Teddy Bears' picnic at Langlee Bookstart Day
Monday, October 24 2005
MSP Jeremy Purvis brought his teddy bear to join the teddy bears' picnic to mark National Bookstart Day at Langlee Community Library last Friday (7 October).
The MSP took his turn to read to the children who came to enjoy stories and rhymes in the new community library, which is within Langlee Primary School. Entertainment was also provided by Norman Given, Langlee Primary School's library worker, and Gillian Swales, Young People's Services Co-ordinator with the Scottish Borders Libraries Service.
Bookstart is a national scheme to encourage parents to share books with children from an early age. Under the scheme, parents receive a Bookstart pack at their baby's eight-month assessment. This includes free books, information about local library activities and services and valuable advice on sharing books - all contained in a handy, canvas bag. Bookstart aims to foster a love of reading and give children a head start with language skills.
"We were delighted with the response to Bookstart Day at Langlee," said Keith Belleville, Depute Headteacher at Langlee Primary School. "It was great to welcome the babies and toddlers, along with their mums, dads and carers into the school and we hope to run similar events in the future."
Langlee Community Library was opened at Langlee Primary School on 27 September. It is open during out-of-school hours to the
local community to help parents become more involved in their children's education, as well as putting adults in touch with
their own opportunities for education. It is hoped that the new library will act as a template for future projects across
the Scottish Borders to develop new and exciting ways of delivering library services.
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