Bury Library gets ready for record-breaking rhyme time

Families are invited to enjoy a free session at Bury Library on Thursday (19 June) as part of a mass “rhyme time” to champion children’s literacy.

More than 50 of these story and singalong sessions will be held simultaneously across the North West, and organisers expect more than 1,000 families to take part.

The event - dubbed the “record breaking rhyme time” - is the idea of Libraries Connected North West, a regional network of charity Libraries Connected, which represents public library services. The group wants to highlight the free family activities on offer in the region’s libraries and publicise the benefits of taking part.

Rhyme time sessions are designed to promote a love of reading and develop language skills. They involve songs, rhymes, stories and movement, often with an opportunity to share games, instruments and toys. Importantly, they include synchronised face-to-face songs and stories, promoting bonding and wellbeing. In a recent survey carried out by Libraries Connected, 97% of teachers said rhyme times are important for young children’s development, with 66% saying they are “very important”.

Thursday’s event at Bury Library starts at 11.30am, and there’s no need to book – just turn up!

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: “This is such a brilliant way to showcase the value of libraries for babies and toddlers. Rhyme times are such joyous events, filling the library with songs, stories and laughter. They’re also a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to meet and make new friends at what can be a lonely and overwhelming time. And what’s more – they’re completely free!”

Rhyme time sessions in Bury are free, no booking is required and they run weekly during term time at:

• New Life Church Radcliffe – Mondays, 10.30am to 11.30am

• Prestwich Library – Wednesdays, 10.30am to 11.15am

• Bury Library – Thursdays, 11.30am to 12.30pm

• Ramsbottom Library – Fridays, 2pm to 2.45pm

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 June 2025.

Note to editors:

Libraries Connected:

We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with a range of cultural, academic and corporate partners. Part of our core funding in England comes from Arts Council England to help libraries embed their Investment Principles: www.librariesconnected.org.uk