Bookbug with Cllr Toner, Cllr Grant, Provost Sloan, library staff, children and parents.
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Bookbug,the new face of the Scottish Book Trust's Early Year's Programme, is making friends with young children across South Ayrshire, encouraging them to get the reading bug.
Soft and cuddly, with tactile 'crackly' wings, with a great big grin and sporting trendy red dungarees it is just the right size for little children to cuddle and play with. Specially designed by Scottish illustrator, Debi Gloiri, it is proving a hit with young South Ayrshire Council library users.
The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and monitored and co-ordinated by South Ayrshire Council, working in partnership with NHS Ayrshire & Arran Health Visitors, South Ayrshire Early Years Workers and the South Ayrshire Childminding Support Group.
Children, parents, Councillors and other invited guests gathered in Carnegie Library in Ayr for the official launch of Bookbug in South Ayrshire. Guests were able to see Bookbug in action at a regular reading event for young children.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: "Good reading and communications skills are very important for young children. By introducing children from birth to books I am positive they will, with the encouragement of their parents or guardians, develop the habit of reading. This will in turn lead to them being regular users of our wide and varied range of library services.
"The free Bookbug sessions that combine books, rhymes, singing and play are delivered in our libraries by our specially trained employees. They encourage and support parents to share books and songs with their children from birth onwards. They stimulate the children, help parents to bond with their children and promote mental wellbeing. Last year we hosted over 100 adult and parent sessions that were attended by 1,600 children and 1,400 adults."
As it was a very special occasion Bookbug made sure that all the children went away with some new reading material and a distinctive Bookbug bag. The new packs are tailored to the Scottish Early Years environment, featuring more Scottish authors and illustrators, and linking in to Scottish educational and parenting strategies.
Because Bookbug likes to take care of the environment a Scottish based company is being used to deliver the packs, Bugbook bags are made out of Fairtrade canvas and one magazine showcasing recommended reading, tips for book sharing, library information and other articles from Early Years experts will be produced instead of lots of leaflets.
Bookbug has lots to offer children including:
- Bookbug packs – free packs of books are gifted to all children in Scotland at six weeks, 18 months, three years and in Primary one. The updated packs contain more inclusive content such as information on dyslexia and bilingualism.
- Bookbug sessions – free singing and rhyming sessions for children take place in libraries and other community venues across Scotland.
- Bookbug library challenge – collect stamps every time you visit the library with your child to receive five beautifully illustrated certificates.
- Bookbug alert – register to receive email reminders when it's time for your next free pack of books and to receive book suggestion emails on your child's birthday.
For details about Bookbug sessions or to find out how your child can receive free books e-mail carnegie.library@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or phone 01292 286385.