'Healthy' way to get kids reading (From Barry And District News)

'Healthy' way to get kids reading

BUILDING on the success of Bookstart - a national scheme to promote reading among the very young - Vale of Glamorgan Libraries has launched the distribution of free Early Years packs and balloons.

In an event for parents and health visitors at Cadoxton Clinic, Vale Cabinet Member (lifelong learning and education) Cllr Tony Hampton said how much he welcomed the scheme.

He reiterated the message that: "It is never too early to share books with your baby and reading to your baby paves the way to reading for life."

The scheme is funded by the Welsh Assembly government and the Basic Skills Agency, and is co-ordinated on a national level by Booktrust.

At a local level, it is a good example of health visitors and library staff working together to make sure all Vale Children have the chance to share books.

Health visitors will give the reading packs to parents when they carry out the 18-month check on babies and each pack contains books, information and an invitation to join the library.

"This second Bookstart scheme is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the message that it's never too early to start sharing books with children," said Cllr Hampton.

Further information regarding Bookstart and Vale Library activities and events can be obtained from senior librarian Sandra Wildsmith, children's librarian Rebecca Little or literacy assistant Janet Fly on 01446 735722.