LIBRARIES in West Sussex have launched a new membership card for their younger customers featuring the nation’s favourite picture book character – the Gruffalo.

Joining the library is free and there are no charges to borrow books. Kids are also exempt from late charges if books are overdue.

Best-selling children’s author and creator of the Gruffalo Julia Donaldson has given her backing to the new library card. “I am delighted libraries in West Sussex feature the Gruffalo on their new membership cards and I hope this will encourage even more children to join their local library.

“The free service is great for families – books for babies and for children of all ages, books for parents and carers, and of course the wonderful rhyme times for under-fives. I urge everyone to visit their local library to find out what they have to offer.”

Council member for residents’ services David Barling said: “Earlier this year the county’s registration services began offering parents the chance to collect a library card for their new baby during their birth registration appointment.

“This has proved extremely popular and has seen membership for babies more than double since the initiative started.”

As well as a wide range of kids books, every library offers a free weekly rhyme time for under-fives plus holiday activities and storytimes for families in the holidays.

Find out more at www.westsus sex.gov.uk/libraryevents.