New Start Now Programme Encourages Parents to Read to Babies from the Very Beginning
Launch at Clonmel Library on October 8, 2026
Tipperary County Council Library Service, in partnership with the HSE, Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel and Sláintecare Healthy Communities, is proud to launch Start Now, a new early literacy initiative designed to encourage parents to read aloud to their babies from the very beginning of their life journey, even before birth.
Start Now aims to raise awareness of the importance of reading to babies during pregnancy and from birth. Research shows that reading to babies before they are born can support early language development, stimulate brain growth and help strengthen the emotional bond between parents and their unborn child.
The initiative also encourages families to connect with their local library and discover the wide range of free resources, services and supports available through Tipperary County Council Library Service.
As part of the programme, expectant mothers attending their first antenatal appointment at Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel will receive a Start Now Baby Bag containing:
- A baby’s first book
- A brochure explaining the Start Now initiative
- A “10 Good Reasons to Read to Your Baby” information leaflet
- A guide to the full range of free library services available across County Tipperary
The Start Now Baby Bag is designed to help families begin their child’s literacy journey from the earliest possible stage and to highlight the important role reading can play in a child’s development and wellbeing.
Damien Dullaghan, County Librarian, Tipperary County Council Library Service, said:
“Libraries have always played an important role in supporting families and communities. With Start Now, we are encouraging parents to begin their child’s reading journey from the very beginning. Something as simple as reading aloud to your baby can have a lasting positive impact, and we are delighted to work with our partners in the HSE, Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel and Sláintecare Healthy Communities to bring this important initiative to families across County Tipperary.”
Member of the Clonmel HSE Breastfeeding Support Group were on hand to help launch the programme. This group meet in Clonmel Library twice a month. Start Now is a collaborative initiative involving Tipperary County Council Library Service, the HSE, Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel and Sláintecare Healthy Communities, working together to support positive early childhood outcomes and lifelong learning.
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