Bookstart: The objective of Bookstart was and still is to encourage parents to share books with their children from an early age, by offering free books to every child and relevant advice to every parent.
Storytimes for young children are held in branch libraries.
Rhymetime: Branch libraries host rhymetimes for babies and toddlers accompanied by parents and carers. Each session lasts up to an hour and gives the adults and children time to have fun together. The session is led by a member of staff and carers and children are invited to participate at whatever level they wish.
Reading Groups: There are reading groups for children in branch libraries. The emphasis is on encouraging the members to read for pleasure, read adventurously, share their enthusiasm about books and develop the confidence to formulate and express opinions about reading.
Seasonal Events: Branch libraries organise seasonal events which may include craft activities, competitions and storytimes celebrating occasions such as Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, World Book Day, Easter, Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, Summer Reading Challenge, Hallowe’en, and Christmas.
Class Visits: Schools and playgroups are invited to participate in our Class Visit programme.
Youth Groups: Libraries also welcome visits from other groups such as Brownies, Scouts, GB, BB and Duke of Edinburgh students etc. These visits can be tailored to the needs of the groups.
