Libraries give free book to local children to foster love of reading

The book, Bear’s Reading Adventure, has been produced by children’s reading charity BookTrust, following feedback from library services that more encouragement is needed to get families into libraries.

The scheme, open to youngsters aged up to five years, is running in East Sussex County Council libraries in Hollington and Rye.

The book sees youngsters follow BookTrust’s blue bear mascot on a reading adventure, helping the cuddly hero track down 10 missing objects and earning a sticker for each missing object every time they go to the library.

When children have collected all 10 stickers they can download a certificate from www.bookstart.org.uk/bearsadventure which also contains tips for families on how they can have fun reading together every day.

Cllr Chris Dowling, East Sussex County Council lead member for community services, said: “It’s never too early to encourage children to develop a love of reading, and libraries have an important role to play.

“This scheme is all about encouraging families to take advantage of the wonderful resources available at our libraries and to share the joy of reading together.”

BookTrust created Bear’s Reading Adventure in association with publisher Igloo Books as part of a national drive to offer more chances for families to benefit from library services and to make library visits more inspiring and exciting.

The books are being given for free to any parent who registers their child aged five or under for membership at one of the participating libraries.

More information about East Sussex libraries is available online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries.

BookTrust is Britain’s largest reading charity. It reaches five million children and families each year through its book gifting programmes which deliver carefully chosen books to families through professional partners including health visitors, children’s centres and libraries.

The charity also delivers additional support and books to those who need it most including vulnerable mothers and children in care.

Book Trust gives out over two million carefully chosen books to children throughout the UK.

Every parent receives a Book Trust book in their baby’s first year.

The charity says 27% of parents know more about how to read with their child since receiving their Bookstart Baby pack, increasing to 46% of Bookstart Treasure recipients. 50% of families who were not library members joined the library after receiving the Bookstart Baby pack, More information is available online at www.booktrust.org.uk

Research has shown that if a parent reads to their infant every day they will be almost 12 months ahead of those who are read to less often, in terms of their reading and language skills.

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