Published on:
17
May 2013
Clackmannanshire Council today announces details of its annual Bookbug Week celebrations, which will see hundreds of families across the area celebrating the national book gifting programme by taking part in free events between 20th and 26th May.
This year's celebrations are based around the theme of Bookbug's Big Adventure. Babies, toddlers and their parents will gather at special events across Clackmannanshire to enjoy mini adventures, rhymes, stories and songs. Children who attend the events will also receive a special rhyme mat featuring adventure-themed songs and rhymes, with beautiful artwork provided by Scottish illustrator Cate James.
Bookbug Week events taking place in Clackmannanshire include:
Bookbug in Clackmannanshire is part of Scottish Book Trust's national Early Years Programme, which supports the gifting of 540,000 free books to every baby, toddler, three year old and Primary One in Scotland every year. A total of 2,640 children in Clackmannanshire benefitted from this programme last year, with even more set to receive free books in 2013 and 2014.
The Clackmannanshire Council-run programme also runs regular free story, song and rhyme events called Bookbug Sessions, which attracted audiences of 5,613 parents and children in 2012-13, and are held in libraries and community venues across the region.
Education, Sport and Leisure Convenor, Councillor Ellen Forson, said: "Our regular Bookbug Sessions are very popular with parents, but if you haven't come along to one then Bookbug Week is the perfect opportunity to join in the Big Adventure. It's never too early to introduce books to babies and young children and it can help them to develop a life long love of books. The earlier youngsters begin to enjoy sharing books, the quicker they will develop their language and listening skills and go on to have a head start in school. The Bookbug Sessions are also a great chance to meet other parents, so come along to your local library and catch the book bug."
Anna Gibbons, Scottish Book Trust's Early Years Programme Manager, said: "We're very proud of Bookbug Week, our annual celebration of the Bookbug programme, run in partnership with Scottish library services. Thousands of families come together to celebrate reading with their children at hundreds of libraries across Scotland. Bookbug hopes that everyone will join in with his Big Adventure and spread the message that sharing books with young children is free, fantastic and fun!"
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Clackmannanshire children aged birth to five, their families and Councillor Ellen Forson will attend a special Bookbug's Big Adventure celebration at the Bowmar Centre, on Monday 20th May from 10am - 10.30am.
Bookbug Programme - Some Important Facts:
The Bookbug programme encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible, developing a lifelong love of books in children all over Scotland. Working through locally-based organisations, the programme gives the gift of free books to all Scottish children at around eight weeks, 18 months, three years old and in Primary One, along with guidance materials for parents and carers. Bookbug also aims to foster a love of books through a range of fun activities. Parents wishing to receive a pack should speak to their Health Visitor or contact their local library.
The Bookbug programme is managed by Scottish Book Trust and benefits from sponsorship from children's publishers and central funding from the Scottish Government. Local Authorities and Health Boards also provide funding for the programme through the provision of local staff time and logistics solutions.
For media enquiries about the national Bookbug Programme, please contact Helen Croney on 07751 69 58 54 or email helen.croney@scottishbooktrust.com.