally, CEO, Galway County Council attending the event said, "This joint initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping brighter futures. By promoting early literacy from birth, we’re not only investing in the potential of every child, but also strengthening the vital partnership between the Maternity Department and Galway Library Services. Together, we are laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning."