Libraries are ‘All Aboard!’ for National Bookstart Week 2011’

For 2011, National Bookstart Day has, for the first time, been extended to a whole week, with All Aboard! the theme for this year’s National Bookstart Week activities.

More than 5,000 transport and journey-themed events, storytelling, singing and rhyming sessions will be taking place with events in Ballymoney (11am) and Ballycastle (9.30am) libaries on Wednesday, June 8.

National Bookstart Week was launched in the Causeway/Bushmills Railway last Friday, when 26 children from Bushmills Nursery School, along with the Nursery Teacher, Mrs Linda Gault and some parents, enjoyed a special train journey and Storytime in the waiting room of the railway, to mark the launch. The Bookstart ‘Bookster Bear’ also made a surprise arrival on the train, which delighted all the young passengers.

Valerie Christie, Children’s Services Manager with Libraries NI, explains: “Rhythm and Rhyme sessions are regularly held in libraries across Northern Ireland and are always a hit with children and families. Libraries NI is keen to support the work of Bookstart and decided to celebrate National Bookstart Week 2011 with a programme of Rhythm & Rhyme events for parents / carers of pre-school children.

“Rhythm and Rhyme is an ideal opportunity to introduce your child to the wonder of books in a free and fun way. National Bookstart Week is extra special as a free, specially-commissioned All Aboard! booklet will be gifted to families at all events.”

At all events, not only will you be given a free All Aboard! booklet, illustrated by Jess Stockham and published by Child’s Play (International) Ltd., but colourful illustrated posters, stickers and Rhythm and Rhyme sheets will also be available.

For information on events being held to mark National Bookstart Week 2011, go to www.bookstart.org.uk.

For details of all Rhythm & Rhyme sessions taking place in Libraries NI to celebrate National Bookstart Week, call into your local library or go tot www.librariesni.org.uk