Special Storytime Session For Gaelic Nursery Children

Children from the Gaelic Nursery Group at Kinmylies Primary School will celebrate Bookstart in Scotland Day on Thursday (17th May) with a special story-time session in Inverness Library. This year, Bookstart, Scotland has adopted the theme of Highland Culture for its national campaign to coincide with the celebration surrounding Highland 2007.

After listening to a story read by Dolina Grant, Community Learning Development Officer, (Gaelic) for the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey Area, the children will each receive a Bookstart Treasure Box.  In the box will be a selection of picture books, a booklist of recommended books, a `book of ideas`, stickers and other surprises.

Bookstart is a national scheme offering free books to children and advice to their parents. The scheme was established to encourage parents to share books with children from a very early age. 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 in a canvas Bookstart bag.

Libraries Officer for Inverness, Carol Goodfellow said:  “Sharing books with babies and toddlers is a wonderful way to increase language skills and to help them understand the world around them. Research shows that babies and toddlers who love books begin reading sooner and go on to fare better at school, in all areas of the curriculum.

“Libraries are a great resource of books for children of all ages and our staff are always happy to give advice and help parents select books to interest their children.  In Inverness Library we have a bright colourful area specially for younger children and new members are always welcome, what ever their age.”