Wiltshire families with pre-schoolers encouraged to use libraries
Salisbury's Library is taking part in a new family reading challenge
Salisbury's Library is encouraging families with pre-schoolers to make use of the facilities.
Wiltshire Council wants to show those with under fives how libraries can support learning and development.
A new family reading challenge called Story Sharers has begun, with the aim to share as many books as possible with children before they start school.
Families will receive a members leaflet and as they share books they will earn stickers and certificates.
The free challenge runs year-round and is available in most libraries and will be available in all libraries by the end of the year.
Wiltshire Libraries also host Rhymetime sessions – they're free, fun and friendly, including a mix of songs, rhymes and movement that can help with children’s speech, communication, language and motor skills.
Families can visit their local library to collect a free Bookstart baby pack if they haven’t received one from their health visitor.
The pack includes a book, finger puppet and a booklet of ideas for sharing books with young children.
Specialist Bookstart resources are also available for families with children with additional needs or with English as an additional language.
Parents and carers can also activate their baby’s library card, given when the birth is registered, if they haven’t done so already.
There is a wide selection of picture books for toddlers and pre-schoolers, as well as ‘talk it over’ books which can be used to help children with challenging experiences, emotions and behaviour.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said:
“Reading with your child from a young age can help with the development of key skills and inspire a lifelong love of reading which can benefit our health and wellbeing.
“Libraries are a fantastic place for pre-schoolers with fun social sessions such as rhymetimes and exciting challenges the family can take together such as story sharers. I would encourage families to come along to one of our baby days to find out about all the great support and activities on offer from Wiltshire Libraries and partner organisations.”