Maidenhead & Windsor

Children and young people in the Maidenhead Royal Borough can weave a magic world of reading, writing, drawing and discovery thanks to a fun and creative initiative being launched towards the end of the month through the borough’s libraries.

Stories from the Web is a free website aimed at Maidenhead readers from pre-school to 14 years and is designed to develop reading skills through online activities. Not only are children able to read and listen to stories but they are encouraged to join in by adding their own stories and drawings to an online gallery.

When they access the website, Maidenhead youngsters can choose to ‘visit’ one of three planets, leading to activity areas designed for ages 0-7, 7-11 and 11-14, where they can take part in activities including:

· find books on the virtual bookshelf by author, title or genre
· read and review stories, books and poems – the youngest group can even listen to stories online
· write a story, poem, song, rap or playscript, complete a story started by another child and left on a cliffhanger or be inspired by a kickstart theme
· read and comment on other youngsters’ contributions
· play games and enter competitions
· pick up writing, illustration and poetry tips from top authors, illustrators and poets
· draw online pictures for display in the gallery where other children’s work can be viewed
· view interviews with top authors, illustrators and poets
· find links to author, publisher, and other book-related websites
· take part in discussions, online votes and the writers forum
· see the latest book-related news
· print off dot-to-dots, colouring pictures and puppets
· rate events at the borough’s libraries
· find details of libraries and the approximately 50 local authorities from around the country involved with Stories from the Web.

In addition there are adult areas where parents and Maidenhead library staff can receive guidance on making the best use of the site.

Youngsters will be able to access the site, www.storiesfromtheweb.org, on PCs in the borough’s libraries and at home, from Saturday May 26. Login details will be available from any of the libraries from that day or from www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/youngpeoples_library.htm

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead