A call to all Teddy Bears! Children aged under four years old are invited
to bring their teddy bear or favourite cuddly toy to their local library to
celebrate National Bookstart Day on Friday October 6.

Libraries across the city will be opening their doors to toddlers and teddy bears as they hold simultaneous story times across the city. The day will have a teddy bears picnic theme and all children who attend the events will be given a rhyme sheet to join in nursery rhymes and songs.


Bookstart is a national scheme, giving parents Bookstart packs of free
books for their children at three crucial stages in their development, in
order to create that early love of reading and feel for language.


The Teddy Bears’ Picnics aim to raise awareness of the benefits that early
book sharing can bring: children who enjoy books have better language and
listening skills, greater emotional and social development and are much
more likely to be eager and confident learners when they start school.


Councillor Mark Hackett, executive member for culture and leisure at
Manchester City Council, said: “"Libraries have much to offer. Libraries
are a great place for parents and young children to share books together.
Parents can get free books and help in sharing storytelling and reading
with their children. These events can be fun and provide practical help."


The free events will take place at the following centres on Friday October
6. For more information on Bookstart call Kate Cleminshaw, Bookstart
Co-ordinator on 0161 256 3845.

Central Library 10.30am
Chorlton Library 10.30am
Fallowfield Library 10.30am
Barlow Moor Community Centre 10.30am
Didsbury Library 10.30am
Withington Library 10.30am
Northenden Library 10.30am
Miles Platting Library 10.30am
Newton Heath Library 10.30am
St Clements Children’s Centre, Openshaw 10.30am
Crumpsall Library 10.30am
North City Family & Fitness Centre, Harpurhey 10.00am and 11.00am
New Moston Library 10.30am
Longsight Library 1.30 - 2.30pm
Burnage 10.30am
Levenshulme 10.30am
Gorton 10.30am
Moss Side Powerhouse 10.30am
Forum 10.30am