Books to treasure at family fun events

Children get the chance to discover the treasures in books at two family fun events next week.

Rochdale Council's Library Service is holding the family fun events to gift Bookstart Treasure Boxes to children starting school in September 2007 who did not receive their Treasure Box at Nursery this year.

The events are on:

Wednesday 22 August
Wheatsheaf Library, Rochdale from 2pm until 4pm

Friday 24 August
Littleborough Library from 2-4 pm

Both afternoons will be drop in events with face-painting, crafts, freebies and balloons on offer. The Bookstart Bear is also hoping to make an appearance.

Parents are asked to bring their red health book if possible. It will also be an opportunity for other parents to find out about Bookstart.

Bookstart in the UK is the first national books-for-babies programme in the world.

Every baby born in England is now entitled to three free Bookstart Packs at the following ages:

6-9 months - the Bookstart pack, gifted by the Health Visitor
18-30 months - the Bookstart+ pack again usually gifted by their Health Visitor
3-4 years - Bookstart Treasure Box - gifted in the child's pre school year.

Children starting nursery in September will receive their Treasure Box at their Nursery before August 2008.