Once upon a time in Derbyshire libraries

Derbyshire County Council is celebrating National Bookstart Week with 62 events for the under 5s in its libraries and children’s centres.

This year’s annual festival runs from Monday, June 24 until Saturday, June 29, and will explore the theme of Fairy Tales and boost pre-school literacy.

Cllr Dave Allen, cabinet member for health and communities, said: “National Bookstart Week is all about pre-school literacy and giving children the best possible start in life. The week reminds parents and carers that reading books with their children is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding activities they can share.

“It’s great for the intellectual development of children and is also a lovely way of having some quality time together. That’s why we’re holding more than 40 free events across the county for babies, toddlers, pre-school children and their families.”

Activities lined up to highlight the fun of reading will include rhyme time sessions plus song and story-telling events.

And children joining in will be given an illustrated edition of The Ugly Duckling published especially for the event.

There will be lots to do online too at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/events/default.asp.

Parents and children will be able to enter competitions, listen to The Ugly Duckling and other stories, and enjoy activities involving fairy tale characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots and Jack of Beanstalk fame.

The Bookstart website also offers downloadable resources including posters, rhyme time and colouring sheets and recommended lists of fairy tale books.

For more information visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/events/default.asp, email [email protected] or call Sarah on 01246 477616.