Libraries across Cheshire West and Chester will be celebrating National Bookstart Week from 4th June, with a range of exciting events to encourage families to have fun reading together.
National Bookstart Week is an annual celebration of the charity BookTrust’s flagship reading programme, Bookstart.
The theme of this year’s National Bookstart Week (4th-10th June) is ‘Bookstart Bird Boogie’.
Children who attend the events in Cheshire West will receive a free copy of the picture book A Busy Day for Birds by Lucy Cousins.
The council’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins said: “We have a range of exciting events planned at libraries across the borough.
“I hope the weather is kind as many of the events are outdoors, to get children reading when they’re out and about.”
Cllr Gittins continued: “BookStart Week reminds families of the importance of reading for pleasure – even if it’s just for ten minutes a day.
“Children who read for pleasure are more likely to be happier, healthier and be the best they can be.”
From Monday 4th June there will be free events around the borough for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families – taking place at libraries, children centres, nurseries and bookshops.
In a first for Cheshire West and Chester libraries, there will also be “toy sleepovers” at several branches.
Children are invited to bring in a teddy bear or other cuddly toy. The toy will then stay overnight at the library.
Staff will arrange for photographs of the toy reading books with other toys. When children come to collect their toy, they’ll be presented with photos of what their teddy got up to during the sleepover, along with a certificate and a recommendation of a book that the toy enjoyed reading during their stay.
Toy sleepovers will be held at Ellesmere Port, Frodsham, Great Boughton, Neston, Sandiway, Wharton and Winsford. Ask at the relevant branch for more details.
Across Cheshire West and Chester events include:
Monday 4th June, 10.30am – Winsford Library
Meet Bookstart Bear at the library to take a stroll to the newly refurbished town park for a sneaky preview, before it officially opens on 27th June.
Monday 4th June, 10.30am to 12pm – Northwich Library at Grozone Community Garden
Join Bookstart Bear at the community garden for rhymes and stories, join in with a ‘Bird Boogie’.
Tuesday 5th June, 10.30am – Helsby Library
Visit from several preschools, meet Bookstart Bear, with rhymetime and crafts.
Tuesday 5th June, 1pm to 3pm – Ellesmere Port Library at Whitby Park
Stories, rhymes, games and crafts as well as fun in the park with Ellesmere Port Library and the local Starting Well team.
Thursday 7th June, 10.30am to 12pm – Winsford Town Park
Stories, rhymes and a ‘Bird Boogie’ in the park (if raining, indoors at Winsford library). Enjoy the newly-designed park with stories, rhymes and a bird hunt.
Friday 8th June, 11am to 1pm – Westminster Park
Bookstart party in the park (if raining, indoors at Lache Library). Plus activities and rhymes in partnership with the local Starting Well team.
Families should visit their nearest library or children’s centre to find out more about their local National Bookstart Week event.
If families are unable to make it to their local event they can join in the fun at home, with plenty of arts and crafts and games on the Bookstart website.
