A NATIONAL day of celebration to honour one of the most popular children’s literary characters is being held on Saturday (28 May) in libraries across Stockton Borough.
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, created by British author David McKee, is famous for a multi-coloured body and a cheerful personality which has been delighting young readers over the course of two decades and 34 books.
The inaugural Elmer Day will be marked with a series of free events at Billingham, Fairfield, Norton, Thornaby Central and Stockton Central libraries:
- Billingham Library – 11am to 12pm – offering story time and crafts to celebrate everyone’s favourite elephant (suitable for under 5s) – call 01642 528084 to book a place
- Fairfield Library – 10.30am to 11.30am – a chance to make your own Elmer to take home (suitable for 3 to 8 year olds) – call 01642 527962 to book a place
- Norton Library – 10am to 11am – a very special Elmer story time and crafts (suitable for under 4s) – to book call 01642 528019
- Thornaby Central Library – 10am to 12pm – wear your most colourful clothes and join the party by making your very own Elmer badge (suitable for all ages) – drop-in session with no need to book ahead
- Thornaby Central Library – 11am to 12pm – craft session offering the chance to make your own Elmer milk bottle (suitable for 5 to 11 year olds) – call 01642 528117
- Stockton Central Library – 10am to 3pm – come and make an Elmer milk bottle and help with badges, a giant collage, colouring and stories! (suitable for all ages) – drop-in session with no need to book ahead
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “Elmer is a much loved character who has been bringing colour and happiness into the lives of young readers and those who read along with them for many years now.
“This series of free events being held across a number of our libraries is a lovely opportunity for children to bring the Elmer stories to life through these sessions which will be full of colour, energy and celebration.”
To learn more about libraries across Stockton Borough and other events taking place, visitwww.stockton.gov.uk/libraries