Raising tiny bookworms? I know the feeling. My little explorer is a library regular, toting home towering piles that would make fellow bibliophiles blush. But let’s face it, most library bags are built for, well, adults. Bulky totes and over-the-shoulder giants can leave little limbs flailing and imaginations squished.
And that’s where this story starts, we’ve embarked on a heroic quest (think comfy shoes and strong coffee) to find the perfect pint-sized library bags – ones that are big on style and function, but mini on bulk.
So grab your library card, put on your explorer hat, and let’s dive in!
What to look for when buying a kids’ library bag
Durability Matters: Seek out bags crafted with tough materials like canvas or non-rip polyester. Trust me, frayed corners and gaping holes are stories you want to leave firmly on the library shelves. Plus, a sturdy bag means books arrive home safe and sound, ready for another round of bedtime battles (the good kind, of course!).
Easy Carrying is Key: Make sure the bag boasts comfy shoulder straps or a sturdy handle that’s easy for little hands to grasp. Backpacks are great for even distribution of weight, while totes can be stylish shoulder-swingers (just make sure the straps are adjustable!).
Unleash the Inner Superhero (our Unicorn!): Let’s not forget the fun factor! A library bag can be an extension of their personality. Look for bags with eye-catching designs, playful patterns, or even options for personalisation.
Helpful to ask yourself before hitting the shops
- If loaded with books will it become a back-breaking boulder?
- Can you close the bag securely?
- Will they be carrying 1-2 books or 5-10 books?
- Does the bag have adjustable straps?
- Is it easy to wash if it’s mashed with banana or a sanga explosion?
- Do you want a bag with extra compartments and pockets?
- Is it waterproof to protect from drink bottle spills?
- Will you be able to use it as a tote once finished as a library bag?
Little legs get enough playgroup bruises as it is without books turning into battering rams, so get the right bag height so that the book corners don’t bash into the backs of their legs with every step.
OUR PICK OF THE CROP
15 Kids Library Bags Mums Recommend
As baby product experts with 16 years of experience and a community of over 100,000 Australian mums, we’re committed to helping you make sure the borrowed books get home safe with a quality bag that’s perfectly sized for little bookworms.
Below, you’ll find 15 library bags listed in no particular order. And the best part? They’re all mum-approved by our Grapeviner crew.
Tinyme
Tinyme Personalised Bag (from $30)
Attention budding bookworms, Tinyme library bags are super roomy, so you can fit tons of books inside, and there’s a handy snap closure to keep everything in place. But our favourite part was selecting the design – there were so many options to choose from.
One customer left the review “I have now ordered two personalised library bags and I cannot rate them highly enough! They are fantastic quality and my children love them!”
Size: 38cm x 33cm
Materials: 600 denier polyester
Top Closure: Press-stud closure
Penny Scallan
Penny Scallan Drawstring Bags ($29.95)
Designed for books and play, these drawstring beauties are sweet yet durable. Lined for extra protection and made from easy-to-clean coated canvas with coordinating cord straps, these not-just-book bags are perfect for passing down well after they’ve read up.
One mum commented “Love the designs and colours of this gorgeous bag .. also love the material as well and how thick it is. It is now our library bag and my daughter loves it”
Size: 40cm x 43cm
Materials: 100% coated cotton canvas
Top Closure: Drawstring closure
Arch Designs
Arch Designs Drawstring Bags ($30)
Keep books and other belongings safe in a handmade library bag from Arch Designs. Crafted from cotton and lined with durable calico, it’s the perfect size for toting home epic hauls (without weighing down tiny adventurers).
Size: 45cm x 35cm
Materials: 100% cotton with calico lining
Top Closure: Drawstring closure
Bright Star Kids
Bright Star Kids Bags ($44.95)
Fully lined and made of durable canvas, Bright Star Kids drawstring bags are waterproof to keep books safe from drink bottle leakages. Machine washable they come with a handy front zippered section for extra book storage.
“We purchased this bag ready for a library bag it was way bigger and more amazing than I thought. We are very impressed and love the options for personalisation.” said one customer online.
