Gallery: Wisbech families enjoy a Storytime party at Wisbech Library
Story time combined with party time at Wisbech Library on Wednesday for families who have been part of a national pilot scheme aimed at encouraging children to read more.
The BookTrust Storytime pilot was launched in October with Wisbech announced as one of 10 libraries across the country to be taking part in the scheme aimed at helping families with their children in the early years to engage more with their local library and develop an ongoing reading habit.
BookTrust is the Uk's largest children's reading charity and it developed the BookTrust Storytime pilot in partnership with libraries, local authorities and families.
The charity also runs an annual prize to celebrate the best early year's children's books and as part of the scheme Wisbech Library received 10 sets of the Storytime shortlisted books as well as other resources to encourage families to take part.
As part of the pilot six families were recruited with 0 to four-year-olds to form a voting group to help decide the winner of the 2021 Storytime Prize.
Each week they listened to one of the six shortlisted stories, awarded it either one, two or three stars then made a simple craft based on that week’s story.
The first three Wednesday afternoon sessions took place at the Wisbech South Child and Family Centre, the remaining at Wisbech Library, where the final Voting Party was also held.
Louise Aldridge, Cambridgeshire's library development officer, said: "The Wisbech families chose as their winner 'The Whales on the Bus' by Katrina Charmon, illustrated by the marvellous Nick Sharratt and so they were delighted when it was announced as the national winner at an online Award Ceremony earlier in the year."
The Wednesday afternoon sessions have continued as the First Steps Story and Craft Club, and it is during this session that the Winner’s Party took place.
Families listened to the highest scoring stories including the winner, and then had the opportunity to make party hats and bunting. Biscuits, fruit and nibbles were provided by the Wisbech Library Friends.
