Dive into the adventure of books
Libraries are this week joining in the fun of an event to get people, especially children, interested in books.
National Bookstart Week got under way on Monday and there are a range of free events taking place across Hartlepool and the surrounding area.
The Bookstart initiative is run by Booktrust, an independent national charity.
The theme of this year’s week is ‘Under the Sea’, providing the opportunity to enjoy ocean-themed stories, books and rhymes and enter a world of imagination and adventure.
Each child attending the Stories and Rhymes events will receive a copy of the book ‘A Hole at the Bottom of the Sea’, adapted by Jessica Law.
Hartlepool Libraries will also be holding a competition in their Stories and Rhyme sessions –families will be entered into a free draw with prizes including a family ticket to Seven Stories Centre in Newcastle, a Bookstart bear and a large print copy of ‘A Hole at the Bottom of the Sea.’
Heather Bellwood, Hartlepool Council’s Children’s and Outreach Librarian, said: “Opening a book opens the way to a whole world of adventure and we’re inviting youngsters to come with us and explore the mysteries of the deep.”
Events today include a Sing and Sign at Throston Grange Library, Glamorgan Grove, at 10.30am, and a Baby Babble for the under twos at Central Library, York Road, from 1.30pm.
On Thursday there is a Stories and Rhymes event at Central Library at 10.30am, and a Baby Boogie at Owton Manor Library, Wynyard Road, at 11am.
On Friday a Stories and Rhymes event is being held in the Headland Library, Middlegate, at 10.30pm.