Council and democracy

You're never too young to join the library

The baby bookworm is just one of 12 prize-winning tots, ranging in age from three to 20 days old, who joined Croydon's libraries last month - proving that you're never too young to be introduced to the wonderful world of books.

The book-loving babies will be at the Central Children's Library, in Katharine Street, on Saturday 15 November where they will receive their prizes from the Deputy Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Robert Askey.

All the borough's libraries participated in the competition, which ran during October as part of ongoing celebrations for Bookstart.

The council wants to encourage parents to share books with their children from an early age and to promote libraries as friendly, welcoming places for babies and toddlers. 

Croydon library has a weekly Baby Rhymetime where parents and babies can join in the fun and learn nursery rhymes, songs, and action rhymes together.

This year's competition has proved a great success with a total of 137 babies joining the library throughout the month - which is especially pleasing during the "National Year of Reading".

Councillor Steve Hollands, cabinet member for culture and sport, said: "All babies are welcome at Croydon's libraries and no-one is too young to join. Our libraries are warm, friendly places for babies and toddlers and we have been very successful in encouraging hundreds of youngsters to join in the fun and enjoy our wide range of children's books.

"Children introduced to books at an early age are at an advantage when they start school, often achieving higher standards of literacy and numeracy in the long run. Therefore, we hope that even more parents and their young children will be encouraged to join in the activities at their local libraries and become lifelong members."