Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said the project would provide children with a “practical and enjoyable tool” to encourage communication and connection.
“Sharing books from an early age can help promote speech and language development, improve speaking and listening skills, strengthen bonding and attachment, and create a rich sensory play experience,” he added.
The Labour-led council said the books had been chosen by library staff and could be used for story time or sensory play.
Wallis added: “Our libraries are there for everyone to enjoy and we’re delighted to be able to provide these new resources to help make them even more accessible and inclusive.”