Free activities for young bookworms at Derbyshire libraries

Young people can take part in free reading and activities at libraries as Derbyshire County Council celebrates National Bookstart Week.

Libraries throughout Derbyshire will host free activities for children aged under five and their parents and carers from 9th-14th June.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Deputy Member for Health and Communities Coun Ellie Wilcox said: “National Bookstart Week is a great way to encourage parents and carers to read to their children from the day they are born.

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“This has been shown to be crucial in their early learning and development and provides an excellent grounding for their first experiences of nursery education.

“I am delighted that once again we are holding a wide range of events in our libraries to give Derbyshire children a head start in developing their literacy and inspiring a love of books”.

Each year National Bookstart Week is organised by the Booktrust charity and it helps libraries and early year’s settings to promote their services for under-fives.

The services include the ‘Bookstart’ package which gives children three free Bookstart packs during their early years - a Baby Pack at 6-9 months; a Treasure Pack at 3 years; and a Booktime Pack during their first year at school. Bookstart also gives under-fives the chance to join the Bookstart Bear Club and to earn a certificate and gift by regular reading.

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Special Bookstart packs are available for children with special needs, including sight and hearing impairment and difficulty in fine motor skills.

This year the theme for the week is “My Hero” and will include real-life heroes as well as imaginary ones. Regular story time sessions in the libraries will also use this theme.

To find out more about National Bookstart Week residents can call in at their local library or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/bookstart