Wisbech Library to encourage young readers
It's be chosen to pilot a new project
Wisbech Library is to pilot a new scheme.
It's one of ten across the country, that has been chosen to support disadvantaged families with children in their early years to develop an ongoing reading habit by engaging with their library.
BookTrust Storytime has been developed by BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, in partnership with libraries, councils and families. It aims to bring them together along with authors and illustrators to test new ways of inspiring shared early years story experiences through libraries. The BookTrust Storytime experience will incorporate the BookTrust’s existing Storytime Prize, which celebrates the best early years children’s books.
Each of the chosen libraries will receive ten sets of the Storytime shortlisted books, including large format versions for Storytime sessions as well as a range of resources and collectables to help encourage families to take part. BookTrust will engage with parents and library staff to understand barriers to using libraries and how libraries can best support families who need more help in beginning their reading journeys.
Councillor Tom Sanderson, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, said:
"For many families, libraries play a hugely important role in supporting the beginning of a child’s reading journey, through borrowing books as well as Rhymetime and Storytime events.
“As a pilot for the BookTrust Storytime experience, Wisbech Library will be able to engage with those families who don’t already use their local library – as well as those who do – so that more children can reap the transformational benefits of reading. Along with Arbury and Ramsey libraries, our team will be well supported in working with their local communities to kick-start visits to the library as part of the recovery from the pandemic, and support more disadvantaged children.
“Of course, all our libraries will be taking part in the BookTrust Storytime experience, so I would encourage every family with young children to take part in the activities on offer at their local library.”