Size: 36.5cm x 40cm
Materials: Waterproof canvas
Top Closure: Drawstring closure
Made Just 4 U
Made Just 4 U Drawstring Bag For Kids ($40)
Built tough to keep all of those books in one place, Made Just 4 U custom fabric bags not only offer a variety of designs but can be customised with gorgeous print text. Easily washable, each bag is expertly crafted to last.
One reviewer said, “I ordered this bag and was blown away by the quality and how quickly it arrived. I will definitely be back for more.”
Size: 45cm x 50cm
Materials: Poly-twill outer, water-resistant lining
Top Closure: Drawstring closure
Willow Bay
Willow Bay Kids Neoprene Tote Bags ($49.95)
These neoprene totes double as a smart book bag. With a magnetic closure and side studs to expand the bag, they’re available in five gorgeous dual-tone colourways. Keep them looking as good as the day you get them by putting them in the wash when needed.
Size: 30cm x 24cm
Materials: Neoprene
Top Closure: Magnetic closure
BamBam Kids Toys
BamBam Kids Library Bags ($16.50)
A bookbag sure to impress any mini bookworm, these uniquely designed library bags are made from 100% cotton and are a perfectly handy addition to your little one’s library adventures.
Size: 30cm x 35cm
Materials: 100% cotton
Top Closure: None
LOQI
LOQI Tote Bags (from $19.95)
Unzip a handy pouch to find an ideal library bag that’s packed with features – that they can then pack with books! Water-resistant, recyclable and certified CO2 neutral, it can hold up to 20kg (not that they’ll need it). And did we mention the prints?
Size: 50cm x 42cm
Materials: Polyester taffeta & standard 100 by OEKO-TEX
Top Closure: None
Charmily & Co
Charmily & Co Personalised Drawstring Bags ($29.95)
With a multitude of ways to be used, these super cute personalised bags are perfect for lugging around all those books! Made from quality, lightweight canvas fabric, we loved the drawstring straps for easy closure and comfortable carrying.
“Cute images and love the personalised touch of the names.” said one happy customer.
Size: 31cm x 40cm
Materials: Canvas
Top Closure: Drawstring closure
Spencil
Spencil Library Satchels (from $10)
Keep their books safe and snug in these satchels. Little ones will appreciate the cute design, but it’s the strong handle for easy carrying, durable coated fabric, name pocket and ability to fit all standard school books (including scrapbooks) that mean it’s a winner.
One customer commented, “Very impressed with the quality of this library bag. It will last a long time due to the thick material and heavy-duty Velcro closure.”
Size: 37cm x 29cm
Materials: PVC coating, nylon inner
Top Closure: Velcro closure
Out Of Print
Out Of Print Bookshelf Tote Bag ($37.99)
With nostalgia in spades, this 100% cotton canvas tote is as durable as it is good-looking. The sunny yellow handles are easily identifiable and the delightful print leaves no question of what’s inside. This is a great option for readers both young and young at heart.
Size: 38cm x 43cm
Materials: 100% cotton canvas
Top Closure: None
ENAJCO
ENAJCO Library Customised Library Bags ($25)
Large in size for an endless collection of books, these customisable library bags can be used for years to come. Lightweight and made with quality materials, add a cute design and your child’s name on the front for an extra wow!
One customer was very happy and posted the comment, “Great customised library bag ready for the new school year!”
Size: 36cm x 42cm
Materials: 95% polyester, 5% cotton
Top Closure: None
Library Bag Pattern & Tutorial
Easy to stitch and oh-so-sweet, equip young readers with a library bag you’ve sewn yourself. It’s the details that count – the ribbon handles and the fact that it’s made from the heart. This DIY tutorial from Jedi Craft Girl allows you to customise the bag however you wish.
Know a book bag perfect for carrying around all those stories your little ones love we could add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been curating Australia’s best baby products into helpful lists for over 15 years and we’re always happy to support new brands and businesses.
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We want you to know
At Mum’s Grapevine, we’re a team of passionate baby product experts (with 19 kids!) and over 15 years of experience researching and writing about all things baby and parenting. Our reviews of recommended products, like the ones in this post, may include paid inclusions, but we promise to only feature products that we truly believe in and have used or seen ourselves. We want to ensure that you, our Grapeviner mums have access to the latest and greatest products in the parenting world, and we’re committed to maintaining our high standards of quality and honesty. See our Disclosure Policy.
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