Bookstart programme is every child’s bear necessities

Sharon Palmer-Johnson from the Booktrust, Maureen Watson, Irene Peachey

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Bookstart Bear dropped into Number One Riverside Central Library to thank two special ladies, Maureen Watson and Irene Peachey, for their "outstanding services".

To the delight of a crowd of toddlers, Bookstart Bear presented library workers Irene  and Maureen with one of only five national awards, crowning them ‘Bookstart Stars’ for instilling a love of books in the borough’s children.

The Bookstart programme recognises that children who start reading before reception age begin school with significant advantages and achieve higher attainment in all aspects of education. Books are gifted to children at key stages of their development - nine months old via Health Visitors and to toddlers a year in advance of starting reception class.

Maureen, who has since retired, rolled out the Bookstart programme eight years ago, alongside Irene, and the duo ran regular sessions in the libraries across the borough. The pair became friends and confidants to many families, offering advice and guidance, encouragement, and lots of fun and laughter, with some music thrown in.

Nikki Barker-Gorse of Darnhill, Heywood, has been attending Maureen and Irene’s sessions for the last six years taking her three children to enjoy story time. The newest addition to the family, 9-week-old Jack, became one of the youngest Bookstart members on Tuesday (22 May 2013).

Nikki said: “These two ladies are simply fantastic. Maureen and Irene are brilliant with the kids, mine love every minute of storytime. As I’ve moved around the borough I’ve always made sure that I attend their library sessions. They bring the books to life! There was no doubt that I wanted Jack to be a member as soon as possible.”