Tuesday January 6th 2026
Proud parents Zara and Samuel Burton with baby Emma at Dalkeith Library following her birth and library registration, alongside Assistant Registrar Rebecka Petterson, Bookbug, Councillor Ellen Scott and Wendy Johnston from Midlothian Libraries.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Today, baby Emma Burton became the first baby in Midlothian to have their birth registered in 2026.
The three week old baby Emma, born on the 19th of December, also became the newest and youngest member of Midlothian Libraries when her parents signed her up under the Every Child a Library Member (ECALM) programme, a scheme that allows parents to sign up their child for library membership as soon as they are born when registering the birth.
In 2025 over 400 babies were signed up for library membership in Midlothian as part of the birth registration process.
The success of collaboration between Midlothian Registrars and Library Services through the ECALM programme was highlighted at a Parliamentary reception by the Scottish Library Information Council during Book Week Scotland 2025.
Midlothian Libraries provide safe and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can learn, create, and thrive. Offering free access to books, information, and technology, libraries continue to nurture literacy, wellbeing, digital inclusion, and community connection.
A pleasant surprise for Midlothian Libraries as part of the birth registration process has been the number of other family members who have decided to sign up at the same time, for example older siblings and grandparents.
Wendy Johnston, Library Service Development Leader for Children & Young People said:
“Everyone wants the best start for their children, and the things parents do now can set them up for life. A simple step is signing them up as a library member. The benefits are huge, not only do children get access to free learning materials, but libraries also help with social and emotional development by promoting talking, singing, reading, and playing – all activities that help build skills for the future.”
The beginning of 2026 is perfect timing for baby Emma to begin her reading journey because January also marks the start of Britain’s National Year of Reading. This is a UK wide campaign to transform the nation’s reading culture. It invites everyone to “Go All In” and discover how reading can unlock more of what you love – whether it’s music, baking, family time, films, or sci-fi.
Councillor Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Libraries, said:
“What a fantastic way to start the National Year of Reading! Midlothian Libraries fully support Scotland’s campaign to make every child a library member. Libraries remain at the heart of our communities, offering safe and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can learn, create, and thrive. Every Child a Library Member makes it easy for families to start their child’s reading journey from day one.”
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