Children Benefit from the World of Books

Local families are being given the opportunity to benefit from a free book scheme to encourage young children to read from an early age.

The BookTrust Programme’s Story Explorers is an exciting new initiative providing children between two- and four-years-old with free books delivered to their home.

Starting in November, Tameside is one of the areas chosen to take part in the pilot scheme nationwide with the aim of giving children a good start to their reading experience. 150 families have been contacted to participate in the BookTrust Programme and will receive books every month for six months. There will also be an online hub with resources for parents and carers to support their children and develop their love of reading.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Children and Families, Councillor Teresa Smith, said: “Bringing the world of books to children to open up their imaginations is a special gift, and I’m delighted that Tameside is supporting families with this programme. Not only will it help with their learning and development, but I hope it encourages them to fall in love with the magic of reading and for it to become a lifelong hobby.”

Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Councillor Leanne Feeley, said: “It’s been proven that building reading habits can bring immediate and lifelong benefits to children, and I’m pleased that Tameside has been chosen to take part in the BookTrust programme and give children the resources to support a love of reading and creativity.”

Reading together early in life helps nurture a love of books, stories and rhymes which gives access to the life-changing benefits of reading.

An evaluation will take place at the end of the pilot to monitor its success, with the potential for it to expand, depending on the outcome.

Tameside’s libraries offer a free membership for all residents, with books and activities for children of all ages. Find out more and locate your local library at www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries