Maidenhead & Windsor

The Maidenhead family who reads together …not only has a lot of fun, but learns together too!

That's the anticipated "happy ending" to the story of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's support for the popular Family Reading Campaign launched at libraries across the borough in recent weeks.

The aims of the campaign are being incorporated into Maidenhead borough's ongoing reader development programme which promotes:

# Maidenhead families seeing reading as an important part of their daily lives

# parents finding time to read regularly with their younger children

# exploring the enjoyment of reading for pleasure

# young people feeling comfortable about being seen to enjoy reading.

And the Maidenhead Royal Borough is encouraging and promoting the benefits of family reading through a range of activities including:

# a family reading group which meets every fourth Saturday at Cox Green Library, Maidenhead (for further information contact Alison Hollands on 01628 796969).

# displays at Maidenhead, Cookham and Cox Green libraries to encourage family reading – including a special Books for Boys and Dads promotion in the teenage area of Maidenhead library

# storytimes for the under-fives held weekly at Maidenhead and Windsor libraries and monthly at Cookham, Cox Green, Datchet, Ascot and Sunninghill.

# Chatterbooks reading groups in local Maidenhead schools to encourage parents and children to talk about books and stories.

The Maidenhead Royal Borough also actively supports the national Bookstart scheme through regular sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their parents. Sessions include singing, playing musical instruments and looking at books, helping the children to learn not only about rhythm and coordination but also language and social skills.

Regular Bookstart sessions are held at the following libraries:

Maidenhead – Thursdays 10.30 – 11am (fortnightly)

Windsor – Mondays 10.30 – 11am (fortnightly)

Cookham – Wednesdays 2.30 – 3pm (every four weeks)

Cox Green – Fridays 2 – 2.30pm (every four weeks).

All Bookstart sessions are free – no need to book.

Young people's librarians at Maidenhead borough libraries also regularly recommend their best books to share and read aloud – current favourites include That's Not My Puppy by Fiona Watt, a touchy-feely board book for the under-twos and Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae for three-to-five-year-olds.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "The benefits of sharing a good book - even from a very early age - are well documented, and the Royal Borough is very proud to be a part of promoting what can be a truly enjoyable experience for both parent and child.

"By getting involved with activities such as shared reading, parents can make a real difference to their child's development and attitude. Children who see their parents enjoying books are more likely to develop good reading habits for life, which in turn helps to build confidence both at school and in their social activities. I am delighted that we are able to provide such a wealth of opportunities to encourage more families to discover the sheer joys of reading together."

For further information about the Family Reading Campaign and related activities, contact Angela Gallacher, senior librarian, young people – tel: 01628 796969.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead