To celebrate World Book Day, Sefton Libraries are collaborating with renowned storyteller John Kirk for an interactive story hunt, and families across the Borough are urged to get involved.
The virtual adventure will take families into the ‘Enchanted Forest’ for 30 minutes of imaginative family fun. People can join the story hunt on the Sefton Libraries Facebook page at 2pm on Thursday 4th March, World Book Day. The ‘Enchanted Forest’ is suitable for families with children aged 3+.
Story hunts have become extremely popular across the country, and around the globe, as parents and carers have had to think outside of the box when home schooling and keeping their families entertained.
Storyteller John Kirk, who works with libraries and museums to deliver engaging virtual story telling experiences like no other, has worked in collaboration with Sefton Libraries on many initiatives in the past to encourage children to foster a love of reading.
Sefton Libraries will also be hosting a special digital story time on its Facebook page to mark World Book Day at 10am on the day. Story time volunteer Karen Bonell will be reading ‘The World Book Day Monster’ by Adam and Charlotte Guillan.
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said:
“Our libraries service has been doing a fantastic job throughout the lockdown ensuring that our communities still have access to books, magazines and newspapers, as well as supporting families to encourage children to pick up a book through their story time videos.
“There has been huge demand for our online services as people have been spending more time at home and I am delighted that we are able to help mark World Book Day this year in such a creative yet safe way, from the comfort of living rooms, bedrooms, kitchen tables and makeshift home classrooms! Please do get involved.”
Andrew Farthing, Sefton Libraries Manager, said:
“It’s vital for children in Sefton to have access to books, and to have opportunities where they can transport their minds to faraway fictional worlds. The power of reading and storytelling can spark inspiration in young minds, build their confidence to read independently and often prompt a lifelong love of reading – something that really boosts mental health and wellbeing.”
During the pandemic, Sefton Libraries have switched the majority of their activities online. Through their Digital Library Services, people across the Borough have been able to access e-books and e-audiobooks using services such as the BorrowBox and RBdigital apps. Staff have also been able to provide additional support to communities such as help with downloading apps, setting up email or staying in touch using Zoom or Skype through their IT helpdesk sessions every Monday.
Additionally, the libraries team has become involved in the ‘Reading Friends’ initiative, aiming to tackle loneliness by bringing people together remotely to read, chat and share stories.
Details of Sefton’s Library Services and how they are working during COVID-19 can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/libraries.
World Book Day aims to changes lives through a love of books and shared reading. Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, World Book Day is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.
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