Longford Libraries join Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar & Midlands Public Libraries for launch of Lullaby Library
Supporting parents of premature and vulnerable babies
Press Release: 16 September 2026
Staff at the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, together with representatives from Longford, Offaly and Westmeath Libraries, recently launched a new Lullaby Library in the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
Developed as part of the national Tiny Little Library programme, the initiative aims to support parents of premature and vulnerable babies by encouraging them to read aloud to their baby during their hospital stay.
Reading together can provide comfort through the familiar sound of a parent’s voice, while also supporting early bonding, communication and language development. Babies who are born prematurely can require specialist care for a period after birth, which can be an emotional and challenging time for families.
The Special Care Baby Unit team at Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar supports both babies and their parents throughout this time and encourages parents to be actively involved in their baby’s care and development. Working with HSE Librarian Margaret Morgan, the SCBU team collaborated with Longford, Offaly and Westmeath Libraries to establish the Lullaby Library within the unit.
Research has shown that shared reading in neonatal and special care settings can enhance parent-child interaction, help reduce parental stress and support early language development. Language learning begins before birth and, for babies born prematurely, reading and talking can provide valuable opportunities for continued communication and connection.
The Lullaby Library collection has been carefully selected by library staff and includes books that encourage bonding, communication and early literacy. Families can continue their reading journey following discharge from hospital by joining their local public library, where the same titles are available.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “Longford Libraries are proud to be part of this important initiative supporting families at a particularly significant time in their lives. Reading to a baby from the earliest days can help strengthen the bond between parent and child, while also supporting early communication and language development. The Lullaby Library is a simple but meaningful resource that will bring comfort and encouragement to parents of premature and vulnerable babies.”
Longford County Council Chief Executive Samantha Healy said, “This collaboration between Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, the HSE and public libraries across Longford, Offaly and Westmeath demonstrates the positive impact that partnership working can have for families and communities. Through the Tiny Little Library programme, parents are being supported to connect with their babies through reading, while also helping to foster a lifelong relationship with books and their local library service.”
Geraldine Kavanagh, Clinical Nurse Manager, Special Care Baby Unit, Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, acknowledged the support received across the project, “This initiative would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and commitment of hospital management, facilities, the Special Care Baby Unit team, County Librarians and Right to Read representatives across Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. Their collaboration has helped create a valuable resource for families during an important stage in their baby’s development.”
Further information on the project is available at www.westmeathculture.ie.
