IT is two years since trailblazing tot Leo Cram became Glasgow's youngest ever library member.

Now the Every Child A Library Member has turned two - as has Leo.

Some 7616 babies have joined the scheme, which aims to see every child in Scotland signed up as a library member, since the Evening Times first told of it in September 2015.

And Leo's mum Emma, says the project has had benefits for the whole family.

Emma, from Scotstounhill, said: “We go to Whiteinch Library, which is really near to our house, at least once a fortnight.

"It’s a really nice library and the staff make Leo and I feel so welcome.

“I think it’s brilliant that library cards are given to new parents when they register their baby’s birth.

"In all honesty, you’re perhaps unlikely to think about going to the library in the first few months, but once you’ve settled in to a bit more of a routine it’s great to know that you’re welcome to come along anytime.

"It’s really helped both Leo and my older son Noah to develop good reading habits as it develops an interest in books at such a young age.”

Parents can sign their child up to be a library member with the city's registrars when they register the birth.

Older siblings can also register for their very own library card too when their baby brother or sister signs up for theirs.

More than 600 siblings have signed up with the City’s Registrars to date.

The range of services offered to new babies and their parents throughout the city’s 32 community libraries, and the Mitchell Library, has grown considerably over the years.

Libraries are now home to bright, colourful children’s areas stocked with a selection of books and magazines for babies.

Regular Bounce & Rhyme sessions enable parents and carers to engage with their babies through action songs, rhymes and stories that help develop speech, language and communication.

In Glasgow, Every Child A Library Member aims to ensure every family with a new born child registered within the Glasgow City Council boundary has the opportunity to sign up for baby’s first library card.

David McDonald, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and chairman of Glasgow Life, said: “Reading stories together is not only a wonderful way for parents and siblings to interact with the newest member of their family, but also incredibly important for supporting our children’s speech and language development.

“We know that new parents might not always have time to visit their local library when their baby first arrives; but we hope that by providing library cards through a partnership with the City Registrars the newest residents of Glasgow will know that the library is there for them, and their parents, whenever they are ready to discover the magical worlds inside.

“I would urge all new parents to sign up for a library card when they register their baby’s birth and help the next generation of Glaswegians to fall in love with books through their local library service.”

To find out more about Every Child a Library Member in Glasgow, or for more information on the Vision for Glasgow Libraries, see www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries