Plymouth libraries celebrate Bookstart Week

Libraries in Plymouth will be celebrating National Bookstart Week with jungle themed parties for the under-fives. 

UK charity Book Trust says ‘every little monkey deserves a story and a cuddle’ and is calling for Plymouth parents and carers to perfect their loudest ape call and take their cheeky chimps to a local library for some reading adventures between Saturday 6 and Saturday 13 June.

National Bookstart Week is an annual celebration of Book Trust’s flagship reading programme, Bookstart. It aims to reinforce to families the importance of getting into the habit of reading every day – even if it’s just for 10 minutes.

This year’s ‘Jungle Adventures’ theme is based on Giles Andreae’s beloved picture book Rumble in the Jungle. A special edition has been produced for the event, which will be given away to families to encourage them to read together.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “Good reading starts early and sharing books helps children develop their language skills and reading levels. We’re looking forward to welcoming families to our libraries during National Bookstart Week.”

The free parties include stories, rhymes, colouring and dressing up and will take place at the following libraries:

Saturday 6 June
Devonport Library, 11am

Monday 8 June
West Park Library, 10am
Central Library, 11am (with the Plymouth Play Association)
Peverell Library, 2pm

Tuesday 9 June
Efford Library, 10.30am
Crownhill Library, 2pm
North Prospect, 2.15pm

Wednesday 10 June
Southway Library, 10am
Stoke Library, 10am

Thursday 11 June
St Budeaux Library, 10am
Plympton Library, 2pm
Plymstock Library, 2pm (with the Plymouth Play Association. Booking needed)

Friday 12 June 
Peverell Library, 11am (booking needed)

Saturday 13 June
Plympton Library, 10.30am (with the Plymouth Play Association)                                
If families are unable to make it along to their local event they can join in the fun at home, with plenty of jungle-themed arts and crafts, games and baking recipes available from the Bookstart website at www.bookstart.org.uk.

For more information call 01752 306791 or email library@plymouth.gov.uk.