Southend Bookstart

01/09/2026

**** NEW STORYSACK! ****
We have a new fun Storysack to loan for families with toddlers aged 1 year+ called Hippo Potty. This Storysack has been designed for those families embarking on a potty training journey.
Take a look on the library catalogue here and reserve your Storysack free of charge at: https://southend.spydus.co.uk/
Search 'Storysack' and a list of titles will appear. Scroll down the list to find the sack you'd like to reserve and it will be sent to your nearest library for you to collect.
We'd love to hear your feedback on the new title!

01/09/2026

We're looking forward to welcoming families back to Storyrhymes next week. Please see booking details in the poster below. Southend Libraries

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

Join Caroline this Saturday, 29th Aug, at Westcliff Library for songs, rhymes, instruments and a story. Enjoy Storyrhymes and the library at this relaxed session. Free for the whole family to enjoy-no need to book! Southend Libraries See less

18/08/2026

When you visit Southend Libraries you will find books for all the stages of your child's reading journey. Board books for babies, picture books for toddlers, chapter books & non-fiction books for them to explore!😁

It's never too early to start sharing stories 📚

From babies to children in their early years and all the way through to teens, reading brings profound benefits that can have a lifelong impact on children's lives.

Evidence shows that reading supports children to bond with their caregivers, do better at school, develop creativity and empathy, and even overcome inequalities before they deepen.

Here's how the benefits of reading can show up at different ages 👇

07/08/2026

TOMORROW - FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST 11-1pm at PRIORY PA️RK ☀

Southend Supports Breastfeeding's annual Picnic in the Park is BACK to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week this summer! 🤱🏽
Join us for a FREE, relaxed, family-friendly celebration; connect with other families, share experiences and enjoy a special interactive multi-sensory music session with Hartbeeps! and fun activities with @cakeclub.parenting

📅 When: Friday 7th August | 11:00 - 13:00
📍 Where: Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ND
🗺️ Exact Spot: On the green behind the Priory Museum, in front of the walled garden (also shown on the QR code on the poster)
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
✨ Event Highlights:
🎶 Hartbeeps Session: Interactive music and movement for babies and toddlers
🤚Sensory play trays and outdoor games provided by Cake Club

As well as the Southend Supports Breastfeeding team from and we will also be joined by representatives from The Mid and South Essex NHS Infant Specialist Feeding Team, Cake Club - Parenting Support & Solidarity and

✨ Event Details:
♿ Accessibility: Step-free, buggy-friendly layout with accessible toilets nearby.
🚌 Transport: Free parking is available in the car park and on surrounding roads, and the park can be accessed by bus (routes 7, 21, 25, 29, and X30) and train (Prittlewell station).
🎒 What to Bring:
- Your own picnic lunch (strictly no nuts due to allergies) and blanket
- Suncream, hats and any other sun protection you may need
🥤 Water will be provided and additional refreshments are available to buy from the park café.
Follow our page for updates and in case of any changes to the event.
Please share this post with friends. We can't wait to see you there! ✨
* Subject to final approval of event license from Southend-on-Sea City Council*

04/08/2026

CAN YOU HELP?

Our next Storysack to be created is going to be based around potty training. Would anyone happen to have a DOLL'S potty that they no longer require? Attempting to purchase just a dolly's potty without all the paraphernalia is not proving an easy task!
TIA