Darlington Libraries’ Bookstart Rhymetime sessions will reopen next month (12 Sept) offering stories, songs and rhymes to help boost the parent and child bond.
The free sessions are held at both Crown Street and Cockerton Libraries at different times during the week.
On Mondays there are two baby sessions, for under one-year-olds at Crown Street Library at 10am and 11am; and an afternoon session at 2pm for one to four-year-olds (accompanying under one-year-olds are also welcome).
Cockerton Library hosts a morning session at 9.30am on Tuesdays for under one-year-olds; and another on Thursday mornings, from 9.15am, for one to four-year-olds (accompanying under one-year-olds are also welcome). Anyone interested in attending a session at Cockerton should ring the library to book a place on 01325 349610.
The week’s sessions end on Friday with two more at Crown Street Library, at 10.30am and 2pm. Both are for one to four-year-olds but accompanying under one-year-olds are also welcome.
Crown Street Library also hosts a Saturday Storyclub, which runs throughout the year, 10.30-11.30am, and is free for three to seven-year-olds.
Suzy Hill, Bookstart and literacy coordinator, said: “The emphasis is always on fun and it’s a great way to introduce the children to books from an early age. Reading and playing together is an important part of a child’s development and our sessions also offer a chance for parents and carers to meet others too.”
Darlington Libraries will also play host to a special Shakespeare Storyticklers event for young children on Wednesday, 28 September when there’s a chance to join the libraries’ ‘Mid-summer night’s dream’.
Produced especially for a pre-school audience the show is recommended for two to four-year-olds, with tickets only £2.50 (accompanying under one-year-olds go free). Performances will be at Crown Street Library 10.30-11.30am and at Cockerton 1.30-2.30pm. Tickets must be booked and paid for in advance.
For more details or to book a place at any of the sessions pop into the library, call 01325 349610 or visit the Facebook page Bookstart in Darlington.