Book a reading date at library

MIDLOTHIAN libraries have seen a large increase in the number of children attending early years book clubs in the last year.

Attendance at Bookstart Rhymetimes, events designed to promote a love of reading from an early age, has doubled and in some cases tripled as children under four flood in to local Libraries.

Bookstart Rhymetimes are sessions for parents and children aged birth to four, combining books, rhymes, singing and play.

An extension of the Bookstart programme, they complement the gifting of the free Bookstart packs to all children in Scotland.

Sessions are held weekly in Bonnyrigg, Gorebridge, Dalkeith, Loanhead, Mayfield, Newtongrange and Danderhall Libraries with fortnightly sessions running in Penicuik Library.

Call Midlothian's Bookstart Co-ordinator Joanna Fleming on 0131-271 6668. All children aged four and under are welcome.