EAST Lothian libraries are offering a welcoming book dedication service to parents whose baby was born during lockdown.

Local libraries are hoping to see their Bookbug sessions – storytelling with parents and children aged up to five – return in Bookbug Week in mid-May.

And as part of the welcome back to parents and young children, a dedication service will see special messages and the name of babies born since March 2020 placed in library books.

Parents will be able to keep the book featuring their baby’s name as a memento, free of charge, once it is no longer available for loan.

A library service spokesperson said: “Support from family and friends is so vital when you welcome a little one, and missing out on the lovely firsts that come from baby groups and meeting other families is a real loss. We’ve missed seeing all of our Bookbug families but we’ve particularly missed welcoming little ones into their communities.”

To take part, email ypslibraries@eastlothian.gov.uk with the baby’s name and date of birth; parent(s) name(s); and address.