Bookstart Day at Barnsley Central Library

A BABY Day will take place at Barnsley Central Library, Shambles Street, on Friday, 7 October, from 10am to 3pm, with a focus on pre-school learning and development.

The event, which promotes books, libraries and the importance of Early Years, coincides with National Bookstart Day and is organised by the Bookstart Team and Barnsley Libraries. It proved very popular last year, with over 200 babies and toddlers attending.

Bookstart is a national scheme offering free books to children and advice to parents. It encourages parents to share books with children from a very early age and is based on the principle that it is never too soon to introduce books to babies and children

The whole of the children's library, downstairs meeting rooms and lecture theatre will be used to accommodate free events and fun activities for parents and carers and their pre-school children. Every child attending will receive a free book.

There will be a variety of activities and workshops, including storytelling, baby massage, music, real nappies and weaning.
Many local agencies and commercial organisations will be attending to provide information on services available to families with young children. The event is free, although some exhibitors may have items for sale.

Barnsley's Bookstart Co-ordinator, Deborah Blewitt, said: "The day has been organised to encourage parents to introduce books and reading to their children from an early age and show them that libraries can be fun places to visit."

For more information about Baby Day or the Bookstart scheme, contact the Bookstart Team on 775977.

ENDS

Issued by Hanna Kenrick, Press Office, Tel: (01226) 773375
Email: hannakenrick@barnsley.gov.uk