Read all about it as children's library scheme branches out

Castleton Primary School children celebrate their library tickets Councillors Janet Emsley, Billy Sheerin; Jean Hornby; Aasim Rashid and Michelle Krauza from the council library service

A novel approach to improving literacy levels among youngsters is being taken with a  ‘library card for every child’ initiative.

All four and five-year-olds will receive a free library card under the scheme, which this year was launched at Castleton Primary School.

Children can use their card to borrow books at any of the borough’s libraries.

Every Year 1 class is being offered a visit to their local library, with the opportunity to browse and borrow books.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Borough Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “This excellent scheme underlines the council’s commitment to improving literacy levels among young people.”