Heywood Library books Bookstart Bear

Bookstart Bear appeared at Heywood Library as part of ‘National Share a Story Month` on Thursday 1 May.

National Share a Story Month is an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing.

Bookstart Bear joined in with the regular Bookstart Bear Club session, held at Heywood Library each Thursday throughout the year.

The Bookstart programme has recognised that children who start reading before reception age begin school with significant advantages and achieve higher attainment in all aspects of education.

Irene Peachey, Rochdale Borough Libraries’ Early Years Library Worker said: “The club develops self-esteem, confidence and a sense of achievement and belonging within children which is a wonderful way of preparing children for school.”

She added “It is never too early to start sharing books and songs with children, in fact the earlier the better”.

The free club is for children aged 0-5 years and their parents and carers. Irene, who presents the fun sessions at six libraries across the borough, uses interactive puppets and other visual aids to promote the love and enjoyment of stories.