Park to PJs – a celebration of children’s stories and books

Darlington Libraries is set to host two special events celebrating children’s stories and books next month (June).

On Thursday 6 June staff will be taking over South Park for its third Bookstart in the Park, a free, family event for 0-5 year-olds. The fun kicks at 10am with storytelling, crafts, giant bubble play, a petting zoo and face painting.

There will also be visits from Paw Patrol favourite Chase and Frozen’s Queen Elsa while performances from Captain America and Rapunzel will bring the fun to a close. Everyone who attends will also receive a free Pyjamarama gift from Darlington Libraries. Booking is not required.

Then on Friday 7 June, you are invited to just wake up, roll out of bed and join in the fun at Crown Street Library for a magical day in your pyjamas as we celebrate Pyjamarama.

Pyjamarama is BookTrust’s new campaign to help al children experience the joy and wonder of bedtime stories.

Crown Street Library will be hosting its very own pyjama party full of fun stories, songs and activities for 0-5 year-olds. All children who attend the event will receive a free copy of the picture book ‘Car, Car, Truck, Jeep’ – a fantastic story to share together at home.

So pop on your favourite PJs, onesie or comfy outfit and bring your little ones to join in the fun, with two sessions at 10.30am and 2pm. The event is free and booking is not required.

Suzy Hill, Library events manager, said:

“Reading and sharing stories together has been proven to be one of the best things you can do for your young child.

“We are holding these events to reach as many families as we can in Darlington, to share with them all that the library has to offer and to give young children and families a truly enjoyable day.”

Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust says:

“We want to make sure that no child misses out on the life-changing benefits of a bedtime story. We hope that children across the country will join their favourite characters in wearing pyjamas for the day and bringing in £1 so that we can reach families who so desperately need our support.

“Wearing pyjamas all day is a wonderful way to show support for reading and, importantly, it’s incredibly easy for schools, nurseries, children and busy parents!”

BookTrust is also working with libraries and community partners on the campaign and to ensure as many children as possible have their very own story to read before bed, it is giving out over 450,000 free copies of the picture book Car, Car, Truck, Jeep by Katrina Charman and Nick Sharratt (Bloomsbury Children’s Books).

Libraries, children’s centres and other community partners will be holding brilliant Pyjamarama-themed events and giving the books to families in their area from 3-9June.

If families are unable to make it along to their local event they can join in the fun at home, with plenty of bunny-themed arts and crafts and games, all on the BookTrust website at https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/programmes-and-campaigns/pyjamarama/

For more details about Darlington Libraries visit www.darlington.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/ or call 01325 349630, you can also follow us on Facebook @DarlingtonLibraries or @BookstartinDarlington or on Twitter @DarlLibs